I started auditing for Serve Legal when I was 18 and I’m still completing regular work over 11 years later. Serve Legal not only gave me the confidence to go out and explore new areas whilst at uni b... See more
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Serve Legal is the market leading provider of ID and allergen compliance testing services in the UK & Ireland. We provide extensive, independent audit services to national retailers, leisure operators, sports broadcasters and hospitality venues. Our highly accurate site test audits help clients protect revenues, improve operational standards and support responsible retailing. We employ mystery shoppers ('auditors') for a wide range of compliance auditing work. All enjoy a flexible role and get paid to explore their local area. In return, we expect a great eye for detail and excellent reporting and communication skills.
Audley House, SW1E 5HX, London, United Kingdom
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Only started about 3 weeks ago, but this is really a great way to make some small cash in the meantime of studying or finding a job.
My area manager is really nice and patient (of my mistakes and flood of messages), and really encourages me whenever I feel unconfident about my performance.
At first, I was so nervous because this job sounds really serious, but it really isn't as hard and strict as I thought. You ARE allowed to make small mistakes, just keep following the briefs and you'll be fine. Anything you're unsure about, just ask the manager immediately.
I wouldn't say the pay is great, but considering it's just a side hustle, it's fair, and well...money is money. For those who want to know, I've done 18 audits successfully so far, 15 of them pay £4.75, 2 of them pay £1~2 higher, and 1 pay £22.41. But it's just my first 3 weeks so things might change as I work longer.
In terms of fail rate, I've only failed 1 audit, but it is caused by a totally unexpected situation and I'm affected by the cold so much I couldn't think fast as my body physically is not used to cold weather, and my area manager just happened to be out of reach because of the internet which is very possibly caused by the rain, so no need to worry about failing as long as you treat each audit carefully enough.
I do have an advice though, DO NOT use a self-scan till unless the brief tells you to do it or you are just buying a low cost item to get a receipt. One time the till just approved my purchase right away when I'm trying to buy alcohol, no one came to me whatsoever, this was not expected at all, I panicked and forgot to do a very crucial step of the audit , which is how I failed the audit. So please, for goodness sake, DO NOT use a self-scan till.
Some little complains though, low cost items are extremely hard to look for especially in a large store. Most products nowadays cost higher than 35p, and it's really irritating to always find products that are just above it (you know...I've seen many things that cost 38p, which I can't buy).
Secondly, I don't know if you already have this but if you don't, it'd be really great if you could add a "rejected" status for audit reports instead of just let them stay "submitted", with a reason written by the area manager. Otherwise, I wouldn't know if the report is rejected, or if the area manager just simply hasn't checked it yet.
Other than those, this is a great way for small income, and I'll definitely carry on.

Reply from Serve Legal
Ive been a mystery shopper for about half a year, its okay in terms of doing audits but its incredibly frustrating.
I use public transport to travel for my audits, and that time isnt compensated. So i can spend more than 30 minutes going from audit to audit only to make £4.75-£6 per, when these are in clumps its fine, but ive had many experiences of travelling over 30 minutes just for one audit.
The site barely helps showing travel time, you need to check each bus route individually which takes up alot of time
if you get ANY part of an audit wrong you dont get any compensation, including any money you spent trying to complete an audit.
As well as this, with each audit store having slightly different criteria its very annoying to make sure you do everything right, and whenever you DO make any mistake the managers act like its the end of the world.
They expect too much for incredibly low pay, and i cannot justify them calling it minimum wage considering how long audits take as someone using public transport.
The delivery audit system is great however, though I dont see why they dont ask the delivery services to offer vouchers/credit for the auditors to spend on these audits.
Lastly, im frustrated at how the company randomly tests you if you take notes down for audits, while its good to do so as an actual auditor, it can be incredibly frustrating to write anything of note for audits that take under a minute to complete.

Reply from Serve Legal
Such a great way to make some money on the side, and it fits in with my schedule perfectly! All the managers are extremely friendly and provide support when needed. Could not reccomend more!

