Secret Shopper, Real Money: Your Guide to Earning with BestMark

Have you ever walked into a store, dined at a restaurant, or called a business and thought, “Wow, this place is doing it right!” or maybe, “Hmm, they could really improve on a few things…”? If so, you’ve already got the mindset of a mystery shopper! And guess what? Companies are willing to pay you for your valuable insights.

Mystery shopping is a fantastic way to earn some extra income by acting like a regular customer and evaluating businesses. You get to experience different services and products, and in return, you provide feedback that helps companies improve their customer experience. It’s a win-win! And when it comes to mystery shopping companies, BestMark is a name that often pops up and for good reason.

Founded way back in 1986, BestMark is one of the veterans in the mystery shopping game. They’ve built a solid reputation as a legitimate and reliable company connecting businesses with mystery shoppers (or, as they like to call them, “independent contractors”). So, if you’re wondering how to make money with BestMark, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s unpack everything you need to know to get started and maximize your earnings.

What Exactly Is Mystery Shopping Anyway? (And Why BestMark?)

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making money with BestMark, let’s quickly demystify mystery shopping itself. Imagine being paid to shop, eat out, or experience a service, sounds pretty cool, right? That’s essentially what mystery shopping is all about.

As a mystery shopper, you’ll be assigned specific tasks, like visiting a store to check on customer service, product availability, and store cleanliness, or maybe calling a business to assess their phone etiquette and knowledge. After your “secret mission,” you’ll complete a detailed report about your experience. Companies then use this feedback to train their employees, improve their services, and ultimately, make their customers happier.

Here’s why BestMark stands out in the mystery shopping world:

• Reputation and Experience: With decades in the industry, BestMark isn’t some fly-by-night operation. They’re a well-established company with a proven track record.
• Variety of Assignments: BestMark offers a diverse range of mystery shopping opportunities, from retail and restaurants to phone shops and more. This means you can find assignments that match your interests and schedule.
• Clear Instructions and Support: Shoppers consistently praise BestMark for their clear assignment instructions and responsive support team. This makes it easier to complete shops accurately and get your reports submitted smoothly.
• Timely Payments: Getting paid on time is crucial, and BestMark is known for its reliable and prompt payment processing. They offer convenient payment options like direct deposit, which is a big plus.
• MSPA Elite Membership: BestMark is an Elite Member of the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA) Americas. This membership signifies their commitment to industry best practices and ethical standards, giving you extra assurance of their legitimacy.

Getting Started: Your Journey to Becoming a BestMark Mystery Shopper

Ready to become a secret agent of customer service improvement? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with BestMark:

Step 1: Head to the BestMark Website and Sign Up

Your first mission is to visit the BestMark website and find the “Become a Mystery Shopper” or “Apply Now” section. The signup process is usually free (and it should always be free for legitimate mystery shopping companies – red flag if they ask you to pay!).

Step 2: Complete the Independent Contractor Application

You’ll need to fill out an online application form. This typically involves providing your basic personal information, contact details, and some information about your skills and experience. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a professional spy! They’re mainly looking for people who are:

• • At least 18 years of age (or 21 for alcohol-related shops).
  • Detail-oriented: You need to be observant and remember specific details about your shopping experience.
  • Dedicated to Honoring Commitments: Once you accept a shop, you need to complete it as agreed.
  • Able to Follow Detailed Instructions: Each shop comes with specific guidelines you need to adhere to.
  • Possess Good Written Communication Skills: You’ll be writing reports, so clear and concise writing is essential.
  • Have Full Internet Access: Assignments are typically found and reports are submitted online.

Step 3: Explore the Opportunity Board

Once your application is approved (which usually doesn’t take too long), you’ll gain access to BestMark’s “Opportunity Board” or job board. This is where you’ll find available mystery shopping assignments in your area.

Step 4: Browse and Apply for Shops

Take some time to explore the available shops. You’ll see details like the type of business, location, pay, and what the shop entails. Apply for the shops that interest you and fit your schedule.

Step 5: Get Selected and Review Assignment Details

If you’re selected for a shop, you’ll receive detailed instructions. Read these instructions carefully! They will outline exactly what you need to do, what to observe, and what questions to answer in your report.

Step 6: Conduct Your Mystery Shop

Time to put on your secret shopper hat! Visit the business as a regular customer, perform the required tasks, and observe everything according to the instructions. It can be helpful to take discreet notes (mental or written) during or immediately after your shop to help you remember details for your report.

