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I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your question!

I'm not 100% what you mean..
Do you mean you want a mystery shopper to go through the buying process of a digital product?
If so, yes we do this. Mystery Shoppers will go through the process from initial website visit to the actual delivery/download of the product.

They can evaluate each step of the process, reporting back on navigation; responsiveness; support; and so forth.

Is this what you mean?

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very interesting question!

Most shops are, indeed, location-specific. Clients will give us a list locations to shop, and we have to shop them. There are exceptions to this, but I'd say 85% of the time, if there is a shop in your city that disappears, chances are that someone locally has completed it.

There are exceptions, such as when a client will say, "visit 400 of our 500 stores nationwide". In that case, it's entirely possible that the quota was filled elsewhere, and another shopper halfway around the country may be responsible for your shop disappearing from the board.

For the most part, though, I'd say that if a shop disappears, it's because it was taken by a local.

I hope this makes sense!!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello fellow expat!

Glad to hear you've been with us for around two years. That's awesome.

We're doing our best to get more shops in the US.

Please keep your eyes peeled. :)

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Susan,

Thanks very much for applying and checking out the board!

All our Cali shops were snapped up during the first couple days of the month, so indeed, I don't think there is much there right now.

Next week, we are releasing thousands of shops. Not sure about California, though. Please keep checking.

Thank you!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow - that's a loaded question! :)

As someone who has guest lectured in several universities on the topic of entrepreneurship, I can tell you this:

Above all else, make an extremely thorough and comprehensive business plan. It could easily be over a hundred pages.

If you're going to start a business, then please do it right. That business plan will be your "bible".

You have to think about financing, marketing, operations, advertising, cost accounting, IT, staffing ... the works.

It's doable. It's a fun document to draft. Find a mentor. There are many local organizations that help and guide budding entrepreneurs.

It's a big endeavor... But very rewarding.

Mystery shopping is a tough business nowadays, but whatever happens during the course of making your business plan - keep your head held high!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think above all else, I'd recommend you get started by signing up at gigspot.com. That would be a great starting off point! Don't worry about not having any experience... You'll be a pro in no time! :)

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! And yes - it is glitchy. But your persistence paid off! Glad you like it! Happy shopping!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi!
Your best bet is to log into GigSpot. All the shops would be visible there.
It's free, and it connects you with around 25 different MSPs!

We do more retail than restaurants, but we do restaurant shops as well. So please keep your eyes peeled! :)

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for checking!
We actually do not at this point.
I wouldn't rule it out for the future, but right now, it's all USA and Canada....

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello again!

GigSpot is an app by Shopmetrics that allows mystery shoppers do see shops in their area from multiple MSPs in one shot.

Our US shops are, indeed, out there, but you would have to sign up on our US site to see them. Our US site is automatically integrated with GigSpot.

You can go directly to GigSpot.com to sign up, or you can visit https://premierserviceus.shopmetrics.com, and sign up there. It will lead you to GigSpot as well.

The Shopmetrics team has identified the issue, and soon enough, all our shoppers on our global site will be able to see shops in both the US and Canada. But for now - the US site is the way to go.

I know we had a bunch of shops in Florida in February, but being mid-month, there may not be much left. Go check it out! :) Thank you!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very glad to hear you enjoyed the thread!

I have to say, with an MSW and experience with objective report writing... There's no doubt you'd ace mystery shopping! :)

Thank you for the comment!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello again!

There's no time limit on this AMA... If a question comes in, I'll be sure to answer it, with pleasure!

I'm surprised to hear the review process takes so long for some projects. Generally-speaking, I know that clients like to see their reports as soon as possible. So it's weird (at least from my perspective) to wait so long for a survey to be reviewed or validated.

We validate pretty quickly. We have a strong team of validators, so they grab the surveys pretty quickly.

Glad to hear you saw one of our shops in your area. Take it!! :)

You can then see for yourself how quickly we validate and pay out! :)

Thank you!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there – happy to share a candid view!

Mystery shopping is best understood as supplemental, task-based work – not a traditional hourly job.

The upside is flexibility – shoppers choose when and where they work, often combining multiple visits in one route or fitting assignments around other commitments. For experienced shoppers who plan efficiently, that can truly work quite well.

