The Complete Mystery Shopping Guide: How I Made Money and You Can Too (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

Mystery shopping has become one of the most accessible side hustles in the UK, and after years of testing different companies and approaches, I'm sharing everything I've learned about earning money as a mystery shopper. Whether you're looking to make a few extra pounds or build a steady side income, this guide covers the reality of mystery shopping roles in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Mystery shopping could be a way to earn £100 to £400+ monthly as a side hustle if you have enough spare time

• You'll need multiple apps and companies to maximise earning potential

• Payment ranges from £1 to £25+ per task, with restaurant assignments often including free meals

• Taking discreet photos is the trickiest part, especially in small stores

• Tax implications kick in if you earn over £1,000 annually from all side hustles

• Most successful mystery shoppers combine quick tasks with regular shopping trips
  

What Is Mystery Shopping Really Like?

Mystery shopping involves several different types of work beyond traditional in-store visits:

Traditional Mystery Shopping: Visit stores, restaurants, or services as a regular customer, then report on experience, staff interactions, and service quality.

Micro-Tasks: Quick jobs like photographing product displays, checking prices, scanning barcodes, or reviewing specific items.

Telephone Mystery Shopping: Call businesses to assess phone service quality and staff responses - can be done from home.

Online Mystery Shopping: Evaluate websites, online customer service, or digital experiences.

Mystery Dining: Dine at restaurants and provide detailed feedback on food, service, and venue standards.

Postal Monitoring: Receive brochures and catalogues at home, recording delivery times and condition.

Video Mystery Shopping: More complex assignments requiring covert recording equipment for detailed service evaluations.

Amazon Fresh Through Sonata GBW

The Amazon Fresh evaluations through Sonata GBW are particularly good value. You place a grocery order through Amazon Fresh (either direct or via Morrisons), selecting items from different categories like fresh, frozen, chilled, and tinned foods. After delivery, you report on the ordering process, delivery experience, and product condition.

These assignments pay around £25 for what amounts to getting shopping delivered while providing feedback - essentially free groceries plus payment for a simple evaluation.

My Experience with UK Mystery Shopping Companies

After testing several platforms, here are some companies mentioned in the original guide and insights from other mystery shoppers:

Roamler

Highly regarded for variety and pay

Based on mystery shopping community feedback, Roamler consistently offers an excellent variety of assignments. Their "Free Pint" jobs are legendary among mystery shoppers - you get paid to buy a pint, photograph it, answer questions, and get the drink reimbursed.

Their product checks are straightforward: visit a supermarket, photograph specific shelves, and answer basic questions. These often appear in clusters, so you can complete several in one shopping trip. Payment typically ranges from £3 to £8 per task.

The main barrier is the need for a referral code to join, which can be frustrating for newcomers. Social media groups often share codes, but availability fluctuates.

Shepper

Good reputation for higher-paying assignments

Mystery shoppers report that Shepper excels at traditional mystery shopping with longer, more detailed assignments. Their National Lottery checks reportedly pay £3.50 to £5.00 for about 10 minutes work, though you need to be quick as they disappear fast.

Mystery shop assignments often pay well - £7 for 15 minutes or £15 for 30 minutes of work. However, some shoppers find phone store assignments awkward in quiet areas, as they expect 15 minutes browsing time, which can feel unnatural in small shops.

Payment threshold: £20, with a maximum of three withdrawals monthly.

BeMyEye

Good entry point for beginners

BeMyEye is often recommended for getting started, as they have a £5 minimum payout and consistent availability. The app includes location-based jobs where you can see requirements before accepting.

Some users report that their built-in camera system can be fiddly, with jobs occasionally rejected for photo angle issues. It's recommended to double-check store opening hours before reserving jobs, as cancellations affect your experience points.

Field Agent

Mixed feedback from users

Field Agent assignments tend to be more time-consuming with extensive questionnaires and multiple photos required. They occasionally request in-store videos explaining displays, which works fine when stores are quiet, but can feel awkward during busy periods.

Job availability varies significantly by location. Some areas have sporadic opportunities, making it harder to build consistent earnings.

Ipsos iShop

Well-regarded for restaurant assignments

Ipsos specialises in dining experiences, which often include reimbursement for meals plus a fee. Good option for those who enjoy trying new restaurants. Their telephone banking assignments can be completed from home, typically paying £8 to £10 for brief calls.

Sonata GBW

Clunky interface, but offers quality assignments

The Sonata GBW website isn't the easiest to navigate and submit reports to, but it offers some interesting assignments. Their Amazon Fresh tasks involve placing orders for delivery (either directly from Amazon or through their Morrisons service), as well as purchasing items from various categories, including fresh food, frozen food, chilled food, and tinned goods. You then provide feedback on the ordering process, delivery experience, and condition of goods on arrival. These typically pay around £25.

They also offer petrol station evaluations at £8 each, assessing facilities, staff, and cleanliness, with dozens of locations usually available.

Note: They occasionally call from international numbers (Philippines or Australia), which can be confusing. These calls are usually because they need someone to complete a nearby assignment urgently and may offer bonus payments.