Step 7: Submit Your Report

After completing your shop, log back into the BestMark platform and complete the online report. Be thorough, accurate, and submit it by the deadline. Remember to include any required documentation, like receipts.

Step 8: Get Paid!

Once your report is reviewed and approved, you’ll get paid according to BestMark’s payment schedule. Payments are usually made via direct deposit, check, or sometimes other options like PayPal or gift cards.

Types of BestMark Assignments

One of the great things about BestMark is the variety of assignments they offer. You’re not just limited to one type of shopping experience. Here’s a glimpse into the different kinds of mystery shopping gigs you might find:

1. In-Store Mystery Shopping

This is the classic mystery shop. You’ll visit physical stores like retail shops, grocery stores, electronics stores, salons, car dealerships, and more. Your tasks might include evaluating:

• • Customer Service: How friendly and helpful are the employees? Do they greet customers? Are they knowledgeable about products?
  • Product Displays and Inventory: Are shelves stocked and organized? Are products displayed attractively?
  • Store Cleanliness and Ambiance: Is the store clean and inviting? Is the music appropriate?
  • Pricing and Promotions: Are prices clearly marked? Are advertised promotions being honored?

2. Restaurant Mystery Shopping (Mystery Dining)

Foodies, this one’s for you! You get to dine at restaurants, cafes, and fast-food establishments and evaluate things like:

• • Food Quality and Taste: Is the food prepared correctly and delicious?
  • Service Speed and Attentiveness: How quickly are you served? Is the waitstaff attentive and polite?
  • Restaurant Cleanliness and Atmosphere: Is the dining area clean and comfortable?
  • Order Accuracy: Is your order correct?

3. Phone Mystery Shopping

These shops are perfect if you prefer to work from home. You’ll call businesses and evaluate:

• • Phone Answering Etiquette: How professionally and politely is the phone answered?
  • Hold Times and Transfers: Are calls answered promptly? Are transfers handled efficiently?
  • Knowledge and Helpfulness: Is the person on the phone knowledgeable and able to answer your questions?

4. Intercept Interviews

In this type of assignment, you’ll be stationed near a business (like outside a store or restaurant) and approach actual customers as they leave. You’ll conduct short surveys to gather their feedback on their recent experience.

5. Compliance Audits

These shops often involve verifying if businesses are adhering to specific regulations or standards, such as age verification for alcohol or tobacco sales, or checking for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.

The specific types of shops available will vary depending on your location and BestMark’s current client needs. But the variety ensures there’s likely something interesting for everyone.

Boosting Your BestMark Earnings: Tips and Tricks for Mystery Shopping Success

While mystery shopping isn’t going to make you rich, it’s a legitimate way to earn supplemental income and get some perks along the way. To maximize your earnings and become a sought-after BestMark shopper, keep these tips in mind:

• Be Meticulous and Detail-Oriented: Accuracy is key in mystery shopping. Pay close attention to the assignment instructions and ensure you address every point in your report. The more thorough and detailed your reports are, the higher your quality score will be, and the more shops you’ll likely be offered.
• Meet Deadlines, Always: Submitting reports on time is crucial. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties or even removal from the platform. Plan your shops and report writing to ensure timely submissions.
• Follow Instructions to the Letter: Mystery shopping is all about following instructions precisely. If the instructions say to ask a specific question or observe a particular detail, make sure you do it exactly as requested. Deviating from the instructions can lead to rejected reports and no pay.
• Build a Strong Shopper Profile: As you complete shops and submit quality reports, you’ll build a reputation within BestMark. A good shopper rating can lead to being offered more and higher-paying assignments.
• Check the Job Board Regularly and Be Proactive: New shops are posted frequently. Check the BestMark Opportunity Board regularly and apply for shops that fit your interests and availability as soon as you see them. Popular shops can get snatched up quickly.
• Be Flexible and Expand Your Horizons: Don’t just stick to the same types of shops or locations. Be open to trying different types of assignments and exploring shops in various areas. This can increase your shop availability and earning potential.
• Organize Your Shops: Keep track of your accepted shops, deadlines, and instructions. Use a calendar or planner to stay organized and avoid missing deadlines or forgetting important details.
• Improve Your Writing Skills: Clear, concise, and well-written reports are essential. Practice writing detailed descriptions and objective observations. Good writing skills will make your reports more valuable and increase your chances of getting positive ratings.
• Understand Payment Structures: Pay attention to the payment amount and reimbursement details for each shop before you accept it. Some shops offer a flat fee, while others primarily offer reimbursement for purchases. Choose shops that align with your income goals.

