Business idea · Agency
Mystery Shopping as a Side Hustle
Mystery Shopping as a Side Hustle: This service allows individuals to evaluate customer service at various businesses in exchange for reimbursement and payment for their time. It was pitched on The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper, in the episode "580: 2 Quick and Easy to Start Side Hustles to Make Extra Money" (aired September 21, 2023).
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | 580: 2 Quick and Easy to Start Side Hustles to Make Extra Money |
| Aired | September 21, 2023 |
| Category | Agency |
| Real companies on the episode | Shared Town |
The problem it solves
This provides a way for consumers to earn money while giving feedback on customer experiences that companies rely on to improve services. Current mystery shopping options can be confusing and often involve scams, making it hard for new shoppers to find legitimate opportunities.
How it makes money
Freelance gig economy
Skills you need
Observation and reporting skills Ability to follow guidelines and instructions Strong written communication for report submissions Basic familiarity with online job boards and applications
The market, and why this works now
Mystery shopping thrives on the rise of remote work and flexible employment, allowing individuals to choose their own hours while assessing customer service. A viable first-revenue move is to promote the service on platforms like Reddit, specifically in subreddits focused on side hustles or gig economy jobs, where potential shoppers seek legitimate opportunities. However, new entrants should be cautious of the time investment required to complete assignments and write detailed reports, as well as the possibility of encountering scams that may distract from genuine opportunities.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Shared Town
Shared Town, founded by Chris Torres and his wife, is a platform for furniture and mattress flipping. Users can pick up returned items and resell them on marketplaces like Facebook without having to purchase the inventory upfront. The app connects you with local pickups, allowing for a flexible side hustle that can be managed part-time.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper
Episode: 580: 2 Quick and Easy to Start Side Hustles to Make Extra Money
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.