Mystery shopping is an excellent way to make a side income. But what exactly is it? Put simply, businesses rely on people like you to make sure that their operations are running smoothly, letting them know what they need to improve on and what is working well. In turn, they can deliver much better customer service and update their offerings. 

Does this sound of interest? We take a deep dive into the role of a mystery shopper and how you can get started. Find out more below. 

What is mystery shopping?

Mystery shopping is a research technique where individuals, known as mystery shoppers, act as regular customers to assess and evaluate the quality of products, services or customer experiences provided by businesses. 

These shoppers are tasked to observe, interact, and report on various aspects, such as customer service, cleanliness, product knowledge, and adherence to company policies. The goal is to provide companies with unbiased feedback to help them improve and maintain high standards. 

Mystery shopping is widely used across industries like retail, hospitality, and service sectors to enhance customer satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that employees are delivering the desired customer experience.

Does mystery shopping pay well?

The compensation for mystery shopping can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the assignment, the industry, and the region. In many cases, mystery shopping is not a primary source of income but rather a way to earn supplementary income or receive perks such as free meals or products.

That said, the pay for individual assignments may range from a few pounds to more substantial amounts for more involved or specialised tasks.

As a mystery shopper, you have the freedom to choose the tasks you want to complete, so it’s important to select ones that align with your financial expectations.

How do you get paid in mystery shopping?

As mentioned above, mystery shopping opportunities don't just offer one flat fee as compensation. In fact, payment structures may include a flat fee for completing the assignment, reimbursement for purchases made during the evaluation, a combination of both, or even non-monetary benefits. Find out more below about how you can expect to get paid. 

Non-monetary benefits

Some mystery shopping opportunities often offer enticing non-cash benefits. Shoppers may enjoy complimentary products or services, offering firsthand experiences without the need for purchases. Free meals, entertainment, or travel reimbursement can be offered as compensation, particularly in hospitality-related evaluations. 

These non-monetary perks provide added value to the experience, making mystery shopping an engaging avenue for those seeking diverse benefits beyond financial remuneration.

Reimbursements and purchases 

Mystery shoppers often receive compensation through reimbursements for purchases made during assignments. With this, shoppers are required to buy specific products or services as part of their evaluation. The business will then reimburse you for these expenses, ensuring that you don't incur personal costs. 

This form of compensation is common in sectors like retail, dining, or hospitality, where you may be tasked with assessing the customer experience by making actual purchases. All you have to do is adhere to the correct purchased items and provide proof of purchase before you receive your compensation.

The amount reimbursed typically includes the cost of the purchased items, ensuring that you not only provide valuable feedback but also recoup your expenditures.

Fee-based compensation 

Finally, and perhaps the most desirable, mystery shoppers can receive fee-based compensation for their time. Shoppers are paid a predetermined fee for completing an assignment. The compensation considers factors such as the complexity of the assignment, the time required and any specific requirements.

Fee-based compensation provides you with a direct financial reward for your efforts and insights. While the amount can vary, this type of payment offers a clear and straightforward way for individuals to earn income through mystery shopping, making it an attractive option for those seeking monetary compensation.

Factors which influence mystery shopping pay

Many factors come into play when it comes to how much compensation you will receive for your time as a mystery shopper. So, before you sign up, it's important to know what will influence how much you will get so that you can choose opportunities that will align with your expectations. 

What industry you're in

The compensation you can receive is dependent more on the complexity of the task, rather than the industry. In fact, different sectors may have varying pay scales based on the level of feedback you are expected to give. This could include 

factors such as the perceived value of customer feedback, the level of service expected, and the industry's overall economic conditions. 

As such, make sure that you understand the industry dynamics for each task so that you get the financial reward you expect.

The complexity of the assignment

Of course, the pay is going to vary depending on the complexity of the task. More intricate evaluations that demand specialised skills, extensive observations, or in-depth analyses often command higher compensation. Complex assignments may also require additional time and effort from you, impacting the overall value of their contribution. 

As a result, pay scales are often structured to reflect the level of complexity involved, incentivising shoppers to engage in and effectively evaluate assignments with more demanding requirements.

Geographic location 

Generally, location also matters when it comes to how much you will get paid. There are probably many people who live in busy cities willing to go try a new restaurant at no extra cost. However, for mystery shoppers in more remote areas of the UK, the potential for larger earnings is greater, as there are fewer people available to take part in these opportunities. 

Understanding these regional disparities is crucial for shoppers, as it helps gauge the relative value of assignments in different areas.

Your experience

Finally, your experience does not matter as all shoppers are paid equally based on the task. So whether you are a seasoned shopper or new to the opportunity, you can expect great compensation for your detailed and valuable feedback. 

That said, the more tasks you complete, companies may reward you with access to more exclusive tasks, creating an incentive for individuals to enhance their skills and build a reputation for delivering high-quality evaluations.

Tips for maximising your mystery shopping income 

To maximise your mystery shopping income, there are several things you can do. First and foremost, you should prioritise efficiency by selecting assignments that align with your schedule and are geographically convenient. 

You should also only register with reputable mystery shopping companies, like Ipsos, so that you have access to a wide range of task types and compensation.

By strategically selecting, efficiently completing, and consistently delivering quality evaluations, you can optimise your mystery shopping income and build a successful and rewarding experience in the field.

To find out more about registering to become a mystery shopper with Ipsos, please contact us today and we will be happy to help get you started.