Secret Shopper

One of the original mystery shopping companies in the United States, operating since 1990 with assignments across retail, restaurants, healthcare, and financial services.

About Secret Shopper

Secret Shopper is one of the oldest and most well-known mystery shopping companies in the United States. Founded in 1990, the company has been connecting evaluators with mystery shopping assignments for over three decades. They work with businesses across multiple industries including retail, food service, healthcare, financial services, and entertainment.

The company name "Secret Shopper" has become nearly synonymous with the mystery shopping industry itself. While many people use the term generically, Secret Shopper is an actual company with its own network of evaluators and client relationships. They are a member of the MSPA and maintain standards consistent with industry best practices.

Types of Assignments

Retail store evaluations
Restaurant and food service shops
Healthcare facility assessments
Financial institution visits
Entertainment and recreation venue evaluations
Customer service phone evaluations

How to Apply

Registration is free through the Secret Shopper website. You create a profile, indicate your location and availability, and can then search for assignments in your area. The company has assignments available in most major cities and many smaller markets across the United States.

Pay and Reimbursements

Pay varies by assignment type and location. Standard retail evaluations typically pay $10 to $25, while more complex shops pay more. Restaurant evaluations generally include meal reimbursement plus a fee. The company pays on a regular monthly schedule, and payment methods include check and direct deposit.

What to Expect

Secret Shopper assignments follow the standard mystery shopping format: you receive instructions, visit the business as a regular customer, and submit a report about your experience. The company provides guidelines for each assignment and has an online portal for managing shops and submitting reports. As one of the longest-running companies in the industry, Secret Shopper has well-established processes and a reputation for treating their evaluators fairly.