How I Use Mystery Shopping as a Way to Save

I’ve been mystery shopping for over ten years now. While some people use it as a side hustle or extra income, I see it a little differently. For me, mystery shopping is more like getting a coupon for something I already wanted to do: like eating out, buying a coffee, or even browsing a store I enjoy.

So instead of clipping a paper coupon or scrolling through discount codes, I do a little bit of easy work and enjoy the reward.


💡 What Is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping is when a company hires you to visit a store, restaurant, or other business and evaluate your experience. You pretend to be a regular customer but afterward you report on how clean the store was, how friendly the staff were, or how fast your food came.

In exchange, you often get reimbursed for what you bought or paid a small fee for your time. I personally do it for the perks. I go places I already like and save money on meals, products, or services I would have spent money on anyway.

🎟️ Think of It as a Coupon

Let’s say I want to go out to dinner this weekend. If I see that a restaurant is available for a mystery shop, I sign up. I go, enjoy my meal, take a few mental notes, and later fill out a report. The next thing I know, the cost of dinner is reimbursed.

That is how I view mystery shopping. Not as income but as a way to stretch my dollars. It's like giving myself permission to treat my family without the guilt of spending full price.

💖 My Favorite Shops to Do

Over the years, my favorite mystery shops have definitely been restaurants, movies, and quality hotels. It feels like such a treat to enjoy a well-prepared meal, a fun movie outing, or a relaxing overnight stay, all while knowing I’ll be reimbursed or receive a generous discount.

The hotel shops often require more detailed feedback, but they’re totally worth it for the experience and savings.

✅ Why I Recommend It

If you like being observant, following instructions, and writing brief reports, this is such a helpful tool for saving money. It adds up over time too. I’ve had free meals, coffee shop visits, even oil changes; all in return for just a little attention to detail.

🧭 Where to Start if You’re New

If you’ve never mystery shopped before and you’re curious about it, I highly recommend starting with MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association). It’s a trusted organization and a good place to learn how things work.

There are a lot of scams out there that promise big payouts or ask for upfront money. MSPA can help you avoid those and connect you with legit companies that really need shoppers.

🔍 Some Simple Tips

  • Always follow the instructions closely

  • Keep receipts and notes for your report

  • Be honest and fair in your feedback

  • Only take shops you’re actually interested in

📝 Simple Wrap-Up

Mystery shopping has quietly saved me hundreds of dollars over the years. It’s flexible and simple. Best of all, it turns things I already wanted to do into opportunities to save. If you like finding small, clever ways to live more sensibly and simply, mystery shopping might be a fun tool to add to your routine.

👉 Looking for more simple ways to save?
Explore my other money-saving posts.

What are your favorite type of mystery shops to do? Let me know in the comments.

Sensible and simple as always,
Kat

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Location: Michigan, USA

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