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I Love Freebies UK was
last updated on 12/05/13

Mystery Shopping also know as Secret or covert shopping is a way for companies to find out more about their customers experience in their store/restaurant/other establishment. They want to know that their staff are knowledgeable, polite and helpful from the customers perspective, and if cleanliness is being maintained to a high standard and if the products being sold are of a high quality and if their rules and regulations are being followed, etc.

A Mystery Shopper is employed to enter the store/restaurant/other venue and follow a scenario set out by the company, whilst acting as a regular customer. You'll need to evaluate a store's quality of customer service, cleanliness and presentation of the store, product quality, the staff members' knowledge, presentation, helpfulness, names and descriptions, timing the various processes such as how long did you have to queue, and the list goes on...basically everything! And then you'll need to complete a questionnaire style report on your findings soon after.

You may be required to make a purchase and sometimes you'll be allowed to keep it for which you'll be reimbursed or you'll be asked to return the product so that you can evaluate the returns process too. Some companies pay additional expenses, like travel, petrol and car parking fees - but some don't, so you will need to make sure your trip will be worth while. You may even be offered the chance to take part in Video Mystery Shopping, whereby you'll wear a hidden camera to film your trip! On occasions there are opportunities to be a Mystery Telephone caller, Website visitor or even have your address used as a Dead Letter Box Drop, all of which you don’t even have to leave home to earn! Many mystery shopping companies globally use an online job booking website called Sassie, where you will be able to see and book your own assignments!

Some of the qualities you need to be a ‘mystery shopper’ are flexibility, discretion, a good memory for details, good communication skills - both oral & written, you need to be observant and objective and have the ability to blend in as a normal customer and the ability to be able to complete a sometimes lengthy report with detailed accuracy. There is normally a very tight deadline for these to be completed, can be within 12 or 24 hours. And of course, as you can imagine, the competition for jobs is fierce! So you will need to be like "Quick-Draw McGraw" when it comes to applying for assignments. A car, credit/debit card, broadband, scanner (to send copies of receipts), printer and the ability to work at short notice are all advantageous, but not always necessary.

Mystery shopping won’t make you a fortune, but its well worth doing if you have some spare time on your hands and need some extra cash coming in. You can sometimes bag some great freebies too and free dinner or lunch! You’re never obligated to accept a job and payment is generally either paid via cheque or into your bank account. You can expect to visit: fast food outlets, pubs, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, hairdressers, car showrooms, betting shops, banks, an array of high street stores, supermarkets and more!

Don't forget to check out Hints and Tips as there is some additional advice there for Newbies!


❤ FEATURED SITE❤	❤ FEATURED SITE❤	❤ FEATURED SITE❤

❤ I LOVE FREEBIES UK RATINGS❤ Very Highly Recommended! Good earners! They offer the most jobs! Recommended! Also good earners! They often send surveys too! Still worth joining though invitations may be less regular than 4 or 5 star sites. This symbol indicates I have actually received payment from the site!


FOCUS GROUPS UK	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE
RECENTLY ADDED! Not only do this company invite you to take part in focus groups, they also regularly offer paid surveys, mystery shopping, product testing and other market research projects! You can earn anything from £30.00-£150.00 a time for taking part in a focus group! Payments are normally in cash or by cheque and opportunities are available all over the UK. click here to join

GAP BUSTER	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
This is one of the best mystery shopping companies to get you started off if you're a newbie! They offer a training programme to all their mystery shoppers. You can book your own assignments using their online booking system, you can also reschedule your assignments, see your assignment history, as well as complete your reports and undergo online training all on their website. You can expect to receive ‘shops’ for petrol stations, betting shops, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, high street stores, coffee shops and more. Unfortunately, some of the pay rates for Gap Buster jobs are not very high and sometimes non-existent! You can’t claim for any additional expenses, though you are normally reimbursed for any purchases (barely though!). However, the amount of work this site offers and the regularity of the work available per month makes this one worth signing up for because as we all know – it all adds up, especially if you're in that town doing another mystery shop at the same time. You will need to scan or fax ALL receipts for jobs and check the site regularly for new jobs. Payment is made directly to your bank account monthly. They also run competitions/additional incentives every now and again. Top Tip! Sometimes if they're desperate to get a mystery shop done at the last minute in your area, you will be able to haggle for a far higher fee than normal! click here to join

