BestMark is one of the longest-running mystery shopping companies in the US, founded in 1986. Its shoppers visit restaurants, stores, gas stations, car dealerships and other businesses, then report on what they saw. Pay is a set fee per shop, often with reimbursement for a required purchase. BestMark says new shoppers typically earn about $7 to $20 per shop.
At a glance
| Type of work | Mystery shops, intercept interviews and compliance audits |
| How you earn | A flat fee per assignment, plus reimbursement where a purchase is required |
| Typical pay | About $7 to $20 per shop for new shoppers, per BestMark |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Payout | Several methods, including direct deposit, PayPal and gift cards, after your report is approved |
| Requirements | 18+, reliable transport, internet access, attention to detail |
| Where it works | US and Canada |
How BestMark works
You apply on BestMark’s site and fill in a detailed profile, including where you live, how far you’ll travel and what you buy, so BestMark can match you to suitable assignments. Once approved, you browse available shops in your area and accept the ones you want.
Each shop comes with guidelines: what to buy or ask, who to interact with, what to observe and what to time. You complete the visit discreetly, then submit an online report, often the same day. Accuracy and detail matter, because reports that miss required details can be rejected.
Types of assignments
Besides classic mystery shops, BestMark runs intercept interviews, where you ask customers a few questions, and compliance audits, such as checking whether a store asks for ID on age-restricted sales. Car dealership and service shops tend to pay more, while quick-service restaurant visits pay less but often include a free meal.
A typical shop, step by step
A typical quick-service restaurant shop goes like this. You accept the assignment and read the guidelines, which might ask you to order a specific meal at the drive-through, time the wait and note the cashier’s name. You visit at the assigned time window, pay, keep the receipt and note the details as soon as you drive away. Within a few hours you log in, answer the report questions, upload the receipt photo and submit. Once a reviewer approves it, the fee and reimbursement are scheduled for payment.
How you get paid
You receive the shop fee plus any reimbursement once your report is approved. BestMark offers more payment options than many rivals, including direct deposit, PayPal and gift cards. Payments run on a set schedule after approval, so expect to wait a few weeks rather than days.
Spotting fake offers
Mystery shopping is one of the most common scam themes. Real companies like BestMark never charge you to sign up and never send you a check to deposit and wire money back. If an offer arrives out of the blue with a large check or a request to buy gift cards, it isn’t real.
Making it worth your time
The shoppers who get the most from BestMark treat it as a route, not a series of trips. Group two or three shops in the same area on the same day, pick visits that line up with errands you’d run anyway, and write each report straight after the visit while details are fresh. Over time, accurate reports lead to more offers and better-paying assignments, since schedulers prefer shoppers they can rely on.
Owen’s take
BestMark is a solid, legitimate place to try mystery shopping, and its range of payment options is a nice touch. But be realistic about the money. A $10 shop with a 30-minute visit, travel and a 20-minute report doesn’t pay much per hour. It works best when you combine shops along errands you’d run anyway, or pick the higher-paying dealership and service visits. Think of it as getting paid for some of your everyday spending, not as a job.
Who it suits
It suits observant, organized people who enjoy shopping and dining out and can write accurate reports quickly. It suits less well anyone who needs fast payment or a steady hourly income.
Similar options
- Market Force runs mystery shops, especially in restaurants.
- Sinclair Customer Metrics offers shops for banks, retailers and dealerships.
More local options are in Gig Work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long-established, legitimate company
- Reimbursement for required purchases
- Several payment methods, including direct deposit
Cons
- Modest pay per shop for beginners
- Reports must be detailed and accurate
- Weeks of wait between shop and payment
FAQ
How much does BestMark pay mystery shoppers?
BestMark says new shoppers typically earn about $7 to $20 per shop, plus reimbursement where a purchase is required.
Is BestMark legit?
Yes. BestMark has operated since 1986 and never charges shoppers to join.
How does BestMark pay?
After your report is approved, by direct deposit, PayPal or gift card, depending on your choice.
Where does BestMark have shops?
Across the United States and in Canada.
