iShopFor Ipsos is the world’s largest mystery shopping company. They operate in over 180 countries and have more than 1 million registered shoppers. If you’re serious about mystery shopping, this is one company you’ll want on your list.
Ipsos has won the MSPA Americas Shopper’s Choice Award seven years running. That’s a big deal—it means real shoppers voted them as one of the best to work with. But the reviews aren’t all glowing. Some shoppers love the fast pay and steady work. Others complain about strict guidelines and rejected shops.
Here’s everything you need to know before signing up.
Quick Facts
Sign Up for iShopFor Ipsos Register on Sassie
Company Background
Ipsos is a French market research company founded in 1975. They’re publicly traded on the Paris stock exchange and employ around 18,000 people worldwide. The mystery shopping division is just one part of their business.
In January 2020, Ipsos bought the mystery shopping division from Maritz for $9 million. That purchase brought over 35 years of North American experience and big-name clients in automotive, banking, and oil and gas. Before that, Ipsos acquired Market Pulse International in Asia-Pacific and parts of GfK’s customer experience business.
The mystery shopping brand operates under the name “iShopFor Ipsos” with its own website and shopper portal. Craig Bradley leads the global Channel Performance division, with Nick Mercurio heading US operations.
How to Sign Up
Here’s the tricky part. Ipsos uses two different platforms for their shops. You’ll want to register on both to see all available work.
| Platform | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shopmetrics | usa.ishopforipsos.com | Primary platform for many shops |
| Sassie | SassieShop.com | Different inventory of shops |
Basic Requirements
You don’t need experience to get started. But you do need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Need a valid US Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Must have a PayPal account (no exceptions)
- Smartphone required for photos and data capture
- Internet access for viewing jobs and submitting reports
Registration is free. Ipsos will never ask you to pay to join. If someone asks for money upfront, it’s a scam—not the real company.
Certification Process
Some shops require you to pass a certification quiz first. These quizzes test whether you understand the guidelines for that specific shop type. New shoppers also complete a briefing process during onboarding.
The mobile app (iShopFor Ipsos NEXT) includes guided tutorials to help you learn the ropes. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
Payment Details
Ipsos markets itself as having “the fastest payment in the industry.” That claim holds up—most mystery shopping companies pay monthly. Ipsos pays within 7-10 business days after your shop is approved.
PayPal Required
Ipsos only pays through PayPal. No direct deposit. No checks. No alternatives. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you’ll need to set one up before you can get paid.
Typical Pay Ranges
| Shop Type | Typical Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Standard in-person shops | $10-$30 |
| Simple evaluations | $8-$15 |
| Restaurant mystery shops | Fee + full meal reimbursement |
| Audit opportunities | Up to several hundred dollars |
| Phone/digital shops | Lower pay, no travel costs |
Pay and reimbursement amounts show up before you accept any shop. You’ll always know what you’re getting into. Some shops let you keep the products you buy. Restaurant shops often let you bring a guest.
Types of Shops Available
Ipsos offers a wide range of shop types across many industries. Here’s what you might find on the job boards.
Shop Formats
- In-person visits: Retail stores, restaurants, banks, car dealerships, hotels, gas stations
- Phone shops: Calling businesses with assigned scenarios
- Digital shops: Website testing, app interactions, live chat evaluations
- Video mystery shopping: Recording video during your visit
- Audits: Higher-paying store condition and compliance checks
Industries Served
Ipsos works with clients in automotive, financial services, fast food and QSR, healthcare, luxury retail, gas stations, utilities, general retail, technology, and travel and hospitality. They also do age verification shops for alcohol and cannabis in some areas.
MSPA Membership and Awards
Ipsos is a member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). That’s the main trade group for the industry. Members agree to follow ethical standards and best practices.
More impressive: Ipsos has won the MSPA Americas Shopper’s Choice Award seven consecutive years from 2018 to 2025. This award comes from votes by real shoppers. It means people who do the work think Ipsos is one of the best companies to work with.
In Europe and Africa, Ipsos holds MSPA Elite Member status. That’s the highest membership level available.
What Shoppers Say
Shopper opinions on Ipsos are split down the middle. Some love it. Others have had bad experiences. The difference usually comes down to one thing: following guidelines exactly.
What Shoppers Like
- Fast payment (7-10 days)
- High volume of available jobs
- Many shoppers use Ipsos as their main income source
- Helpful support staff (when responsive)
- Clear job postings with pay shown upfront
- Free meals and products to keep
Common Complaints
- Shops rejected for minor guideline issues
- No partial payment—it’s all or nothing
- Appeals process is difficult
- Inconsistent review times (hours to weeks)
- App can be glitchy
- Risk of losing money on rejected restaurant shops
The Key to Success with Ipsos
Read the guidelines for every single shop. Then read them again. Ipsos requires 100% compliance to get paid. Miss one detail and you could lose the entire fee and reimbursement. Shoppers who follow instructions exactly tend to have great experiences. Those who cut corners often complain about rejections.
Tips from Experienced Shoppers
- Read guidelines completely before starting any shop
- Register on both Sassie and Shopmetrics for more opportunities
- Respond to editor questions within 12 hours
- Keep your own records of every shop
- Start with simple shops before taking expensive restaurant assignments
- Don’t travel far for shops until you know the requirements well
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Shopper Support Phone | +1 833-782-0500 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) |
| General Support Email | mystery.shopping@ipsos.com |
| Canada Support | canada@ishopforipsos.com |
| US Headquarters | 222 W. Adams Street, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Mobile App | iShopFor Ipsos NEXT (iOS & Android) |
Ipsos is also active on social media. Find them on Facebook (ishopforipsos), Instagram (@ishopforipsos_US), and TikTok (@ishopforipsos.us).
Is iShopFor Ipsos Worth It?
For most mystery shoppers, yes. Ipsos is the biggest name in the industry for a reason. They have more shops available than almost anyone else. The pay is competitive, and they get money to you faster than most companies.
But success requires attention to detail. The strict compliance standards frustrate some shoppers. If you’re willing to read guidelines carefully and follow them exactly, Ipsos can become a steady source of income. Many experienced shoppers say it’s their primary company.
Start with simple shops to learn how Ipsos operates. Build your reputation with successful assignments before taking on expensive restaurant or high-value shops. Once you understand their expectations, you’ll know whether Ipsos is the right fit for your mystery shopping business.