A seasoned mystery shopper with nearly a decade of experience has unveiled his expert strategies for securing complimentary luxury experiences, including hotel stays and fine dining, as a lucrative side hustle. The London-based professional, known as Airic on TikTok under the handle @Airic.z, is an accountant and content creator who regularly shares insights into his lifestyle and personal finance ventures.
Unlocking Luxury Through Mystery Shopping
In a recent video aimed at his thousands of followers, Airic detailed how mystery shopping has allowed him to enjoy high-end perks without the associated costs. Mystery shoppers are typically employed by companies to anonymously evaluate services by posing as regular customers, with assignments ranging from retail assessments to reviews of hotels and restaurants.
Airic emphasised that his roles have included stays at luxury hotels, dining at upscale restaurants, and even visits to ski resorts, all provided free of charge. His post was captioned to highlight his extensive background, offering guidance for those looking to start in 2026.
Three Essential Steps for Success
Airic outlined a clear three-step process for aspiring mystery shoppers, stressing that step three is crucial for ensuring payment. He advised beginning by signing up with as many mystery shopping companies as possible.
"Unfortunately, you do generally have to do your own research because it's taboo to share," he noted, suggesting that individuals use Google and TikTok to compile their own lists of reputable sites.
Building a Reputation from the Ground Up
The second step involves starting with low-value assignments to build a solid reputation. Airic recommended taking on telephone inquiries and fast-casual restaurant reviews, which often offer lower pay but are essential for establishing credibility.
"As you build up your reputation, the mystery shopping companies will actually reach out to you, and you will be able to start doing more high-value shops like the hotels, the ski resorts, the fine dining restaurants," he explained. This progression makes the side hustle more financially rewarding over time.
Ensuring Payment Through Diligence
The final and most critical step, according to Airic, is meticulously following guidelines to secure payment and reimbursements. He urged newcomers to read instructions thoroughly, even suggesting reading them five times and taking notes to fully understand the requirements.
"So you need to make sure that you read it five times and write notes on it so you understand what you need to do and what the goal is," he cautioned, highlighting that negligence could result in unpaid work.
By adhering to these strategies, Airic demonstrates that mystery shopping can evolve from a simple side job into a gateway to luxurious experiences, offering a practical avenue for those seeking to enhance their personal finance opportunities in the coming year.
