Get Paid as a Mystery Shopper

Yes. Helion Research (Helion Market Research CVBA, Antwerp, Belgium) has been an MSPA member since 2010 and is an MSPA Elite Member in 2026. Joining is free, and we never ask shoppers to pay or to transfer money. Read how to spot fake messages on our Scam warning page.

Yes. Registration, training and applying for assignments are free. If an assignment requires a purchase, the reimbursement amount is shown before you accept.

No. Most assignments need no prior experience. Every assignment comes with instructions and training you complete before your visit.

Anyone aged 18 or older with internet access can sign up. Some projects, such as car dealership visits, require a valid driving licence. Good shoppers are reliable, observant and able to write clear reports. Read more in How do I become a mystery shopper?

Most assignments pay around €5 to €150, as an indicative range. Short, simple tasks pay less; longer visits, detailed reports or specialist assignments such as car dealership evaluations pay more. The exact fee and any purchase reimbursement are shown before you accept. Read more in How much do mystery shoppers earn?

You are paid around the 20th of the month after your visit, by bank transfer (IBAN), PayPal or Skrill, depending on your country. From the 15th you can check your pay statement in your account. For example, a visit on 4 June is paid around 20 July.

Most assignments take 15 minutes to 1 hour, plus a short online report afterwards. Read more in What does a mystery shopper actually do?

No. Mystery shoppers work as independent contractors, not employees. You choose which assignments to accept and are responsible for your own tax declarations. Read more: Can I choose my own hours? and Can mystery shopping be a full-time income?

Helion Research works with 250,000+ mystery shoppers in 100+ countries. Assignments are mainly in fashion, automotive and lifestyle retail, plus hospitality and services. Read more in Mystery shopping near me or from home.

By email from an address ending in @helionresearch.com, through your shopper account, and sometimes by WhatsApp or, rarely, SMS from your Panel Manager. We do not use Telegram, and we never ask you for money in any message.

We work per project, so assignments appear when a client project starts in your area. Keep your profile complete and subscribe to our emails so you hear about new projects first.

You only hear from your Panel Manager if you are selected. In big cities several shoppers often apply for the same location. You can follow the status of every application under My Applications.