mystery shopping
Mystery shopping is a flexible way to earn extra income by completing small tasks for business. These tasks often include checking product displays, reviewing customer service, or trying out new products. Most tasks involve visiting a store, taking photos, and answering short questionnaires through an app.
This can be a great source of income, especially if you live in a more urban area with more opportunities on some of the mystery shopping apps.
Some of my favourite mystery shopping apps are Roamler, Shepper, and Field Agent.
Roamler
Roamler offers small tasks like photographing supermarket shelves, checking product displays, or mystery shopping at retail stores. You are paid per task, and the rates vary based on complexity and time required to complete the task.
Pros:
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Lots of supermarket-related tasks if you live in or near a busy area
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Rates can be quite good - especially for urgent or last-minute tasks
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You can easily opt out of certain tasks such as ones that involve alcohol or nicotine
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You can 'level up' to unlock more jobs by completing additional training tasks
Cons:
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Tasks can disappear quickly, especially in busy areas so you need to enable push notifications or check the app regularly
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Job availability can vary depending on where you live
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You start at a lower level, so the best jobs are not available immediately
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Payment can take a few days to arrive in your bank account
Shepper
More inspection-based, rather than just mystery shopping. The app brands you as a Shepherd, sent out to inspect products.
Pros:
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The jobs are often quick, but require attention to detail
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Offer a variety of jobs, not just shops, but also events, displays, or sometimes, property checks
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Pay is fixed per job, and can be higher than Roamler for certain tasks
Cons:
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Location-based jobs on Shepper seem to be quite concentrated around Birmingham, with others dotted around the country
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The reporting process can be a little time-consuming for more detailed jobs
Field Agent
Field Agent offers quick retail audits, product trials, and mystery shopping. Jobs are usually short, mainly involving taking photos, answering questions, or testing a product.
Pros:
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Easy to use app, with quick tasks that you can fit into a lunch break
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Often includes 'buy and try' jobs where you are reimbursed for a product and paid for your time
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Payment usually arrives in your bank account within a couple of days
Cons:
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Job availability can vary depending on where you live
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'Buy and try' jobs require you to pay upfront, but you will get reimbursed after approval
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