Reply from Serve Legal
Really good side hustle and a very felxible job. Helps improve confidence and soft skills such as attention to detail and helpd in exploribg the local area whilst working, as well as helping companies ensure that they comply with age 25 regulatory requirements, staff are really helpful. Opportunities for free cinema visits as well as getting free groceries.
Pay is not as good as other jobs but it is dependent on how much you work and how much you are willing to travel.

Reply from Serve Legal
Before I divulge, I have already fully addressed these issues with Caitlin from Serve Legal to absolutely no benefit to myself, and to absolutely no satisfactory resolution whatsoever. Before anyone thinks this review is unfair, I have already fully addressed these topics with Serve Legal directly, who have now ceased contact with myself. They are also aware that my Trust Pilot review was pending, so they are expecting this review.
Having joined Served Legal in May 2025, I have received absolutely ZERO work in my area, despite being fully engaged with Serve Legal, despite showing full willingness to accept assignments, and despite repeatedly conversing with Wei Tou, the Area Manager through Whatsapp. Wei Tou has been micromanaging my account, and has acted with complete unprofessionalism through his own conduct, micromanagement and language on Whatsapp.
His patronising tone, and lack of accountability for the concerns I have raised, shows that him, and others like him at Serve Legal have no contrition or respect whatsoever for their Auditors. I have tried to engage with Beth at Serve Legal when Caitlin was away on annual leave, only to be told that Beth does not assign audits. Whilst I understand that might be the case, Beth had seen my message request for work, and has done absolutely nothing with it and had not passed on my message, despite it being her own job to do so. I sit here nearly 6 months later with absolutely no work from Serve Legal.
Serve Legal clearly takes no responsibility or accountability for their mistakes or oversight, and I am completely shocked at the treatment I have received. My account was deactivated in late September 2025, due to inactivity. When I raised my complaint, Serve Legal began to deflect all responsibility onto me, as if it all my fault. They have made every excuse to justify their actions, but I see through it. If I could show the world the Whatsapp messages from Wei Tou, I would; they are truly disgusting, show complete complacency and lack of accountability.
I have made repeated attempts to engage professionally, and respectfully with Area Managers, including Caitlin, Georgina, and Wei Tou; my efforts have gone completely un noticed, and fallen on deaf ears.
Quite frankly, it's not my business to know that "Serve Legal has a large number of auditors on our systems", or "We receive a large number of applications every month" and that "Some people slip through the net." None of these scripted answers will ever suffice, or any scripted response for that matter. There is no excuse for their behaviour and complacency in my case.
I will not waste any more of my time with Serve Legal, but Serve Legal should be truly ashamed.

Reply from Serve Legal
Great company to work for - Flexibility is a massive benefit + friendly managers

Reply from Serve Legal
I started auditing for Serve Legal when I was 18 and I’m still completing regular work over 11 years later. Serve Legal not only gave me the confidence to go out and explore new areas whilst at uni but has helped me to build the foundations to thrive in my career later down the line. I’ve worked with some amazing Area Managers who really show an interest in my life, me as a person, and helping to develop my skillset, the support they provide is second to none!
Perfect job for not just uni students but for their ‘over 20s’ too!

Reply from Serve Legal
It's not bad work by any means, but you definitely don't get paid as much as you would expect. A lot of your time is spent planning or reading, which you won't be paid for. Mileage is covered but only by 20p per mile, which is better than nothing but isn't always worth it when you take into account wear and tear of your vehicle. Overall it's worth applying, but don't expect miracles

Reply from Serve Legal
Joined as a part time Auditor during college. My experience has been nothing short of ideal. If any college students are thinking of joining, you absolutely should. The managers are very friendly and professional. The best part is you can choose your own hours, so if you want to focus on college for a bit, all you have to do is let your area manager know. I worked with Stephen, the area manager for Ireland and my experience was nothing short of perfect. Stephen was professional, helpful and always there if I ran into trouble while out on the field. The money is better than most college jobs and the ability to choose your own hours is invaluable to any college students. Another bonus is keeping what you buy on the job, and getting reimbursed for mileage and products you buy, as well as any travel expenses. This has been nothing short of the best job I’ve ever done.

