$500 per week as a Mystery Shopper: Earning Money to Shop, Dine, and Investigate - Side Hustle Nation

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      Getting paid to eat at restaurants, tour apartments, and take your car through the wash multiple times in one afternoon? That’s mystery shopping — a $2 billion sector that many people haven't heard of. Mercedes Eckert has been engaged in it for 13 years and has assisted over 25,000 shoppers in getting started with her company, iShopAGP.com. Her personal best: $600 in just one day without leaving her car. She also manages ShopQuest, a free platform where you can find mystery shopping jobs in your area.

      Tune into Episode 752 of the Side Hustle Show to find out:

      - How mystery shoppers get compensated

      - How to combine jobs for a $600 day

      - Common scams to be aware of

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      How Much Can You Earn from Mystery Shopping?

      One of Mercedes's shoppers recently conducted several apartment mystery shops and earned $850 in under two days. She posed as a potential renter, toured units, and evaluated the leasing agent. According to iShop's data, side hustlers typically earn between $200 and $500 per week. Payment is based on the job rather than hourly work, with Mercedes's best day yielding $600. Her simplest assignment earned her $300 for just 30 minutes of taking screenshots from her couch.

      If you’re looking for an hourly rate, expect around $25 to $40 at the lower end.

      Can You Pursue It Full Time?

      Yes. Mercedes knows a shopper who earns over six figures annually in a full-time capacity. Another shopper made approximately $65,000 in 2025. However, most individuals fit it around their primary jobs, doing mystery shopping after work or on days off.

      Who Hires Mystery Shoppers and Why?

      Large corporations want insights into their stores from a genuine customer perspective since they can’t be omnipresent, hence, they outsource mystery shopping. This feedback is utilized for various purposes such as:

      - Updating training manuals

      - Hiring additional staff

      - Sometimes terminating employees

      Mercedes emphasizes that the goal is generally coaching, not firing. It's important to note that brands do not hire you directly; they contract separate companies, known as providers, for their mystery shopping programs, and you sign a contract with the provider. This means you won't show up at Target and hand the manager a business card.

      How to Locate Legitimate Mystery Shopping Jobs

      There are roughly 100 to 150 provider companies out there. You can either do the research yourself or go through a mystery shopping organization that trains and connects you to reputable partners. Once you’re contracted with a provider, you can begin taking shops the same day.

      Mercedes mentions Reality Based Group as a solid option to consider, but she notes the “best” provider will vary based on your specific interests. Each provider has its unique clientele; some may focus on the auto industry, while others might have a plethora of food-related shops, including fast food and fine dining establishments. After a few assignments, you'll discover what you enjoy and which companies cater to those preferences.

      iShop, MSPA, and What the Organizations Do

      I registered with MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association) years ago, thinking it was some form of industry certification. Mercedes clarified that iShop essentially offers the same services as MSPA, but is newer. Neither are providers; they function as recruiters and trainers. They provide a home base, training, and connect you with credible companies. Most mystery shoppers are affiliated with one or the other.

      Avoid Signing Up with Numerous Companies at Once

      New shoppers often want to explore every available shop, but Mercedes advises caution. Start with a few, learn the ins and outs, then gradually expand. Signing up for 150 providers simultaneously is like enlisting with DoorDash a hundred times; it will only overwhelm you.

      Skip the Apps, Visit the Websites

      Mercedes does not direct new shoppers to apps. While a few mystery shopping apps exist, they are third-party platforms, not direct providers. It's better to visit each provider's website. Apps often lack comprehensive listings and tend to feature lower-paying jobs.

      What is Route Shopping?

      Route shopping enables shoppers to maximize their earnings. You choose a day, schedule multiple shops, and complete them in