Understanding the Pay Structure at BestMark

When you’re working as a mystery shopper with BestMark, it’s not like a traditional hourly job. Instead, you get paid per completed shop. The payment for each assignment varies depending on several factors, which we’ll explore. It’s a bit like freelancing – your income directly relates to the shops you choose to take and complete.

• Shop Fee: This is the base payment you receive for your time and effort in completing the mystery shop and writing the report. Think of it as a “task fee.” This fee is clearly stated for each assignment before you apply, so you always know what to expect.
• Reimbursement: Many mystery shops require you to make a purchase – whether it’s a meal at a restaurant, a product in a store, or even just paying for parking. In these cases, BestMark will reimburse you for these pre-approved expenses, up to a specified amount. This is a key perk – you get to experience things and get your money back! It’s important to note as we saw from the search results, BestMark does not reimburse travel expenses. So, focus on shops in your local area to maximize your earnings by minimizing your travel costs. You are responsible for covering the initial purchase costs and will be reimbursed later.
• Combined Payment: Often, the advertised “pay” for a shop includes both the shop fee and the maximum reimbursement amount. For example, a restaurant shop might be advertised as “Pay: $30 (includes up to $20 reimbursement).” This means you’ll receive a shop fee of $10 plus reimbursement for your meal up to $20, assuming you spent at least that much. If you spend less than $20, you’ll be reimbursed for your actual expense plus the shop fee. If you spend more than $20, you’ll still only get reimbursed up to the $20 limit, plus the shop fee.

Factors that Influence Your Earning Potential

Your earning potential with BestMark isn’t fixed – it depends on a few things you control and some market factors:

• Shop Availability in Your Area: The number of mystery shopping assignments available in your location is a major factor. If you live in a densely populated area with lots of businesses, you’ll likely have more opportunities than someone in a rural location. Check the BestMark Opportunity Board regularly to see what’s available near you.
• Your Availability and Effort: Just like any freelance gig, the more you put in, the more you can get out. The more shops you apply for and complete, the higher your earnings will be. If you only do a shop or two a month, your income will be modest. If you’re actively seeking out and completing shops regularly, you can boost your earnings.
• Type and Complexity of Shops: Simpler shops, like quick phone shops or basic retail evaluations, generally have lower shop fees. More complex shops, such as elaborate restaurant shops with large reimbursements or shops that require detailed reports, will usually pay more. Choose a mix to suit your time and income goals.
• Your Shopper Rating and History: As you complete shops and submit quality reports, you build a reputation with BestMark. Shoppers with consistently high ratings may get access to more shop opportunities or even priority access and potentially higher-paying assignments. So, quality and reliability matter!
• Time of Year and Client Needs: The demand for mystery shoppers can fluctuate. For example, retail shops might be more plentiful around holidays, and restaurant shops might increase during peak dining seasons. Client needs and budgets also change, influencing the number and type of shops available at any given time.

Typical Pay Ranges: What to Realistically Expect

It’s crucial to have realistic expectations about earnings. Mystery shopping with BestMark is generally considered a part-time, supplemental income opportunity, not a replacement for a full-time job.

• Shop Fees: Shop fees can range quite a bit, from as low as $5 – $10 for very quick and simple shops (like a short phone call) to $15 – $25 or even $30+ for more involved in-person shops, especially those that include restaurant dining or more complex evaluations.
• Hourly Equivalent (Rough Estimate): It’s hard to give a precise “hourly rate” for mystery shopping because each shop takes a different amount of time, including travel, performing the shop, and writing the report. However, experienced shoppers often aim to make roughly $10 – $20 per hour of their time spent on a shop, considering all aspects. But this is just an estimate and can vary widely.
• Monthly Earnings: Most people doing mystery shopping in their spare time might realistically earn anywhere from $50 to $300 extra per month. Some very active and efficient shoppers, who dedicate more time and strategically select higher-paying shops, could potentially earn a bit more, perhaps in the range of $300 – $500+ per month, but this is on the higher end and requires significant effort. Earning significantly more than $500 consistently from BestMark alone as a part-time gig would be quite challenging for most.

