With thanks to Nycole, Carlton, Shirley, Kathy and Tammy for sharing how they found mystery shopping and what helped them keep going.
Every experienced mystery shopper has one thing in common.
They all completed a first assignment.
During ShopperFest 2026, we spent time talking with shoppers from across the country about how to get started in mystery shopping. Their stories, along with responses from our Shopper Insight Panel, reminded us there is no single path into the work. Interestingly, each has a different reason that intrigued them about mystery shopping.
A Workplace Experience Sparked Nycole’s Interest
Nycole first experienced customer experience research while working for a staffing company.
“I stumbled upon mystery shopping when the staffing company I worked for sent corporate trainers out into our branches to pose as potential job applicants to observe and review the hiring process. I was one of the ‘undercover applicants’ and loved being able to see firsthand what our applicants would see and then use that experience to help identify and design improvements to our processes.”
Although she signed up for mystery shopping in 2015, life became busy.
“It wasn’t until recently that I had the time to get back into it and I’ve now done about 30 jobs since May.”
Her story reminds us that mystery shopping does not have to be all or nothing. Understandably, many shoppers step away for a season and return when it fits their lives.
Good Morning America Introduced Carlton to Mystery Shopping
Surprisingly, Carlton’s introduction came from an unexpected place.
“They had a segment on Good Morning America many years ago when I was at NYU, and that is how I got started. My first assignment was at Chemical Bank, which became Chase.”
Years later, after career changes and a move to Texas, mystery shopping continues to fit into his life.
Shirley Was Looking for Additional Income
Shirley discovered mystery shopping while researching side hustles online.
“I was looking for an opportunity to earn additional income outside of my full-time job when I came across mystery shopping while researching side hustles online.”
Once she began receiving assignments, she quickly realized she enjoyed the work.
“After receiving assignments, I quickly discovered that I enjoyed the work and have continued mystery shopping ever since.”
Kathy Came Back
Kathy’s mystery shopping story includes a long pause.
“Well, I’m recently back into it after probably a 10 year break…. But what’s keeping me in it now is just the flexibility that I have and being able to bring in a little extra money for extras for me like vacations or getting my nails done, etc. I also like the connections that I have with other mystery shoppers and schedulers.”
So, many shoppers discover that customer experience research is something they can return to as careers, families and schedules change.
How to Get Started in Mystery Shopping: Build Confidence One Assignment at a Time
Starting can feel intimidating.
In fact, Tammy remembers exactly what helped build her confidence.
“After having a few of my first jobs approved was what built my confidence when I first started. Then, after I got paid for a couple of my jobs, that even built my confidence even more.”
Every experienced shopper was once new.
Every experienced shopper had questions.
Every experienced shopper learned through experience.
Mystery shopping is better when shared.
For anyone wondering how to get started in mystery shopping, these stories offer the most honest answer: begin with one assignment, follow the client requirements carefully and allow confidence to grow through experience.
Yet, the stories we heard at ShopperFest and through our Shopper Insight Panel all point to the same conclusion:
Everyone starts somewhere.
Want to continue investigating behind the scenes in the mystery shopping industry?