Earn extra dosh working as a mystery shopperJoin the secret service!
Fancy being paid to eat in top restaurants, go on holiday or test luxury yachts?
You could do all these things as a mystery shopper.
The job is an increasingly popular way of topping up your income and enjoying valuable perks. It also fits around your lifestyle. Paul Prowse, from financial advice website Moneymagpie.com, says almost anyone can be a mystery shopper.
He says: “All you have to do is be an actual customer in a shop or restaurant or hotel then say what you think of them afterwards. “You don’t need any qualifications but you do need excellent observation skills, a good memory and strong opinions.”
“Typically, you’ll be given a brief and a checklist of things to look out for. You need to follow your instructions (without letting anybody know you are testing them), evaluate the response and then provide feedback – usually through an online questionnaire. “For example you might go to a pizza restaurant, order some pizza and judge the cleanliness of the restaurant, the helpfulness of the staff, and the quality of the food.”
Paul adds: “Pay rates vary from company to company and depend on the work. Generally, you can expect to earn £5 - £25 per task plus expenses.”
“Make sure you find the right mystery shopping agency for you. Some department stores, like Selfridges, run their own schemes. But never pay to join a company – it’s likely to be a scam.”
Linda Smith signed up with Retail Active Mystery Shopping and ended up posing as the owner of a luxury yacht to check out facilities at a swish marina. The 57- year-old business studies teacher from Southampton says: “It is a great way to earn extra pin money and have fun as well.”
“I’ve never owned a boat but I had to read up on them and about tides so I could ask the right questions. Then I was asked to visit all their other marinas, where they gave me the red carpet treatment every time.”
“I’ve also had to check out the NHS by phoning hospitals and testing the quality of service delivered to patients.“
“You always get a full briefing on the background to the job and the questions you need to ask”
Julian Chamberlain, of Retail Active, says: “We employ thousands of mystery shoppers. It is perfect if you want a second income or you’re a student.”
“Payment depends on the size and nature of the assignment but we’ve just paid some shoppers more than £200 for a single job.”
“Plus you’re keeping businesses on their toes.”
