This BestMark review covers one of the oldest names in the industry. BestMark has been around since 1986. They work with over 600,000 shoppers across the US and Canada.
BestMark mystery shopping serves Fortune 500 companies in dozens of industries. That means lots of shops for people like you.
But here’s the catch. Recent shopper reviews tell a mixed story. Some love the variety. Others report serious payment delays. Let’s break down what you need to know in this BestMark review.
Quick Facts
Sign Up for BestMark Visit Website
Company Background
BestMark was founded in 1986 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They now operate from St. Louis Park, MN. That makes them one of the oldest BestMark mystery shopping providers in the business.
The company partners with Fortune 500, Fortune 100, and Fortune 50 clients. They claim to have over 600,000 independent contractors in their network.
BestMark mystery shopping covers more than 13,000 cities and towns. They’re also one of the few companies licensed to operate in Nevada. That state requires a private investigator license for mystery shopping work.
How to Sign Up for BestMark Mystery Shopping
Signing up is free and pretty quick. Go to the BestMark website and click “Become a Mystery Shopper.”
You’ll answer lots of questions. They ask about your demographics, interests, and shopping habits. Do you have a Costco membership? Own Apple products? Use Amazon Prime? Your answers help match you to the right shops.
Basic Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Reliable transportation
- Good written communication skills
- Internet access at home
- Attention to detail
BestMark recommends getting a tax ID number from the IRS. This helps you work as a true independent contractor. You can market your services to multiple mystery shopping companies.
BestMark Review: Payment Details
This is where things get tricky. Let’s look at the official policy first. Then we’ll cover what shoppers actually report.
Official Payment Schedule
BestMark says payments come between the 15th and 20th of each month. You get paid for shops completed and approved the previous month.
Example: You complete a shop on January 10th. It gets approved by January 31st. Payment arrives around February 15th-20th.
Payment Methods
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| PayPal | Most popular option among shoppers |
| Direct Deposit | Money goes straight to your bank |
| Gift Card | Delivered by mail |
Typical Pay Ranges
| Shop Type | Fee | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Retail shops | $5-$15 | Varies |
| Restaurant shops | $10-$20 | $30-$50 meal |
| Car wash shops | $0 | $25 car wash |
| Automotive shops | $15-$35 | Oil change or service |
| Phone/online shops | $3-$5 | None |
| Beauty/spa shops | $35 | Free service |
Pay rates for BestMark mystery shopping tend to run lower than some competitors. The sweet spot is finding shops where reimbursements cover things you’d buy anyway.
Payment Concerns in Recent Reviews
Many shoppers report payment delays in 2024-2025 reviews. Some waited months for approved shops. Others never received payment at all. This is a significant red flag in this BestMark review. Start with small shops to test the waters.
Types of BestMark Mystery Shopping Available
BestMark works across more industries than most companies. Here’s what you might find on the job board.
Industries Served
- Restaurants: Fast food, casual dining, bars, happy hour
- Retail: Fashion, electronics, grocery, supermarkets
- Automotive: Dealerships, oil changes, car washes, tire shops
- Financial: Banks, credit unions
- Hospitality: Hotels, resorts
- Entertainment: Casinos, movie theaters
- Apartments: Leasing offices, property management
- Beauty: Salons, spas, waxing services
- Cannabis: Dispensary compliance audits
- Convenience: Gas stations, service stations
Assignment Types
- In-person mystery shops: Visit a location and evaluate service
- Intercept interviews: Talk to customers as they exit stores
- Compliance audits: Check if stores follow rules and regulations
- Phone shops: Call dealerships or businesses
- Online evaluations: Assess websites or online services
MSPA Membership and BBB Rating
BestMark holds Elite Member status with the MSPA. That’s the highest tier of membership. They’ve been a member since 2020 at the Elite level.
They also have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and are BBB accredited. However, the BBB page shows customer complaints about payment issues.
BestMark Review: What Shoppers Say
This BestMark review has to address the elephant in the room. Shopper feedback is very mixed right now.
What Shoppers Like
- Wide variety of shop types
- Nationwide coverage
- Easy sign-up process
- Detailed job listings
- Automotive shops pay well
- Free meals and services
- Nearly 40 years in business
Common Complaints
- Payment delays (weeks to months)
- Low base pay on many shops
- Strict 10 AM deadline for reports
- Hard to reach support
- Reimbursements don’t cover full costs
- Emails sometimes ignored
- Shops canceled without pay
The Payment Problem
Here’s the biggest issue in recent BestMark mystery shopping feedback. Many shoppers report not getting paid on time. Some waited 3-4 months. Others say they never received payment at all.
One shopper on Glassdoor rated them 2.2 out of 5 stars. Another on Trustpilot wrote they’ve been waiting since August 2022 for a single payment.
To be fair, other shoppers defend BestMark. One long-time shopper said they’ve never missed a payment in six years. Another praised the clear instructions and good schedulers.
How to Protect Yourself
Start with small, low-cost shops. Don’t spend your own money on expensive shops until you’ve been paid at least once. Keep records of everything. Screenshot your submissions. Email multiple contacts if you don’t hear back.
The Report Deadline
BestMark mystery shopping has a strict deadline. Reports are due by 10 AM Central time the next day. That’s early morning for West Coast shoppers.
Miss the deadline? You might not get paid. Some shoppers say there’s no wiggle room. Others report success by texting their scheduler for extensions.
Tips for BestMark Mystery Shopping Success
- Read everything carefully. BestMark assignments have detailed checklists. One mistake can void your pay.
- Submit reports same day. Don’t risk the 10 AM deadline. Do it right after your shop.
- Start small. Test the payment process before taking expensive shops.
- Build scheduler relationships. Good communication gets you better shops.
- Keep all receipts. You’ll need them for reimbursement.
- Check the job board often. New assignments post throughout the month.
- Document everything. Screenshot your submissions and approvals.
BestMark Scam Alert
BestMark is a legitimate company. But scammers sometimes impersonate them. Here’s what to watch for.
Red Flags of BestMark Scams
- Asked to cash a check and wire money back
- Contact from non-@bestmark.com email addresses
- Requests to meet in person for training
- Fees charged to become a shopper
- Asked to buy gift cards and share PIN numbers
- Unsolicited mail saying you were “selected”
The real BestMark never charges fees. They never ask you to cash checks or transfer money. Report scams to the FTC at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | bestmark.com |
| Shopper Email | shops@bestmark.com |
| Phone | (952) 922-3890 |
| Headquarters | 1600 Utica Ave South, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm |
Final Verdict: Is BestMark Mystery Shopping Worth It?
That’s the tough question in this BestMark review. The answer depends on your situation.
On the plus side, BestMark mystery shopping offers huge variety. They’ve been around nearly 40 years. They have MSPA Elite membership and BBB accreditation. The automotive and restaurant shops can provide nice perks.
On the downside, recent payment issues are concerning. Many shoppers report delays or non-payment. The base pay runs lower than competitors. And that 10 AM deadline is unforgiving.
My advice? Give BestMark mystery shopping a try, but proceed with caution. Start with small shops that won’t hurt if payment delays happen. Build a track record before taking expensive assignments. And always keep detailed records.
If you get paid on time, great. You’ve found another reliable company. If not, you haven’t lost much by testing the waters first.