Market Force Information is one of the biggest names in mystery shopping. They run over 100,000 shops every month. That’s a lot of work for shoppers like you.
The company has been around since 2005. They hold an A+ rating with the BBB. And they’ve been an MSPA member for over a decade.
But here’s the thing. Shopper reviews are all over the place. Some people love Market Force. Others have had real problems getting paid. Let’s dig into what you need to know.
Quick Facts
Sign Up for Market Force Shopper Login
Company Background
Market Force was founded in 2005 in Louisville, Colorado. The company now has offices in the US, Canada, UK, France, and Spain.
In March 2024, MCI (Marlowe Companies) acquired Market Force. The company serves over 350 clients across restaurants, retail, grocery, convenience stores, and financial services.
Here’s a fun fact. Market Force has roots going back to 1972. Their predecessor company was called Shop ‘N Chek. Some shoppers have worked with them for over 20 years.
The company claims to have over 400,000 mystery shoppers worldwide. They also acquired Certified Marketing Services to expand their reach.
How to Sign Up
Signing up is simple. Go to the Market Force website and click “Become a Mystery Shopper.”
You’ll need to provide basic info: name, address, phone, email. They’ll also ask about your age and background.
Shopper Levels
Market Force uses a leveling system. Here’s how it works:
| Level | Requirements | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic sign-up | Test shop only (won’t get paid until Level 2) |
| Level 2 | Add SSN/SIN and address | Get paid for shops |
Important: Level Up Within 90 Days
If you complete a Level 1 shop, you have 90 days to reach Level 2. Miss that deadline? You lose the payment for that shop.
Basic Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma required
- US or Canadian resident (UK and Europe have separate portals)
- Smartphone helpful for the mobile app
- Bank account or PayPal for payment
Payment Details
Market Force pays once per month. That’s slower than some companies. Here’s what to expect.
Payment Schedule
Shops approved in one month get paid the following month. Direct deposit hits around the 15th. Checks go out by the 20th.
Example: You complete a shop on January 10th. It gets approved January 15th. You’ll see payment around February 15th-20th.
Payment Methods
| Method | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit (ACH) | Around the 15th | Preferred method, arrives first |
| PayPal | Around the 20th | Default if no payment method selected |
| Check | By the 20th | Slowest option |
Typical Pay Ranges
| Shop Type | Typical Fee | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Fast food shops | $0-$10 | $9-$17 meal |
| Casual dining | $10-$20 | $30-$50 meal |
| Phone verification calls | $3-$5 | None |
| Retail shops | $10-$25 | Varies |
| Remote/bonus shops | $50+ | Varies |
Base fees often start low ($0-$10). But fees increase if nobody takes the shop. Some shoppers report earning $50+ on bonused shops in remote areas.
Types of Shops Available
Market Force works with many industries. Here’s what you might find on the job board.
Industries Served
- Restaurants: Fast food, casual dining, coffee shops
- Retail: Fashion, specialty stores, big box
- Grocery: Supermarkets, convenience stores
- Gas stations: Fuel and convenience combos
- Financial: Banks and credit unions
- Entertainment: Movie theaters, attractions
- Hospitality: Hotels and travel
Shop Formats
- In-person visits: Dine in, make a purchase, evaluate service
- Phone shops: Call to verify hours or ask questions
- Theater checks: Count previews, check signage
- Mobile orders: Order ahead and pick up inside
The Eyes On Global App
Market Force has a mobile app called Eyes On Global. It used to be called Eyes:On. The app makes shopping on the go easier.
What the App Does
- View available shops near you on a map
- Accept assignments from your phone
- Complete questionnaires on the spot
- Upload photos and receipts
- Get push notifications for nearby shops
App Issues Reported
Some shoppers report glitches with the app. Photos may not upload correctly. Many recommend completing your final report on the website instead of the app.
MSPA Membership and BBB Rating
Market Force has been an MSPA member for over 10 years. That means they follow industry ethical standards.
They also hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The BBB renewed this rating in 2019. However, the BBB page does show customer complaints.
What Shoppers Say
Reviews for Market Force are mixed. Really mixed. Let’s look at both sides.
What Shoppers Like
- Reliable payments (never missed in 20+ years for some)
- Good variety of shop types
- Free meals at restaurants
- Easy-to-use job board
- Bonused fees on hard-to-fill shops
- Long track record in the industry
Common Complaints
- Low base fees on many shops
- Strict guidelines—small mistakes mean no pay
- No corrections allowed after submission
- 8-hour report deadline is tight
- Monthly pay is slower than competitors
- Account deactivations with no explanation
The Biggest Complaint
Here’s what comes up again and again. Shoppers say Market Force rejects shops for small errors. And once rejected, you can’t fix it.
Wrong time of day? Rejected. Missed one photo? Rejected. Report submitted 9 hours after the shop instead of 8? Rejected.
And rejected means no pay. No reimbursement either. You’re out the money you spent.
How to Avoid Rejections
Read the guidelines three times before your shop. Set a timer for the 8-hour report deadline. Double-check all photos before submitting. Take screenshots of your submission as proof.
The Flip Side
Many long-time shoppers defend Market Force. They say the key is following instructions exactly.
One shopper on a forum put it this way: “I’ve worked with them since 1999. They’ve never missed a payment. The people who complain aren’t reading the guidelines.”
Tips for Success
- Read guidelines completely. Print them out if you need to.
- Submit reports fast. You have 8 hours. Don’t push it.
- Take extra photos. Better to have too many than not enough.
- Start with simple shops. Fast food is easier than casual dining.
- Watch for bonused fees. Shops nobody wants often pay much better.
- Use the website for final submission. The app can be glitchy.
- Keep your own records. Screenshot everything.
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Shopper Portal | shopper.marketforce.com |
| Help Desk | Via shopper portal (use Help function) |
| Email Format | name@marketforce.com |
| Headquarters | 6625 The Corners Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA |
| Mobile App | Eyes On Global (iOS & Android) |
Is Market Force Worth It?
That depends on you.
If you follow instructions to the letter, Market Force can be a steady source of shops. They’ve been around for decades. They always pay on time. And they have lots of restaurant work if you like free meals.
But if you’re looking for quick pay or flexible guidelines, look elsewhere. The monthly payment cycle is slow. And one mistake can cost you the whole shop.
My advice? Sign up and try a few simple shops first. See if their style works for you before taking expensive restaurant assignments.