TNS GLOBAL	PAYE	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect overnight stays in top hotels with an allowance for food & drink plus you get to use all the hotels facilities – all for free! You don't always get paid to do these jobs – its usually just full reimbursement. There are also the regular types of mystery shopping jobs: supermarkets, fast food restaurants, test drives and high street stores. You will need to check the site regularly for new jobs. The pay for some jobs is not great but you will be reimbursed for any purchases and you can sometimes claim for additional expenses. Payment is made directly into your bank account monthly. click here to join

MARKET FORCE	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
(was Retail Eyes) You can book jobs using their online booking system and can expect to visit pubs, restaurants, fast food outlets, places of interest and high street stores. The pay is not great but you are reimbursed for any purchases though they do not pay any additional expenses. Payment is made directly into your bank account. Don't forget to check the site regularly for new jobs. When applying please type in "beckie" when asked who recommended you. Many thanks. click here to join

GRG RESEARCH	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
(aka Grass Roots Group) Assignments are sometimes offered by email or telephone & results returned by post or email. You can also book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect to visit banks, betting shops and more. The pay is quite good and purchases will be reimbursed, but you can’t claim additional expenses. Pay is made directly into your bank account monthly and expenses are paid in a separate transaction into your bank account a couple of weeks sooner. click here to join

ABA-i	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
You can book your own assignments using their online booking system and results can be returned via the web too. You may also be offered work by phone or email. The pay is quite good but they do not pay any additional expenses and reimbursements are not always made. Payment is made straight into your bank account. You can expect to ‘shop’ department stores, petrol stations and high street chain stores. You will need to check the site regularly for new jobs, don't rely on them emailing you! click here to join

VIEWSBANK	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
(was Consumer Intelligence) This company are currently seeking new members to join their mystery shopping panel. As well as standard mystery shopping, you may be invited to make mystery phone calls or evaluate website and take surveys. You can also earn extra cash for referring friends and can win cash prizes for posting your opinions and feedback! The minimum redemption amount is £6.00. Payments are made by cheque or PayPal. I have had lots of payments from these! click here to join

FRONT LINE FOCUS	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!Assignments are usually offered by email or text. You can expect to shop high street stores, restaurants, theatres, hotels, airlines and more. Payments are made by cheque, done on a self-employed basis.. click here to join

BLUE APPLE	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
RECENTLY ADDED!Assignments are usually offered by email. Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self-employed basis. Blue Apple share their database of mystery shoppers with their associates at Mystery Outsource so you may be offered assignments from them too! click here to join

COYLE HOSPITALITY	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: ?
RECENTLY ADDED!This company exclusively work with the hospitality industry so you can expect to shop hotels both in the UK and abroad, cruises, restaurants, spas, lounges and more! You are not allowed to shop the same place twice though and you will most likely need to be happy to spend on your debit/credit card tp be able to complete assignments effectively, these may or may not be reimbursable, you will have to check this before accepting an assignment! I'm unsure of the payment terms for jobs like these, it may be that the trip away or to the spa for example are the reward. click here to join

AMBER ARCH	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!They offer a training programme to all their mystery shoppers. You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect to high street stores, restaurants and more! Reports are done online. Payment is via PayPal, done on a self-employed basis. They are particularly interested in recruiting people with the necessary equipment for video mystery shopping. click here to join