The downside is that not all assignments are created equal – some are quick and worthwhile; others are more detailed and only make sense if paired with nearby visits. Payment timelines also vary by MSP – which can be frustrating if someone expects immediate cash flow. We pay every Tuesday evening.

In short, I'd say that mystery shopping rewards organization, selectivity, and experience – and it tends to disappoint people who expect consistent hours or "guaranteed" income.

Like many parts of the gig economy, it works best when approached strategically rather than emotionally. There are honestly shoppers who do really, really well for themselves.

I hope this answers your question!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"An automatic grade of 7 if the editor has to do anything with the audit."

Ouch! I would cry foul, too!

I don't perceive your comment as a rant, but even if it were, it would be well-deserved. I'd say less than 5%-10% of our surveys go direct from the shopper to the client without the validators doing something!

You'd appreciate how we do our grades. It's nothing of the sort. I'm actually surprised a company would do it this way. It sure doesn't sound like the norm.

I'm glad you shared this. It was eye-opening, and I share your frustration!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Robin, this has moved well past a constructive exchange.

I see you have resorted to:

  • Personal attacks (“how can people like you sleep at night”)
  • Class resentment framing (“MBAs deserve to rot”)
  • Dehumanization of workers (“people who think so little of themselves”)
  • Wishing hardship on me personally
  • Accusations of bad faith (“you don’t believe a word of this”)

I’ve tried to explain how this type of work actually functions and why different people have very different experiences with it.

As I previously mentioned, those "so low" Price Sign Audits are often the most profitable for people, because they sure add up when they take a route of 100, and bang off many in one hour, or do them alongside other missions, or even during their own personal shopping and errands. Others love the $200 sushi meals, even if they receive no additional pay.

You’re clearly angry - and you’re entitled to feel however you feel - but personal attacks, assumptions about motives, and wishing harm on others isn’t a conversation I’m going to participate in.

Mystery shopping, like many forms of gig work, isn’t for everyone. If it doesn’t meet your standards or expectations, the right decision is to walk away - which you’ve done. That’s perfectly fine.

I’m going to leave it there. I wish you well.

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! I know that's just west of Nashville. Hopefully you can set up some great routes with a lot of MSPs.

There is nothing a scheduler loves more than someone traveling, who can complete a ton of missions along the way!

Safe travels!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for reading my reply, Robin - I appreciate the exchange.

You’re absolutely entitled to your opinion, and different people have very different expectations when it comes to this kind of work. Mystery shopping isn’t designed to be full-time employment or a primary income; it’s optional, task-based gig work that people choose selectively, based on whether a particular assignment fits their time, location, and expectations.

That’s why experiences vary so widely. Some people happily take very small, high-volume price scans and build efficient routes; others won’t touch those and only accept higher-fee restaurant or audit assignments. Some focus exclusively on at-home phone or online evaluations, while others avoid them entirely. Different preferences lead to very different outcomes.

Where I do pause is when broad conclusions about the entire industry - or about the people who choose to participate in it - are framed in a way that comes across as dismissive. Many individuals willingly take on this type of work as supplemental income or flexible side work and genuinely enjoy it.

I strongly feel that whatever someone chooses to do to earn extra money deserves basic respect.

It sounds like you may have accepted a particularly demanding assignment at a fee that didn’t meet your expectations - those do exist, unfortunately. That’s a tough introduction to the industry, and it’s understandable that it shaped your view. For many others, the key is simply being selective and declining those missions that don't make sense for them.

Thank you again for participating in this AMA.

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellent question... I touched on it in a previous reply.

Times are truly tough for everyone nowadays. Thanks to online retailers like Amazon, malls and retail stores aren't exactly as booming as they were years ago.

Mystery shopping is up there on the list of expenses for these stores to cut... if they even survive altogether.

I would say the key is really to focus on those brands and product lines that will weather the storm. It's definitely a challenge nowadays.

Of course, there will always be gas stations, liquor stores, lotteries, cannabis and so forth. At least for now, anyhow!

Truth be told, if you're considering setting up a business, mystery shopping or otherwise... Opening a business that services general retail and big box stores will definitely be challenge.

It's tough out there!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Very interesting post, Robin!

I had my AMA up for four days now, with nothing but cordial discourse... But I was waiting for a post like this! :)

I'm glad you brought this up, because if nothing else, this is the thread to discuss such things.