RedWigWam

Primarily a temp agency with mystery shopping opportunities

RedWigWam operates mainly as a temp working agency, but offers mystery shopping jobs as part of its services. They notify users when jobs become available locally, but you need to be quick to secure assignments. Jobs range from supermarket evaluations to promotional work like handing out vouchers. Payment can be received within 24 hours of completion.

Market Force (formerly Retail Eyes)

Large established platform with variety

With 600,000 registered members, Market Force is one of the UK's biggest mystery shopping sites. They offer diverse assignments from optician visits to pub evaluations. Their mobile app helps locate jobs in your current area, useful for quick earnings while already out shopping. Payment tends to be modest, often just reimbursement for purchases plus a small fee (typically £5 to £10).

ESA Retail

Smaller company with diverse, higher-paying assignments

ESA Retail offers a variety of assignments that can include recording bank meetings or trying on designer jewellery. Some assignments pay as much as £95, though availability may be limited in rural areas. They're noted for responsive customer service.

Serve Legal

Specialises in age-restricted product testing

Serve Legal focuses on test purchasing for age-restricted items, employing mystery shoppers to visit shops, bars, and pubs to check if ID policies are being followed properly. They typically employ people in younger age brackets and pay £4.10 to £6 per visit plus holiday pay and travel reimbursement. There's usually a two-year participation limit.

Tern Consultancy

Higher-paying assignments with detailed reporting requirements

Tern offers assignments paying £10 to £35, with some complex jobs paying more. They include video mystery shopping opportunities, which tend to pay better than standard assignments. However, some feedback suggests their reports require significant detail for the payment offered.

Clickworker

European micro-tasking platform

Clickworker offers mystery shopping alongside other micro-tasks, primarily involving photographing product shelves. You can choose which shops to visit from the provided chains rather than specific addresses. No purchases are required for most assignments. Payment is in euros via PayPal or bank transfer.

Mystery Dining: Free Meals for Detailed Reviews

Mystery Dining represents a specialised branch of mystery shopping focused on restaurant experiences. Major chains use mystery dining companies to evaluate food quality, service standards, and venue cleanliness.

How Mystery Dining Works

You're typically reimbursed for meal costs (sometimes with a small fee on top) in exchange for detailed reports on your dining experience. Reports can take up to two hours to complete, so factor this time commitment when considering assignments.

Mystery Dining Companies

Mystery Dining by HGEM works with over 200 restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues. They have a selective application process with relatively high rejection rates, so applications need to be thorough and well-written.

Service Scan covers restaurants, pubs, and bars alongside retail mystery shopping. They recruit across the UK but have specific regional requirements.

Mystery dining can provide excellent value for regular diners, but the detailed reporting requirements mean you need to balance the time investment against the meal value and any payment offered.

Examples from Mystery Shopping Experience

The Freezer Photo Challenge

One memorable assignment involved photographing ice cream freezers in convenience stores, checking what products were available and point-of-sale materials. Armed with a manufacturer's authorisation letter, this required visiting multiple small shops.

Most staff were understanding when shown the authorisation letter, although some larger retailers weren't interested, as requests came from manufacturers rather than their head office. A bit of charm and mentioning potential "awards" for good displays usually helped get cooperation.

The Reality of Taking Photos in Small Stores

Taking photos in small stores can be genuinely awkward, especially when you need to photograph displays right next to the till. It's been known for staff to question what you're doing, which can feel embarrassing. The key is having authorisation letters ready and staying confident.

Most mystery shoppers report never having serious issues or being asked to leave stores, though it could theoretically happen. The trick is to be natural and take photos during busy periods when staff are occupied.

The Reality Check: Earnings and Time Investment

What You Can Realistically Earn

Based on mystery shopping community reports and available data:

• Casual approach: £50 to £150 monthly

• Regular commitment: £200 to £400 monthly

• Dedicated effort: £400+ monthly
  

Some mystery shoppers have reported making over £3,000 across multiple years, with experienced shoppers achieving above £25 per hour by being selective about worthwhile assignments.

Time Investment Strategy

Success comes from being strategic rather than accepting every available job. Effective approaches include:

• Combine multiple tasks in the same area

• Focus on quick, well-paying assignments

• Avoid tasks that require excessive time for low pay

• Plan routes efficiently to maximise hourly earnings
  

Practical Tips from Real Experience

Taking Discreet Photos

This is genuinely the trickiest part of mystery shopping. In small stores, photographing displays near the checkout can feel awkward. Here's what works:

• Use your phone naturally, as if texting or checking something

• Take photos during busy periods when staff are occupied

• Have your authorisation letter ready if questioned

• Practice taking photos quickly and discreetly
  

What to Say If Questioned

Most staff won't question you, but when they do:

• "I'm just checking which product my partner wanted" (casual approach)

• "I'm conducting market research for [brand/company]" (honest approach)

• Show your authorisation letter if provided
  

Managing Multiple Platforms

Use a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Jobs completed and earnings per platform

• Monthly totals for tax purposes

• Travel expenses for mileage claims

• Payment dates and amounts
  

Tax Considerations for Mystery Shoppers

When You Need to Declare

If your total side hustle income exceeds £1,000 annually, you must declare earnings to HMRC. This includes mystery shopping, combined with other activities such as selling items online.