RETAIL MAXIM	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
Assignments are usually offered by phone or text and you’re required to fill in an online questionnaire or relay your findings over the phone after your visit. You can expect to shop high street stores, fast food restaurants, exam centres and even the hairdressers! The pay is quite reasonable and you can claim for additional expenses! Payment is made directly into your bank account monthly. click here to join

BAI	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: PAYPAL
(Aka Bare Associates International) This site is US based, but has regular job opportunities in the UK. You can expect to shop designer and top brand stores, exam centres, car showrooms and events as well as take part in the occasional dead letter box drops! Book your own assignments using their online booking system. Check the site regularly for new jobs. Please note: Payment can be in Euros or in US Dollars paid into your PayPal account. If you would like me to refer you personally just email me stating your full name, or if you prefer click here to join

REACT	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
React use an online system called Sassie, where you will be able to book your own assignments! Sassie is a well known online booking and reporting system, used by many mystery shopping companies globally. You may also be contacted by email. Assignment questionnaires are completed online. This one pays about average. You will be reimbursed and you can claim all additional expenses. You can expect to visit the cinema and various high street stores. Payment is made directly into your bank account monthly. click here to join

MARKET CHECKER	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE
Assignments are offered by email. You can expect to shop mainly automotive and leisure outlets. The pay is very reasonable and on some jobs you can claim expenses. Payment is made by cheque when you have completed an assignment. Shoppers from Eire are paid via PayPal. click here to join

MYSTERY CUSTOMER EVALUATIONS	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
This mystery shopping company are currently recruiting new evaluators on a self employed basis. Previous experience is preferred. You will be contacted when they have suitable assignments by email. All reports need to be completed and returned within 12 hours of a visit. The pay is average and they do reimburse some expenses. Payment is made straight into your bank account. You can expect to ‘shop’ retail, hospitality or leisure establishments. click here to join

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CHECK	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
RECENTLY ADDED! Assignments are usually offered by email or telephone. The pay is quite reasonable and you can claim for additional expenses. Payment is made directly into your bank account. click here to join

OPTIMUM CONTACT	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
RECENTLY ADDED!Assignments are usually offered by email and accepted online. Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self-employed basis. click here to join

PERFORMANCE IN PEOPLE	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
*NEW!* This company also recruit for video mystery shoppers (equipment supplied), telephone and email mystery shoppers, mailing addressees and postal forwarding, home addressees and dead letter box drops! You can expect to shop car dealerships, building societies, high street stores and more. You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. Reports are completed online. Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self-employed basis. Some of the above work will pay in gift vouchers or prize draw entries. click here to join

BEYOND HELLO	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
RECENTLY ADDED! Assignments are usually offered by email or telephone. The pay is quite reasonable and you can claim for additional expenses. Payment is made directly into your bank account. You can expect to have assignments specialty and luxury retail stores as well as national chain stores, wellness clinics, vision specialists, coffee shops and restaurants! They are particularly seeking 18-28 year olds so that they can be asked for ID when making some purchases e.g. tobacco products. click here to join

TERN CONSULTANCY	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE
RECENTLY ADDED! You can book your own assignments using their online booking system and complete your report online. You may also be contacted by email. You can expect to shop hospitality, leisure and retail outlets. You will be expected to return your report within 12 hours of your assignment completion. The pay is quite reasonable and you can claim for some additional expenses but there is normally a cap. Payment is by cheque. click here to join

SERVICE SLEUTH	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED! You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect to shop retail outlets, restaurants, car showrooms and more! The pay is quite reasonable and you may be able to claim for some additional expenses but there is normally a cap. You will be expected to return your report within 12 hours of your assignment completion. Check the site regularly for new jobs. Payment is made into your PayPal account. Please note: Payment can be in Euros or in US Dollars paid into your PayPal account. click here to join

FIRST TRACKING	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: ?
RECENTLY ADDED! You will be mystery shopping cinemas with this company! Payment is reasonable and you will get to watch new movies for free as the cost of your ticket will be reimbursed along with your payment! click here to join