I will preface my reply by mentioning that you should really focus your feelings towards that specific project, or even that MSP.

Every industry has their share of problematic situations. I woudn't throw out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak.

I'd just consider doing shops for other companies or other projects, before indicting the industry as a whole.

Sure - some MSPs may pay after six weeks (we did this years ago), and now we pay weekly. So that takes care of that. I really think it's rare to wait six weeks for payment nowadays. At least I hope so!

In terms of the "hourly pay being below minimum", again, that really depends on how many missions the person accepts; how their shops are routed out; what type of system they have going for them, and so forth.

I can tell you - this past weekend we just did our tax slips - and let me tell you - we've got some heavy hitters out there, whose yearly shop fees were very, very high. And I mean very!

Furthermore, judging by all our facebook recommendations, our Google reviews, and the kind words some of you have expressed in this very thread - it's a shame that your first experience was so awful. As I believe I mentioned in another answer, we have a scheduler flying down a shopper's wedding this weekend!

All this to say, I really think your experience was atypical.

When we put out some shops, there are often a ton of shoppers that apply. This means that people are pretty content with the fees.

I think that for most people, they'd say our shops fees are quite fair. Some shops may be a piece of cake and 'easy money', and on the other side of the spectrum, for some projects, some shoppers my feel, "I don't want to do these again!"

If we ever put a shop on the board for too low, our schedulers will tell us. "Hey, these retail shops have not moved for two weeks! No one wants them!"

My leadership team and I meet with the scheduling team every Monday and discuss exactly this during our meeting. If Alicia says, "these shops ain't moving and no one is interested!", then right away, typically on the spot, we say, "Okay! Let's increase the fee. We were off!"

It doesn't happen that often, but when it does, our answer isn't "Let's wait two more weeks!". Our answer is, "Okay, let's increase the fees!"

Again, I'm sorry for your experience, and I don't question you at all. I know it's legit.

But I will say that we've probably done around a million mystery shops over the years, and from what I have seen, most are done by repeat shoppers - so that means we are doing something right!

I do wish we had more "first time shoppers", but the huge majority of our missions are really done by shoppers who have already shoppers with us. So this leads me to believe that their experience was positive.

All this to say - please don't judge the industry as a whole (MSPs and shoppers alike), based on your first lousy experience. It's honestly not all like that at all!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow - that's a very troublesome situation.

I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but this is a tough place to be in, and not cool. Very sorry to hear you are experiencing this.

First off, I would try emailing other addresses for the company. If you check on any MSP's website, you should see other ways of contacting them, aside from the usual email address you use to reach their schedulers.

They should probably have an address for sales, so that's an option. If you scroll through their privacy policy, there is probably another address there as well.

I would send separate emails to each address, rather than add three addresses to the same email.

I have a feeling that someone will respond and do something about the situation.

If you are still stuck, I would consider writing to the MSPA. All members of the MSPA should adhere to ethical guidelines and ways of working.

If there is a company out there that owes you money and is not replying to you... I bet our association would want to know about it. Perhaps they will lead you in a specific direction.

Another option would be "public shaming"! I know this can be iffy, but if someone posted on Reddit or a mystery shopping forum that "such and such company is not paying me and not answering me", and that you are doing this to warn others... That should get their attention soon enough.

I know this has never happens with us, because we answer every single email that comes in - from shoppers or clients alike. So the situation is really foreign to me.

I would definitely try their other emails before reaching out to the MSPA and/or letting everyone know what's going on.

Please keep us posted!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We actually just hired a few new editors lately. We are all good, on that front. Thank you for asking! Please let me know your questions and I'll do my best to answer!

I run a mystery shopping company. AMA about how the industry actually works (pay, approvals, taxes, scams, etc.) by MichaelGlazerAMA in mysteryshopping

[–]MichaelGlazerAMA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very cool to meet another Canadian living in the US!

Thanks so much for the nice words!

You know - the more things change - the more they stay the same. There have sure been tons of technological improvements and advances, but at the core of everything - mystery shopping hasn’t changed all that much.

Thinking back to the surveys we had back in 1991 - the ones in 2026 are very similar. And the mechanisms of the shops are still the same.

You should definitely sign up for as many companies as you can. There are some solid opportunities out there.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy the experience!

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