How to Get More Mystery Shopping Jobs in 2025
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to make some extra income? You’re in the right place. Mystery shopping is an exciting and rewarding way to earn extra money throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned Mystery Shopper or just getting started, setting yourself up properly will pave the way for a successful year.
Here's an in-depth guide to help you get set up for a year full of Mystery Shopping in 2025.
1. Be Diligent About Record Keeping
Effective record-keeping is essential for managing expenses and filing taxes as the end of the year. Maintain a detailed log of your income, expenses, and mileage.
“I make a separate Excel sheet for each Mystery Shopping Company [MSC] with the same data, but only pertaining to that company. That way I can cross check everything, and it’s broken out in case I want to look at one MSC and study my earnings.” – C Castro, GA
Consider using Excel or another accounting software to keep an ongoing record of your completed Mystery Shops. We suggest tracking the following for each Mystery Shop:
- The Mystery Shopping Provider
- The date you completed the mystery shop
- The “Shop ID” or the unique, identifying number for your mystery shopping report. This number and format differs for each mystery shopping company, but it will be listed on each report you submit
- The name of the program or merchant
- The address you visited (if it was an in-person mystery shop)
- The amount you were expected to be paid
- The amount you were paid
- The amount you were reimbursed (this should be logged separately from the payment amount)
- The date you were paid
- Any additional expenses you incurred along the way beyond what was reimbursed (milage, parking, lodging, etc.)
Example:
Accurate records not only simplify tax preparation but also ensure you maximize your deductions.
2. Track Your Mileage
Mileage tracking can lead to significant tax deductions, making it a critical aspect of keeping good records for your Mystery Shopping work. Use apps like MileIQ to automatically record your trips. You can also do manual entry as part of your record keeping tracker using the IRS Standard Milage Rate.
“Keeping good expense records helps offset my taxable income. If I log everything correctly, I can be almost tax free if I do enough Shops!” – Damien W., Kentucky
Consistent tracking ensures you claim every eligible mile, ultimately reducing your taxable income and increasing your net earnings.
3. Update Your Address and Contact Information
Keeping your contact information current is crucial for maintaining a seamless line of communication with Mystery Shopping providers. Ensure that your physical address, email, and phone number are up-to-date across all of your Mystery Shopping accounts. This not only facilitates the delivery of tax documents but also ensures you never miss out on lucrative opportunities.
Remember, even a slight change in contact details can lead to missed notifications or delayed payments.
4. Create a Dedicated Email Address
Organization is key to managing a successful Mystery Shopping business. By creating a dedicated email address, you streamline all communications related to your assignments. This prevents important emails from getting lost in your personal inbox.
“Having a dedicated email address for Mystery Shopping helps me keep my work-life separate and organized. That little bit of structure helps me stay professional and on-top of emails, especially with people reviewing my reports.” – Molly, Florida
When creating a dedicated email, we recommend you keep it generic and free of any terms related to Mystery Shopping. This way, you can use the same email address when conducting Mystery Shopping work without divulging your identity as a Mystery Shopper.
Don’t forget to add your favorite Mystery Shopping Provider email addresses as safe senders!
5. Update Your Communication Preferences
Regularly reviewing and updating your communication preferences can significantly enhance your Mystery Shopping experience. Opt into both email and text notifications to stay informed about new assignments. Many Mystery Shopping Providers allow you to customize the type of opportunities you wish to receive, whether it's based on location, industry, or compensation level. Tailoring these settings ensures you only receive notifications that align with your interests and expertise.
6. Join Multiple, Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies
To maximize your opportunities, it’s best to partner with multiple reputable Mystery Shopping companies. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) is an excellent resource for identifying legitimate companies. Diversifying your portfolio not only increases your earning potential but also provides a broader range of experiences.
Although there are lots of legitimate Mystery Shopping Providers out there, there are also scams. Don’t ever pay to register as a Mystery Shopper, and if a job seems too good to be true, it probably is. For more information on the latest scams and how to report them, check out this article from the Federal Trade Commission.
7. Explore Mystery Shopping Apps
In today's digital age, Mystery Shopping apps can be a game-changer. These apps offer features like assignment notifications, report submissions, and payment tracking. Some apps, including PrestoShopper, show opportunities from multiple Mystery Shopping Providers, making it easier to find opportunities quickly.
If you’re interested in learning more about PrestoShopper, check out this video.
8. Join Mystery Shopping Communities
Engaging with online communities like Facebook Groups and forums can provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Many Mystery Shopping Providers also have dedicated social media accounts that you can follow. These communities often share tips, industry news, and even exclusive job postings. By interacting with seasoned Mystery Shoppers, you can learn from their experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the industry's nuances.
Remember, Mystery Shopping organizations or associations are not the same as Mystery Shopping Providers. You do not have to pay any money to become a Mystery Shopper. Even if you join an organization, you will still have to sign up with Mystery Shopping Providers (like iShopFor Ipsos) to find, complete and get paid for Mystery Shopping jobs.
There are many free Mystery Shopping communities and forums out there that you can join without paying a membership fee.
9. Clear Your Phone Storage
Ensure your phone has ample storage before heading out on assignments. The New Year is a perfect time to delete unnecessary files, apps, and photos to prevent storage issues, allowing you to capture photos and videos seamlessly during your Shops. Having enough storage space ensures you can document your assignments accurately, which is often a requirement for completing reports.
10. Develop a Routine
Creating a routine for your Mystery Shopping activities can increase efficiency and reduce stress. Dedicate specific times for reviewing opportunities, completing assignments, and submitting reports. This structured approach helps manage your time effectively and ensures you meet deadlines.
11. Invest in Professional Development
Consider investing in courses or workShops that enhance your skills in areas such as report writing, communication, and observation techniques. Improving these skills can lead to more assignments and better pay.
There are many free resources available to help you grow. iShopFor Ipsos hosts regular, free webinars on specific Mystery Shopping programs and general Mystery Shopping education.
If you’re just getting started, we recommend this Introduction to Mystery Shopping video.
If you’re a seasoned Mystery Shopper looking to grow, check out this session on keeping good mystery shopping records: Record Keeping at Talking Shop.
12. Maintain Good Relationships
At the end of the day, Mystery Shopping is a people business. Maintaining good relationships with schedulers, quality control validators and project managers is a great way to grow your Mystery Shopping business. Promptly responding to emails, following through on your commitments, and using a professional tone when communicating are important to maintaining your professional standing with different Mystery Shopping providers.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to thrive as a Mystery Shopper in 2025. If you’re ready to grow your Mystery Shopping side hustle, join our community of over 1 million Mystery Shoppers working with the world’s best brands around the world. Sign up to be an iShopFor Ipsos Mystery Shopper today.
