This Second To None review covers a mystery shopping company with 35+ years in business. Second To None works with major brands like Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and Xfinity across the US and Canada.
Second To None mystery shopping operates through the CX Group Shopper Hub. They have nearly 700,000 shoppers and an A+ BBB rating. Their founder, Jeff Hall, is in the MSPA Hall of Fame.
But is Second To None right for you? This Second To None review breaks down their payment system, shop types, and what real shoppers say about the experience.
Quick Facts
Sign Up for Second To None Visit Website
Company Background
Second To None was founded in 1989 by Jeff Hall in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company started after Jeff was mystery shopped while working as a waiter during college.
That experience sparked an idea. Jeff saw how mystery shopping could help businesses improve customer service. He launched Second To None right after graduating from the University of Michigan.
Today, Second To None mystery shopping operates as part of the CX Group. They have nearly 700,000 shoppers across North America. Their headquarters remain in Ann Arbor.
Industry Leadership
Jeff Hall serves on the MSPA Board of Directors. He’s also in the MSPA Hall of Fame—one of few company founders to earn that honor.
Second To None is a founding member of the International Mystery Shopping Alliance (IMSA). They’re known for treating shoppers well and paying fairly.
Notable Clients
Second To None mystery shopping works with major national brands:
- Starbucks
- Krispy Kreme (since 2005)
- Xfinity/Comcast
- BP Gas Stations
- Kroger
- Chipotle
- Citibank
- YETI
- Under Armour
Their top 5 clients alone operate over 21,000 locations with $137 billion in annual sales. That gives shoppers plenty of assignment options.
How to Sign Up for Second To None Mystery Shopping
Signing up is free and quick. You’ll register through the CX Group Shopper Hub.
Sign-Up Process
- Visit second-to-none.com and click “Become a Shopper”
- Create an account (email, Facebook, Google, or Apple)
- Provide your name, email, address, and phone number
- Accept the independent contractor agreement
- Complete your shopper profile with preferences
- Access the job board to view open shops
Basic Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Resident of the US or Canada
- Good observation skills
- Strong written communication
- Computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Reliable internet access and transportation
Some profile questions are state-specific. You may be asked about military service, smartphone use for phone shops, and other factors that affect which assignments you can access.
Pro Tip
Complete your full profile to unlock more Second To None mystery shopping assignments. The more details you provide, the better they can match you with relevant shops.
Second To None Review: Payment Details
Payment is a key factor in any mystery shopping company. Here’s how Second To None mystery shopping handles it.
Payment Methods
Second To None offers two payment options:
- Direct Deposit: Free, no fees
- PayPal: $1 processing fee per payment
Direct deposit is the better choice if you have a US bank account. PayPal is the only option for shoppers outside the US.
Payment Schedule
Payments go out on or before the 17th of each month. You get paid for shops completed in the previous calendar month.
| Shop Completion | Payment Date | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Any day in January | By February 17th | ~2-6 weeks |
| Any day in February | By March 17th | ~2-6 weeks |
There’s no minimum threshold to cash out. If you complete one shop, you’ll get paid for it on the next payment date.
Typical Pay Ranges
This Second To None review found that pay varies by assignment type:
| Shop Type | Typical Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard shops | $10-15 | Most common rate |
| Phone shops | $5-15 | Call-in evaluations |
| Restaurant shops | $10-25 + reimbursement | Food costs covered |
| Retail shops | $10-20 | May include purchases |
| Complex evaluations | $20-40+ | Higher-tier assignments |
Some reviews note that Second To None mystery shopping pay averages around $10 per job. That’s lower than some competitors offering $20+ per shop. But bonuses are available at certain times of the month for hard-to-fill assignments.
PayPal Fee
If you choose PayPal, a $1 fee is deducted from each monthly payment. Most competitors don’t charge this fee. Use direct deposit to avoid it.
Types of Second To None Mystery Shopping Available
Second To None mystery shopping covers many industries and evaluation styles.
Industries Served
- Food & Beverage: Coffee shops, restaurants, fast casual, donuts
- Retail: Grocery, specialty retail, convenience stores
- Financial Services: Banks, credit unions, insurance
- Healthcare: Medical practices, wellness centers
- Hospitality: Hotels, travel services
- Automotive: Gas stations, car services
- Telecommunications: Phone and cable providers
- Government: Public sector services
Evaluation Types
- In-store shops: Visit locations as a regular customer
- Phone shops: Call businesses and evaluate phone service
- Online shops: Test website and digital experiences
- Drive-thru evaluations: Assess speed and service
- Compliance audits: Check brand standards and regulations
- Competitive intelligence: Compare client to competitors
Second To None mystery shopping is especially known for phone shops. Many shoppers note that call-based assignments are plentiful. If you like working from home, this is a plus.
