Mystery Shopping with I-SPY Hospitality

I-SPY Hospitality provides mystery shopping services for hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and hotels and resorts, and other service-based companies, such as colleges and universities, fitness centers and car washes.

Our clients invest in the quality, usability and accuracy of our reports to improve their customer experience. The independent contractors we assign to mystery shop play a pivotal role. If you are interested in learning how to become a mystery shopper, please fill out an application.

Mystery Shopper Testimonials

“I pursued working with i-SPY hospitality due to my love of restaurants. Having worked in the hospitality industry I enjoyed the challenge of observing the many details that entail eating at a restaurant. I recommend this company with my all.”

“I have been mystery shopping with i-SPY for 10 years. Their approach to mystery shopping is much more professional than competitors. I hold myself to high standards in my work. Clients use the reports to improve service and meal quality.”

“I got to dine at restaurants I would not have visited. I received payments quickly. Scheduling is flexible. Working with i-SPY hospitality was a wonderful experience, and I’m disappointed that I’m not able to do it longer because my real work schedule.”

“I love to mystery shop with i-SPY. My reports and meals count for something. We help restaurants discover how their operation is running in real time. I’m happy to have found this opportunity and be a part of the mystery shopping team.”

“Over the past two years, I’ve had many meals with friends at some of the best restaurants in the area. Experiencing new cocktails, menu items, and trendy venues is fun. The instructions for the mystery shops are detailed. I’m reimbursed for the meal (on average $150-$250), plus paid $15.”

“I’m fortunate to be a part of the i-SPY mystery shopping hospitality team. I was given the chance to eat at some of the finest restaurants in NYC — and I do so several times a month. They are flexible with scheduling, providing concise feedback and quickly responds to questions.”

“I’ve worked with i-SPY almost two years as a mystery shopper and enjoy my experience. I’ve completed over 100 assignments and find the instructions clear. I get to treat family and friends to a wonderful meal. Sometimes these meals cost $300 — not bad compensation! They have high standards, and I imagine the reports are useful to their clients.”

Mystery Shopper 101 and FAQs

Q: What is a Mystery Shopper or Secret Shopper?

A: A person tasked, as an independent third party, to visit an establishment, as a typical guest, anonymously. They collect information and objectively report what occurred during the experience.

Q: What am I paid? 

A: Compensation includes:

• Restaurant assignments are typically a meal for two, with reimbursement ranging from $20 to $250 or more. Retail and sales compliance assignments include instructions on what to purchase, if anything.
• A fee for the work, typically ranging from $10 to $20.

Q: How long will it take to get paid?

A: After a report is submitted, the editing process takes less than one week. Once a completed report is sent to the client, payment is electronically filed.

Q: What characteristics are necessary to be a successful mystery shopper?

A: we look for the following:

• Superior retention
• Advanced writing skills
• Pays strict attention to details
• Follows instructions
• Reliable and submits reports within 24 hours
• Accepts feedback (does not take it personally)
• No dietary restrictions

Q: What commitment must I make?

A: At least ONE assignment per month

Q: How long do reports take me?

A: It depends on the type of assignment. For casual restaurants, the report may take you 30 to 40 minutes. For a full-service restaurant, the report may take you 2 to 2.5 hours.

Q: How do I become a mystery shopper with i-SPY?

A: It’s super easy!

• Fill out an application online or register with an affiliate partner
• Fill out and return the Independent Contractor Agreement
• Sign up for an assignment

Q: How does scheduling work?

A: Assignments are based on your availability and experience, coupled with the client’s need. Our scheduling is very flexible.

Q: Am I an employee if I sign up and perform mystery shops for i-SPY?

A: No. Mystery shoppers are independent contractors. A 1099 for taxes is needed if you earn $600 or more in a year.