Mystery Shopping: My BestMark Review
Mystery shopping can be a fun way to make some money on the side. I started mystery shopping with BestMark. What I like about BestMark is that their application process is easy! There is no sign up fee or any start up costs involved. Once you are approved you are given a list of open shops in your area. This list will tell you what the assignment involves and how much it pays. For some shops you may be required to purchase a small item. I always choose a water, soda or gum-something cheap because it is not reimbursed. Last week I chose to pick up an oil change assignment. I went for the oil change and will be reimbursed for the oil change as well as a flat rate for doing the shop! How cool is that? Free oil change and extra money!
I don’t do secret shops very often, but I really like working with BestMark. They pay by check twice monthly and they have a great support team. Anytime I’ve had questions they were readily available and very friendly. You can reach their support team by phone or email. This last oil change shop I had an emergency come up at the last minute and I was able to reschedule with no issues. I will continue using BestMark for local shops that interest me and definitely for shops involving oil changes!
Getting Started
Just so you know it’s not as easy as going in and pretending to shop! You really need to have an eye and ear for detail to be a secret shopper. Be sure to read all the requirements before you go to your shop because some shops have specific instructions for example, one specific instruction I had was “if the employee doesn’t give you a wait time you must ask for a wait time.” I might not have remembered that if I didn’t make a note on my phone. And some shops want you to secret shop a certain department, so you really need to know exactly what to do before you go! Not to worry though, BestMark gives you all the information and even has you do a little “test” before your shop to make sure you understand everything.
Secret Shopping
You’ll have to use your phone for taking notes and keep track of every employee you interact with. This usually isn’t so hard. I pull up a note on my iPhone and pretend I’m texting-then I make a note of the person’s name, body type info and anything else that I notice. Make a note of the time! Always have your watch and phone with you! Some shops do not allow you to bring kids, so keep that in mind when scheduling shops. The good thing is that you might be able to schedule the shops for a time when your husband or another family member can help out with the kids.
After the Shop
After the shop, you log back into Best Mark and they’ll have a survey for you to take. You’ll need your notes and receipt with you. I love that you can upload the receipt by taking a picture of it on your phone. Too easy! The survey usually takes me less than 20 mins to complete and that’s when I am distracted by kids or work. Much less time if I am really concentrating, which I recommend doing! Pick a time you can sit with the least amount of distractions. Most surveys are due by 10am the day after your shop, so it’s not like you have to rush home and get it done. Do keep in mind there are deductions if your survey is late!
Click Here to apply! Enter shopper ID # TX59475 on page 2 of your application.
Some requirements from the BestMark website:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Must have reliable transportation
- Must have good written communication skills
- Must be able to focus on details
- Must have full internet access (at home or at work)
Do you get the Resource Page?
Each week I'll send you the latest Resource Page. In it, you'll find
- Handy tips for focusing on positivity throughout your week.
- Tricks for getting your kids to listen to your every word (just kidding,Girl-- I'm still working on getting my kids to listen!) But I will send you fun activity ideas for you and your kids to do together.
- Useful tools that I come across, like meal planning ideas and such!