Reply from Serve Legal
Although they do pay fairly well, in order to get paid, you have to follow every step exactly. Even just one little human mistake can cost you your entire pay for that task! I had made a couple mistakes, which weren’t even that bad, but according to serve legal it is SO BAD the WHOLE AUDIT is now cancelled due to my “wrongdoings”. They make you buy additional items, so if you make a mistake and you had to purchase stuff as part of the task, they won’t even pay you for that either - which is absolutely disgraceful. It’s even worse if you’re a student or poor, they do not care if it hurts you. They act in such a patronising manner towards their auditors.

Reply from Serve Legal
Quite possibly the most vague, strange business out there. Avoid!

Reply from Serve Legal
Avoid this company.
They take all of your details, also ask for proof of your passport or birth certificate. They ask you to send a timestamped photo of yourself, just to then get an email saying you're unsuccessful.
"Thank you for your interest in Serve Legal. Unfortunately, your application has been unsuccessful, either due to the application quality or due to a lack of available work in your area. Please keep an eye on our website/social media platforms for future opportunities."

Reply from Serve Legal
I was working with serve legal for several months and it was going great. However I then got told I couldn’t do delivery audits any longer as I wasn’t being asked ID enough. Even though the whole idea is to report this back to the clients to improve their staff! Wouldn’t recommend!

Reply from Serve Legal
I had a disappointing experience with Serve Legal. After signing up and submitting all the required documents, there was no follow-up or communication. Despite reaching out three times, I was never informed about who my area manager was or if there were any audits available near me. The overall attitude felt unbothered and unprofessional. Unfortunately, it ended up being a waste of time.

Reply from Serve Legal
Communication is absolutely awful. No support whatsoever. Was really enjoying it with lots of support from one specific area manager until I turned 20 and had to move onto the other jobs. Account was deactivated due to not completing an audit that I was very uncomfortable doing. I let the manager know and got no response. Had a message to say my account was deactivated and no reply after I asked for the account to be re-activated and offered to do the audit for this reason only. I would not recommend as it is a waste of your time, stressful without the support, information on the app is horrendous to navigate, very messy information and managers have zero communication skills whatsoever.

Reply from Serve Legal
I've worked for Serve Legal for about 2 years now I reckon, but predominately in the last year. Since changing jobs, they've been amazing in giving me lots of work across the country, I've been all over the place! The managers are amazing and all of the WOA's are brilliant too!
The pay is alright, I'd rather take on loads and receive an hourly rate.. however, money is money innit.
I'd recommend Serve Legal to others.

Reply from Serve Legal
Brilliant! I'm a student and being an auditor with Serve Legal gets me free food shops (with alcohol in!) AND I get paid to do them, I just have to note down some important things and fill in a couple forms at the end. The pay is definitely not equivalent to having a part-time job alongside uni but it adds up as more worth it to me as it's so flexible, takes less time and gets me free food and (and a bit of booze) for the week.

Reply from Serve Legal
So far really poor. Information is very sparse, staff are unhelpful & keep saying refer to your local manager who take days sometimes weeks to respond.
Pay seems less than minimum wage too.

Reply from Serve Legal
I’ve been working with Serve Legal since I was 19, and I’ve loved every moment of it. While balancing other jobs and studying at both college and university (yes, it’s that flexible), this has been my absolute favourite job out of them all!
The job offers the opportunity to travel to different places—perfect if you’re not a fan of working in the same spot every day. The hours are flexible; you just communicate with your area manager to find the best days and times that work for you, and they always do their best to accommodate your needs. The managers are also all so friendly and treat staff well, don’t be scared to ask them questions!
Support is always available while auditing—just a phone call away if you need assistance. But the best part is the independence; you essentially work under your own supervision, with no micro-managing bosses. The pay is decent, especially if you’re able to complete multiple audits in one go, (the more you complete in one go, the better the pay works out) making it more worthwhile for those commuting (and they do offer local work if commuting isn’t an option).
They make sure your hard work is recognized and appreciated through shout-outs and bonuses, which is something I wish more companies would do. Overall, Serve Legal is a genuinely supportive and rewarding company to work for, I wish every company valued their staff as much as this company does! 100% worth it!
Great staff, make u feel welcomed, great inclusivity for a small business
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