ESA	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. Reports are done online. Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self employed basis. click here to join


E GLOBAL PANEL	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE
(Was E Digital Research) You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect a variety of work opportunities including: reviewing websites, mystery caller jobs, focus groups and online and offline mystery shopping! Payment is made by cheque on a monthly basis when you have earned a minimum of £15. Check the site regularly for new jobs. You can also take surveys to win vouchers! click here to join

ASSOCIA	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER, CHEQUE
This company not only offer mystery shopping work, but also other similar field work such in-store audits, promotional material compliance checks, etc. (Auditing, promotion checking etc, is not done secretly like mystery shopping). This is a well respected company who regularly have work available. Work is on a self employed basis. The pay is reasonable and you are reimbursed for purchases. Payments are made twice a month. click here to join

CSR	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE
You will be contacted when they have suitable assignments based on your profile. You can expect to do mystery visits, mystery calling and dead letter box jobs. Payment is made by cheque. click here to join

HELION RESEARCH	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER, PAYPAL
You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect to mystery shop hotels, restaurants, retail, automotive, supermarkets, fashion & public services. As well as mystery shopping they also offer jobs that involve Audits, Exit interviews and recorded visits & calls! The pay is reasonable and you can claim for additional expenses! Payment is made directly into your bank account or via PayPal. click here to join

CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVES	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE
Assignments are offered by phone. You can expect to shop high street stores, estate agents & service organisations. This company also offer video and recorded telephone work (training & equipment provided), as well as home-based and online mystery shops! The pay is very reasonable and on some jobs you can claim expenses. Payment is made by cheque within 14 days of completion. click here to join

GFK	PAYE	PAYS BY: BANK TRANSFER
(was NOP) This well established company are seeking shoppers that fit specific descriptions. You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. Payment is average and is paid monthly directly into a bank account. click here to join

CATALYST	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. Payment is via PayPal or cheque, done on a self-employed basis. click here to join

MYSTERY DINING COMPANY	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. You can expect to shop mainly restaurants. Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self-employed basis. click here to join

RETAIL ACTIVE	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!They offer a training programme to all their mystery shoppers. Assignments are usually offered by email or telephone. You can expect to shop mainly restaurants. Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self-employed basis. click here to join

QDOS	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!This company also recruit for video mystery shoppers. Assignments are usually offered by email, phone or text. Payments are made by cheque, done on a self-employed basis. click here to join

JKS	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED! They offer a training programme to all their mystery shoppers. This company also recruit for video mystery shoppers! You can book your own assignments using their online booking system. click here to join

SERVE LEGAL	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED! 18 and 19 year olds are required by this company to do test purchases of age restricted products to check staff are checking for ID in pubs, supermarkets and off-licences. They offer a training programme to all their mystery shoppers. You will be reimbursed for any purchases and you can sometimes claim for additional expenses. You may also be offered work from their sister company YAP. click here to join

SERVICE MEASURE	SELF EMPLOYED	PAYS BY: CHEQUE, PAYPAL
RECENTLY ADDED!This company offer many jobs in the Scotland area as well as some in England where you can expect to shop mainly restaurants, high street stores and hotels. Assignments are usually offered by email, Payments are made directly into your bank account, done on a self-employed basis. click here to join

For more "Get paid to evaluate websites" opportunities click here

For current nationwide vacancies check out the job centre and enter 'mystery shopper' as your keyword click here

There are many more mystery companies out there, if you'd like to earn more!
If you are interested in receiving a list of other Mystery Shopping Companies, just email me

❤ MYSTERY SHOPPING FORUMS❤

Mystery Shoppers Tea Room - A forum where mystery shopping members, company reps and allocators have been invited to post work available messages! click here

Mystery Shoppers UK (aka MSUK) - By invitation only! Another great mystery shopping forum, but alas is by invitation/recommendation only. click here


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