The Shopper Hub Platform
Second To None uses the CX Group Shopper Hub for all assignments. Here’s what to expect.
Job Board Features
Each listing includes:
- Job ID number
- Scenario details
- Required completion time
- Pay amount
- Any special notes or requirements
Some shops you can self-assign immediately. Others require you to request the assignment and wait for approval within 24 hours.
Tight Deadlines
Multiple reviews mention tight completion deadlines with Second To None mystery shopping. Once you accept a shop, you may have limited time to complete it. Make sure you can finish within the required window before accepting.
BBB Rating and Industry Standing
Second To None holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They’re MSPA members with over 35 years in business.
The company won the Inc. Magazine Best Workplaces Award in 2019. Jeff Hall’s MSPA Hall of Fame induction shows their industry respect.
Client Results
Second To None claims their mystery shopping programs drive a 26% average lift in customer satisfaction. Their proprietary reporting platform, Catapult, delivers real-time analytics to clients.
Second To None Review: What Shoppers Say
Shopper feedback on Second To None mystery shopping is mixed. Most praise the variety and flexibility. Some have concerns about pay and deadlines.
What Shoppers Like
- Lots of phone shop options
- Major brand assignments
- Free direct deposit
- No minimum payout threshold
- 35+ years in business
- MSPA Hall of Fame founder
- Easy sign-up process
- Fair treatment of shoppers
Common Complaints
- Average pay around $10 per shop
- $1 PayPal fee
- Tight completion deadlines
- Monthly payment (not weekly)
- Some report strict editors
- Clarification requests on reports
Long-Term Shopper Perspective
Mystery Shopper Magazine says Second To None is “many shoppers’ favorite mystery shopping company.” They note the treatment is good and the compensation is fair.
However, some BBB reviews mention issues with editors asking for clarifications. One shopper said they received questions about errors they did not make. Second To None responded that they sometimes need to verify observations.
The Phone Shop Advantage
If you prefer working from home, Second To None mystery shopping stands out. They have a high volume of call-in shops. You can complete these from anywhere with a phone.
Tips for Second To None Success
- Choose direct deposit. Avoid the $1 PayPal fee.
- Complete your full profile. Unlocks more assignment options.
- Check deadlines before accepting. They can be tight.
- Follow instructions exactly. Reduces clarification requests.
- Log in regularly. Email alerts may not cover every opportunity.
- Try phone shops. Good for home-based work.
- Watch for bonuses. Hard-to-fill shops pay more at month-end.
- Keep detailed notes. Makes report writing easier.
Second To None Scam Alert
Second To None is 100% legitimate. But scammers use their name for fake check schemes.
Red Flags of Scams Using Second To None’s Name
- Receiving a check in the mail claiming to be from them
- Asked to deposit a check and wire money elsewhere
- Asked to buy gift cards and send codes
- Contacted from Gmail, Yahoo, or other public email domains
- Unsolicited job offers you didn’t apply for
Real Second To None mystery shopping never sends checks. They pay only by PayPal or direct deposit. Sign up only through their official website.
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | second-to-none.com |
| Shopper Hub | second-to-none.com/become-a-shopper |
| Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder/CEO | Jeff Hall |
Final Verdict: Is Second To None Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line of this Second To None review.
Second To None mystery shopping is a solid choice for shoppers who want major brand assignments and phone shop flexibility. They’ve been in business 35+ years. Their A+ BBB rating and MSPA membership show credibility.
Nearly 700,000 shoppers use their platform. You’ll find assignments from Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, BP, and other recognizable names. Phone shops let you work from home.
The downsides? Pay averages around $10 per shop—lower than some competitors. The $1 PayPal fee is annoying. And tight deadlines can be stressful.
My recommendation? Sign up if you want variety and don’t mind average pay. Use direct deposit to skip the PayPal fee. And watch for bonuses on hard-to-fill shops.
Second To None mystery shopping won’t make you rich. But for flexibility, brand names, and home-based phone work, they’re worth adding to your roster.