Ipsos Mystery Shopping UK Review – Can You Really Get Paid to Shop?

Fancy getting paid to shop, eat out, or visit a petrol station? It might sound too good to be true, but mystery shopping is a real (and surprisingly fun) way to earn extra money — and Ipsos is one of the most trusted companies offering it.

In this post, I’ll explain exactly what mystery shopping with Ipsos involves, how much you can earn, what kind of jobs are available, and how to get started — even if you’ve never done anything like this before.

💼 What is Ipsos Mystery Shopping?

Ipsos is one of the largest research companies in the world, and they run a mystery shopping division called iShopFor Ipsos. The goal is simple: to evaluate customer service and make sure businesses are meeting their standards.

As a mystery shopper, you visit a business (like a supermarket, bank, fast-food restaurant, or petrol station), act like a normal customer, and then report back on your experience.

You’ll usually get paid a fee, and sometimes your purchase is reimbursed too — so it's a little earner and a freebie in one.

🛍️ What Kind of Shops or Jobs Can You Do?

Ipsos works with a wide range of industries, so you’ll find mystery shopping tasks in places like:

• 🛒 Supermarkets (checking promotions, service, or cleanliness)

  
  

• ⛽ Petrol stations (checking staff interaction and upselling)

  
  

• 🍔 Fast food restaurants (ordering food and evaluating service)

  
  

• 🏦 Banks or post offices (checking staff product knowledge or signage)

  
  

• 📱 Phone shops (asking about mobile plans)

  
  

• 🏨 Hotels (sometimes more advanced assignments)

  
  

• 🎯 Retail stores (checking layout, stock levels, or queue times)

  
  

Some tasks are simple — like taking a few photos or timing how long you wait in line — while others involve having a conversation with a staff member or pretending to be interested in a specific service.

💷 How Much Do You Get Paid?

It depends on the task — but generally:

• Basic tasks (like visiting a petrol station) pay around £5–£10

  
  

• Mid-level tasks (like a restaurant visit) can pay £10–£20, with meal reimbursement

  
  

• More advanced tasks (like bank visits or hotel stays) can offer £30+

  
  

You’ll always be told the fee upfront, and some jobs include a full or partial reimbursement for what you buy.

For example:If you visit a fast food place and spend £5, you might earn £10 plus your £5 back = £15 total value.

📲 How Do You Apply for Tasks?

1. Register at iShopForIpsos.com – free and easy to do

   
   

2. Fill out your profile and demographics (age, gender, car access, etc.)

   
   

3. Check the job board for available assignments in your area

   
   

4. Apply or accept a task – some are instant, some are assigned

   
   

5. Read the brief carefully – it tells you what to look for, say, or ask

   
   

6. Visit the location, complete the task, and submit your report online

   
   

7. Get paid via bank transfer or PayPal, usually within 2–4 weeks

   
   

🔒 Is Ipsos Mystery Shopping Legit?

Yes — Ipsos is a legitimate and trusted market research company, and their mystery shopping platform is one of the safest and most established in the UK.

They don’t ask for payment, there are no hidden fees, and you’re never asked to buy expensive items unless they’re fully reimbursed.

⚠️ Important: If any site ever asks for money to “join” a mystery shopping program, it’s a scam — Ipsos never charges.

✅ Pros of Ipsos Mystery Shopping

• 💸 Get paid for short, flexible tasks

  
  

• 🍔 Often includes free food or petrol reimbursement

  
  

• 🏡 Choose when and where you work

  
  

• 🔐 Backed by a reputable research company

  
  

• 🧾 Detailed briefs and easy online reports

  
  

• 🛍️ Can be fun and different from typical online work

❌ Cons to Consider

• 📍 Tasks depend on your location – more in cities/towns

  
  

• 📝 Requires detailed reports (you must follow instructions)

  
  

• 🕐 Some visits are time-sensitive (e.g. lunch hours)

  
  

• 💼 You’re a contractor, not an employee — so no holiday pay etc.

💡 Tips for Getting the Most from It

• ✅ Check the job board regularly – new tasks appear daily

  
  

• 📆 Be reliable – no-shows may limit future opportunities

  
  

• 🧐 Read the brief thoroughly – missing key details can affect payment

  
  

• 📸 Take clear photos if required – use your phone

  
  

• 💬 Don’t overthink it – just act like a normal customer!

🙋‍♀️ Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn some extra money that isn’t just another survey, Ipsos Mystery Shopping is absolutely worth trying.

You don’t need experience. You don’t need to spend hours glued to a screen. And the variety keeps things interesting.

It’s perfect for stay-at-home parents, students, part-time workers, or anyone wanting a side hustle that gets them out and about now and then — especially if you can combine it with errands or school runs.

✨ Final Thoughts

Ipsos Mystery Shopping is one of the more trusted and well-run mystery shopping platforms out there. With fair pay, detailed briefs, and regular assignments, it’s a fab way to earn a little side money while doing something a bit different.

While it won’t replace a full-time job, it’s a lovely little top-up hustle — especially if you like a change from surveys and enjoy real-world tasks.

So if you’ve ever wanted to get paid to visit shops, eat out, or check customer service in action, give it a go. You might be surprised at how enjoyable it is — and your bank balance will thank you too!

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