Payment Methods and Timing

As mentioned earlier, BestMark offers reliable payment options, typically including:

• Direct Deposit: The most common and convenient method.
• Check (Mail): A more traditional option.
• Potentially PayPal or Gift Cards (less common, may vary): These may be offered in certain situations or regions.

Payments are usually processed on a monthly cycle. You can generally expect to receive your payment around 2-4 weeks after you submit your completed shop report. BestMark is known for its timely payments, which is a significant advantage compared to some less reputable mystery shopping companies.

Is Mystery Shopping with BestMark the Right Side Hustle for You?

Mystery shopping with BestMark can be a rewarding and flexible way to make extra money, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you:

The Perks of Being a BestMark Mystery Shopper:

• Flexibility: You choose the shops you want to do and when you want to do them, fitting it around your schedule.
• Earn Extra Income: Supplement your regular income and put some extra cash in your pocket.
• Freebies and Reimbursements: Enjoy free meals, products, and services while getting paid to evaluate them.
• Help Businesses Improve: Your feedback contributes to better customer experiences, which can be satisfying.
• Variety and Interest: Experience different businesses and services, keeping things interesting and preventing boredom.
• Easy to Get Started: The application process is straightforward, and no prior experience is usually required.

Things to Consider Before Diving In:

• Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme: Mystery shopping is not a high-paying job. Earnings are typically modest and depend on your effort.
• Requires Time and Effort: It’s not passive income. You need to dedicate time to perform shops, write reports, and meet deadlines.
• Detail-Oriented Work: You must be attentive to detail and follow instructions precisely. It’s not just casual shopping; it’s a task that requires focus.
• Income Can Be Variable: Shop availability and your selection for shops can fluctuate, leading to variable monthly income.
• Independent Contractor Status: You’ll be an independent contractor, responsible for your own taxes.

Who is Mystery Shopping with BestMark Ideal For?

• Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy observing and providing feedback.
• People with good written communication skills who can articulate their experiences clearly.
• Those seeking flexible, part-time income to supplement their main job or other income sources.
• Individuals who enjoy shopping, dining out, and trying new services.
• Anyone looking for a side hustle that offers variety and a bit of fun.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Mystery Shopping Scams (Important!)

While BestMark is a legitimate company, it’s crucial to be aware of mystery shopping scams. Unfortunately, like any industry, there are scammers out there trying to take advantage of people interested in making money online. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies Never Charge You to Join or See Job Listings: This is the biggest red flag. If a company asks you to pay a fee to register, access job boards, or get certified, it’s likely a scam. Reputable companies like BestMark offer free registration.
• Beware of “Check Deposit Scams”: Scammers might send you a check and ask you to deposit it, then wire a portion of the money back to them (supposedly for a purchase as part of the shop). The check will later bounce, and you’ll be out the money you wired. Legitimate companies will never ask you to wire money.
• Be Wary of “Gift Card Scams”: Similar to check scams, scammers might ask you to purchase gift cards and send them the codes as part of a shop. This is another red flag.
• If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is: Be skeptical of offers that promise extremely high pay for simple tasks or guarantee full-time income from mystery shopping.
• Research the Mystery Shopping Company: Before signing up with any company, do your research. Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, look for online reviews (but be aware that some reviews might be fake), and see if they are members of the MSPA. BestMark, for example, has an A+ rating with the BBB and is an MSPA Elite Member, both positive indicators of legitimacy.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Err on the side of caution and avoid companies that exhibit red flags.

BestMark is a legitimate and reputable mystery shopping company. By sticking with well-known companies like BestMark and being aware of scam red flags, you can enjoy the benefits of mystery shopping safely and confidently.

Ready to Become a BestMark Secret Shopper?

Mystery shopping with BestMark offers a flexible and interesting way to earn extra income. It’s not a path to riches, but it can be a fun and rewarding side hustle for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy evaluating customer experiences. By following the steps outlined in this article, being diligent in your assignments, and staying alert for scams, you can unlock your inner secret agent and start making money with BestMark.

So, if you’re ready to put your observation skills to good use, enjoy some freebies, and help businesses improve, why not give mystery shopping with BestMark a try? Head over to their website, explore the opportunities, and see if it’s the right fit for your side hustle goals. Happy shopping (and reporting)!