140: How to Make $200–$500/Day as a Mystery Shopper

What if you could get paid to shop, eat out, visit theme parks—or even gamble at a casino resort?

That’s the reality for Mercedes, a seasoned mystery shopper who’s turned this flexible gig into a consistent income stream for over 12 years.

In this episode, she breaks down exactly how mystery shopping works and how total beginners can start earning $200 to $500 a day.

You’ll learn;

• the different types of mystery shops (from fast food joints to luxury cruises),
• what to expect, and how to stay organized,
• how to spot and avoid scams, and
• the key difference between high-paying “anchor” shops and lower-paying “filler” ones.

Mercedes shares how to get your first few gigs, why building a reputation is key to unlocking premium opportunities, and how to strategically plan your day to maximize your earnings.

Whether you're curious about mystery shopping as a fun side hustle or serious about building it into a full-time income, this conversation will give you the insights—and confidence—to get started. Plus, Mercedes reveals where to find legit mystery shopping jobs and 3 of the platforms she recommends to her own students.

Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!

Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.

For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/140

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