Deductible Expenses

Keep records of:

• Mileage: Claim 45p per mile for business travel

• Phone costs: Portion used for mystery shopping apps

• Equipment: Any cameras or recording devices purchased
  

Record Keeping

Maintain a simple monthly spreadsheet tracking:

• Date and company for each assignment

• Amount earned and expenses

• Travel distances

• Job types and locations
  

Some platforms like Roamler and RedWigWam provide annual earnings reports, but manual tracking across multiple companies ensures accuracy.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Step 1: Choose Your First Apps

Start with 2 to 3 platforms to avoid feeling overwhelmed:

• BeMyEye: Easy signup, low payout threshold

• Field Agent: Widely available, simple tasks

• Ipsos: Good for restaurant assignments
  

Step 2: Practice with Simple Tasks

Begin with straightforward product checks or price verification tasks. These build confidence and familiarity with each platform's requirements.

Step 3: Expand Gradually

Once comfortable, add more platforms and try different assignment types. Each company has a slightly different approach and payment structure.

Step 4: Develop Your Route Strategy

Plan efficient routes combining multiple tasks. This dramatically improves your hourly earnings by minimising travel time between assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mystery shopping legitimate in the UK?

Absolutely. Mystery shopping is a £600+ million industry used by major retailers, restaurants, and service companies. The key red flag to avoid: never pay to join a mystery shopping company. Legitimate platforms are always free to register.

How much can you realistically earn from mystery shopping?

Based on mystery shopping community reports:

• Part-time commitment: £100 to £200 monthly

• Regular effort: £200 to £400 monthly

• Dedicated approach: £400 to £600+ monthly
  

However, treat this as supplementary income rather than a full-time replacement.

Do you need experience or qualifications for mystery shopper roles?

No specific qualifications needed. Companies want ordinary consumers, not professionals. The most valuable skills are attention to detail, good memory, and the ability to write clear reports. You'll naturally develop these through practice. .

What's the hardest part of mystery shopping?

Taking discreet photos, especially in small stores. Photographing freezer displays right next to checkout staff can feel awkward. Act natural, take photos during busy periods when staff are distracted, and always have your authorisation letter ready if questioned.

How do mystery shopping companies pay?

Payment varies by platform:

• BeMyEye: £5 minimum threshold, weekly payments

• Shepper: £20 minimum, maximum 3 withdrawals monthly

• Roamler: £20 minimum, no withdrawal limits

• Field Agent: £5 minimum, regular processing

• Ipsos: Usually monthly payments
  

Most pay within 2 to 4 weeks of completing assignments.

What happens if you're caught or questioned?

Most staff don't notice or care. When questioned:

• Show your authorisation letter if provided

• Say "I'm checking which product my partner wanted"

• Explain that you're doing market research
  

Having legitimate authorisation from companies makes these conversations straightforward.

Is mystery shopping income taxable?

Yes, if your total side hustle earnings exceed £1,000 annually, you must declare to HMRC. This includes mystery shopping combined with other activities. Track all earnings monthly and claim 45p per mile for travel expenses. Keep detailed records, as most companies don't automatically handle tax obligations.

How do you find assignments consistently?

Sign up with multiple platforms since availability varies by company and location. Check apps regularly for new opportunities. Combining tasks in the same area dramatically improves hourly earnings. Plan routes efficiently and focus on assignments that pay well for the time invested.

Can mystery shopping become a full-time job?

For most people, no. Mystery shopping is typically just a small side hustle to earn some extra money rather than a full-time career. However, some people do well out of it, particularly retired people who have the time to get involved in more projects and can earn a decent amount of money every month.

Assignment availability is inconsistent, seasonal patterns significantly impact work volume, and most locations offer limited opportunities. It's perfect as a flexible supplementary income but unrealistic as primary employment for the majority of people.

How long do assignments actually take?

This varies enormously:

• Quick product checks: 5 to 10 minutes

• Standard mystery shops: 15 to 30 minutes

• Restaurant evaluations: 45 to 90 minutes (including meal)

• Complex assignments: 60+ minutes
  

Focus on assignments paying at least £15 to £20 per hour after including travel time. Learning to estimate Mystery shopping offers genuine opportunities for flexible side income, but success requires realistic expectations and strategic thinking. For most people, it's a way to earn modest extra money while going about daily activities. Those with more time available, particularly retirees, may find better earning potential.

The key is understanding that this isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It's about finding assignments that fit your schedule, pay reasonably for your time, and perhaps provide some enjoyable experiences like free meals or interesting locations.

Start small with one or two platforms, learn what works in your area, and build up gradually. Keep detailed records for tax purposes, focus on efficient routes to maximise earnings, and remember that consistency often matters more than chasing the highest-paying individual assignments.

Most importantly, only commit time you can genuinely spare. Mystery shopping should supplement your life and income, not become a source of stress or financial pressure.

Ready to give it a try? Begin with BeMyEye or Field Agent to get a feel for how mystery shopping works, then expand to other platforms as you gain experience and confidence.