Get paid to shop
at real stores.
We recruit everyday shoppers across all 50 states to evaluate retail experiences for leading U.S. brands. Work on your own schedule — no boss, no commute, no fees.
Start your application
Takes about 60 seconds. We'll be in touch.
Application received!
We'll review your information and reach out within 2–3 business days with next steps.
How mystery shopping works
Three straightforward steps from application to payment. No experience needed — just attention to detail and an honest perspective.
Apply for free
Fill out the short form above. We review your location and availability against active client needs in your area. No fees, no certifications required.
Accept assignments
When a matching assignment opens near you, we'll reach out. You'll receive a detailed brief: where to go, what to observe, and what to report.
Shop & report
Visit the location as a regular customer. Afterward, complete your evaluation report. Once approved, payment is processed promptly.
What sets Secret Shoppers Online apart
Always free
We never charge shoppers for applications, training, kits, or access to assignments. If anyone asks you to pay, it's a scam — not us.
Work on your schedule
You choose which assignments to accept. Shop around errands you're already running. There are no minimum assignment requirements.
Reliable payment
We pay promptly once reports are approved. Every assignment has a stated compensation — no surprises, no clawbacks.
Your privacy protected
We don't sell your personal data to retailers or third-party marketers. We share only what's necessary to verify a completed visit.
What to expect as a shopper
Independent contractor statusYou work independently, not as an employee. You set your own hours and are responsible for your own taxes.
Confidentiality requiredAssignment details and client identities are confidential. You may not disclose them publicly or to the retail staff you're evaluating.
Honest reportingReports must be truthful and based on your personal observations. Fabricated evaluations are grounds for immediate removal.
Timely completionEach assignment has a submission window. Missing the deadline forfeits your compensation for that visit.
No guaranteed assignmentsAcceptance into the program does not guarantee assignments. Availability depends on client demand in your area.
18+ U.S. residents onlyYou must be at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. resident to participate in any capacity.
What our shoppers say
"I do about 3–4 assignments a month around my regular grocery runs. It's not a fortune, but it's easy and the payment always arrives when they say it will."
"I was skeptical because I'd seen mystery shopping scams before. But these guys are legit — no fees, clear instructions, prompt pay. Everything they promised."
"The briefings are detailed and the report forms are straightforward. As someone who's done this before with other companies, this is one of the better-run programs."
Individual results vary. Testimonials reflect the experience of specific shoppers and are not representative of all participants. Income disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, completely. Applying, getting accepted, completing training, and accessing assignments cost you nothing. If you ever see a charge associated with our program, it is not from us — please report it to fraud@secretshoppers.online and the FTC.
Each assignment has a stated fee, typically $25–$75, plus reimbursement for any required purchase. How much you earn overall depends entirely on how many assignments you accept and the demand in your area. We don't guarantee a minimum income — see our income disclosure.
No. We look for detail-oriented people with good written communication skills. Each assignment comes with a full brief, so you'll always know exactly what to evaluate and how to document it.
About 60 seconds to fill out the form. We'll review your application and typically respond within 48 business hours. Acceptance depends on active client demand in your state.
No. Shoppers participate as independent contractors. This means you set your own schedule, choose which assignments to accept, and are responsible for reporting your own income to the IRS. We do not provide employee benefits. See our employment disclosure.
Do not respond, do not deposit any check, and do not send any money. Forward it to fraud@secretshoppers.online and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Common scams include fake checks, gift card requests, and wire transfers — we will never ask for any of these.
Once your submitted report is reviewed and approved, payment is processed through our standard payment method. You'll receive details about payment options once accepted into the program.
Ready to start evaluating?
We're looking for observant, detail-oriented people across all 50 states. The application is free and takes less than a minute. We'll reach out when assignments open in your area.
- Must be 18 or older and a U.S. resident
- No prior experience required
- Completely free — no fees ever
- Work on your own schedule
- Paid per completed, approved assignment
Application received!
We'll be in touch within 2–3 business days.