If you’re looking to make some extra cash, mystery shopping might be just what you need. It’s a popular side hustle that’s both easy and fun! Plus, you get paid to do things like eat at restaurants or shop for clothes. Sounds great, right?
There are many companies offering mystery shopper jobs, but not all of them are equal. Some pay well, while others might not. The best company for you depends on the type of work you want and the pay you expect. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about mystery shopping companies in the UK.
### Mystery Shopping UK Companies
Here are some of the top mystery shopping companies in the UK:
– Market Force
– iShopFor Ipsos
– Red Wigwam
– Mystery Dining by HGEM
– ESA Retail
– Serve Legal
– Lionbridge Online Mystery Shoppers
We’ll go into more detail on each of these companies later.
### What Is Mystery Shopping?
A mystery shopper, or secret shopper, is hired by a company to evaluate their employees and services while acting as a regular customer. They collect information on various aspects of their experience, such as store cleanliness, employee behavior, and service quality. Mystery shoppers are usually hired by third-party companies, not directly by the stores they visit.
### How Does Mystery Shopping Work?
As a mystery shopper, you need to blend in with regular customers. You’ll observe and collect information about the store’s condition and services. Sometimes, you might be asked to act as a difficult customer to see how employees handle it. You could also be asked to make a phone call or follow a script.
Typical tasks include:
– Counting the number of employees on the floor
– Noting if and how quickly you were greeted
– Observing the sales pitch and products shown to you
– Checking if you were invited to join a rewards program
– Evaluating the speed and friendliness of service
– Checking store cleanliness and shelf organization
Your findings are usually submitted through a questionnaire, detailed report, or video. Often, you’ll need to take pictures as well.
### How Much Do Mystery Shoppers Get Paid in the UK?
Mystery shoppers are generally paid per job, not by the hour. Simple assignments might pay £8-£10, while more complex ones can go up to £100. Some companies reimburse you for purchases instead of paying a fee. Travel expenses may also be covered, especially for out-of-the-way jobs.
According to The Guardian, there are over 500,000 registered mystery shoppers in the UK. While there’s competition, many businesses need mystery shoppers, so there’s plenty of work to go around.
### Red Flags for Scam Mystery Shopping Companies
Beware of any company that asks you to pay to join or get certified. Legitimate mystery shopping companies won’t charge you to find work. Stick to well-known companies to avoid scams.
### Best Mystery Shopping Companies in the UK
Here are some of the most reputable mystery shopping companies in the UK:
#### Market Force
Market Force is a well-known company with a wide range of jobs. They reimburse most expenses, including travel, and have an easy-to-use app for job acceptance and report submission. However, competition can be tough, and most jobs cover expenses rather than providing a profit.
#### Red Wigwam
Red Wigwam offers both mystery shopping and other temporary jobs. They notify you when jobs are available in your area and even offer online shopping tasks. Unlike many companies, Red Wigwam treats you as an employee, handling your taxes for you.
#### Serve Legal
Serve Legal focuses on ensuring businesses perform ID checks for age-restricted merchandise. They hire people aged 16-19 for these checks and offer flexible work schedules. Travel expenses are covered, and there’s potential for growth within the company.
#### iShopFor Ipsos
iShopFor Ipsos is another large company, ideal for those in suburban areas. They offer good pay but require detailed reports. Some jobs reimburse expenses rather than offering a fee.
#### Mystery Dining by HGEM
This company focuses on dining experiences. While they cover food and travel costs, you usually won’t make much profit. The application process is rigorous, but once accepted, you can enjoy meals at various restaurants.
#### ESA Retail
ESA Retail offers a wide range of tasks, from shopping to phone-based jobs. They don’t cover transport costs, so make sure the job fee is worth it. They have been active for 35 years and are accredited by several market research bodies.
#### Lionbridge
Lionbridge offers online mystery shopping jobs, allowing you to work from home. They pay an hourly rate, making it a steady income source.
### Mystery Shopping Apps
In addition to traditional companies, several apps offer mystery shopping tasks. These apps let you complete tasks on your phone, often paying £5-£10 for a 15-20 minute job. Popular apps include:
– Shepper
– BeMyEye
– Roamler
– Smartspotter
– Field Agent
– Mobeye
– Premise
– Streetspotr
### FAQs on Mystery Shopping UK
**How much do you get paid for mystery shopping?**
Pay varies by job complexity. Simple tasks might pay £8-£10, while more complex ones can go up to £100. Some jobs reimburse expenses instead of paying a fee.
**What is the best mystery shopping company to work for?**
The best company depends on your needs. If you love dining out, Mystery Dining by HGEM might be for you. If you prefer working from home, consider Lionbridge or ESA Retail.
**Which mystery shopping companies are legitimate?**
All the companies listed here are legitimate. Avoid any company that asks you to pay for membership or certification.
### Why Become a Mystery Shopper?
Mystery shopping offers flexible hours and lets you choose the jobs you want. It’s a great way to explore new places, meet people, and get free products. You can work as much or as little as you want, making it a perfect side hustle.
### Final Thoughts
Mystery shopping is a fun and flexible way to make extra money. Whether you want to dine out for free or earn a steady income from home, there’s a mystery shopping company for you. Give it a try and see if it’s the right fit for you!