Is mystery shopping the perfect way to earn a free lunch or dinner? Or is it an exploitative industry that demands a lot of time for practically no pay? SideHusl editors decided to find out.

What: Secret Shopper is a mystery shopping company that hires consumers to check out a wide array of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, financial services and medical concerns

Expected pay: $10 to $25 per shop (or reimbursement)
Husl$core: $$$

What: GetYourGuide is an online marketplace, connecting tourists with tour guides, travel companies, cooking classes and suppliers of tickets to events.  

Expected pay: NA
HuslScore: $$

The number of companies allowing remote work is soaring in the United States. That gives more people the option of working from home. Here's how.

What: ShareGrid is an online marketplace to rent out photography and film equipment to other professionals.

Expected pay: Set by you
Husl$core: $$$$

What: A Closer Look enlists mystery shoppers to review retail, restaurants, senior living facilities and health clubs. It also drafts work-at-home editors and schedulers 

Expected pay: below minimum wage
Husl$core: $$

What: BestMark is a national consumer experience research firm that specializes in sending mystery shoppers to businesses, restaurants and retail stores.

Expected pay: $10 - $25 per shop (or reimbursement for purchases)
Husl$core: $$

What: MarketForce is a consumer experience management company that uses mystery shoppers and theater checkers to provide customer experience information to clients

Expected pay: $3 - $15
Husl$core: $$

Con artists are targetting freelancers with fake check scams, using the names of real companies to fool victims. Mystery shoppers, online sellers and people who wrap their cars with ads are at the greatest risk.

What: uShip is a marketing platform that connects people who need something moved -- furniture, pets, appliances -- with the movers willing and able to do it

Expected pay: set by you
Husl$core: $$$$