Title: Mystery Shopping: Try It, But Don’t Expect Big Bucks!
Who doesn’t dream about making a fortune overnight with a side gig? While some people make their side jobs their full-time careers, mystery shopping isn’t one of them! Yes, there are people who’ve done it full time, but generally, it’s a way to make a little extra cash. As my grandma often says, it’s just “pin money”.
My venture into mystery shopping started with a magazine article my mom spotted in the grocery store checkout line. Dismissive at first, I gave it a thought while managing grad school debt. While exploring it online, I stumbled upon ‘Certified Mystery Shopper’ courses, which were paid. But guess what? You don’t need to spend a penny to become a legitimate mystery shopper!
If you’re considering trying it out, I can recommend Sinclair Customer Metrics, TrendSource, and MarketForce (a perfect pick for movie lovers). Signing-up may flood your email with offers but it’s worth it. The jobs are simple, like checking store cleanliness, cashier interaction, availability of free samples, and more.
The first time I did this was at an Auntie Anne’s. I was nervous about forgetting important details, but it turned out to be quite easy. The most complicated task involved pretending to buy a couch at West Elm and resisting the temptation to actually purchase it!
However, there are a few drawbacks. It takes a good chunk of time to qualify for each store. The pay is low, usually between $5 and $7, with reimbursement if you’re required to make a purchase. Plus, the companies might call you if they need someone urgently to perform a shop. I find this bothersome as I like to decide what I will and won’t do at my own leisure.
The upside is, once you qualify for a store, you can do it over and over again. For instance, I’ve visited several Auntie Anne’s after passing the qualification tests. And I prefer food-related shops – not only do I make money, but I also save on meals. Sometimes when a particular shop isn’t getting filled, the payment gets raised, which is a bonus!
Recently, I signed up for MarketForce which focuses on local theaters. The tasks vary from hanging promotional banners to counting the audience. And in exchange, you get some cash and a free movie!
So, am I getting rich with mystery shopping? No. But does it help with some extra dough for the couch I want? Yes. The free pretzels don’t hurt either!
Looking for more ways to stretch your bucks? I’m giving away a copy of Robert G. Allen’s “Multiple Streams of Income: How to Generate a Lifetime of Unlimited Wealth!”, a fantastic book on money growth. Don’t forget to check it out.
Related Articles:
1. How to Make Money Being a Mystery Shopper
2. Why You Need a Side Hustle Smorgasbord
3. My Side Hustle Journey