Find out the maximum distance worth driving for any shop fee. Stop losing money on gas and wear before you even start the assignment.
Why Mileage Matters More Than You Think
The shop fee isn’t your profit. It’s your gross pay. Your real earnings come after expenses — and mileage is usually the biggest expense for mystery shoppers.
The IRS sets a standard mileage rate based on real vehicle costs. For 2026, it’s $0.725 per mile. This covers gas, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and wear.
That 50-mile round trip? It costs you $36.25 in real expenses. If the shop pays $30, you’re losing money before you even write the report.
🚗 Break-Even Mileage Calculator
Enter a shop fee to see the maximum distance worth driving. Add actual miles to compare.
Your Results
📊 Your Shop Comparison
* Based on 2026 IRS mileage rate of $0.725/mile. Does not include time costs.
Break-Even Mileage by Shop Fee
Here’s a quick reference using the 2026 IRS rate of $0.725 per mile.
| Shop Fee | Break-Even Round Trip |
|---|---|
| $10 | 13.8 miles |
| $15 | 20.7 miles |
| $20 | 27.6 miles |
| $25 | 34.5 miles |
| $30 | 41.4 miles |
| $40 | 55.2 miles |
| $50 | 69.0 miles |
| $75 | 103.4 miles |
| $100 | 137.9 miles |
If a $15 shop is 25 miles away round trip, you’re already in the red on mileage alone.
When to Ignore the Math
Numbers don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes a shop past your break-even point is still worth taking.
Route Batching
If you’re doing three shops in one trip, the mileage gets split across all of them. A distant shop that’s terrible alone might make sense as part of a route.
Shops on Your Commute
A gas station shop near your workplace adds almost no extra miles. The “distance” in your calculation should be extra miles, not total miles from home.
Bonused Shops
A $15 shop with a $20 bonus is now a $35 shop. That changes the break-even math completely. Always recalculate when bonuses appear.
Building Your Reputation
Early in your career, some low-value shops help build your ratings. Think of the loss as an investment in better opportunities later.
Remember: Break-even mileage only covers the cost of driving. It doesn’t account for your time. Use the True Hourly Rate Calculator for the complete picture.
Want the Complete Mileage Guide?
Learn about tracking mileage, tax deductions, and route planning strategies.
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