this blog post contains affilate links that may be eligible for commission*
So I have fallen down a rabbit hole lately 😖 and it has not been disappointing to say the least. The money that is floating around in this digital age is crazy. It's enough for everyone out there and you get it by being yourself. I know, I know.... sounds too easy. I thought that too until I was yet once again between a rock and a hard place.
As I jumped back into affiliate marketing more, I became intrigued by the surveys for some reason. Now I had seen these surveys for years and disregarded them. So I downloaded a couple of apps and said 'Well- what have I got to lose!' A week later I had extra cash to treat my daughter to lunch and made money everyday! I then had a thought that maybe I should see what this mystery shopping is all about.
Without realizing, I had one of the apps on my phone for years. I would open it from time to time and disregard. That's what happens when our mind is stressed.
*SIDENOTE: So find a way to relax. Look into ashwagandha perhaps, and if it's safe for you know that it truly helps. Relax and be still. You need to be able to receive the message.
But back to the secret shopper app. I looked up the places and it totaled over $250 for maybe 2 hours of time I can say. All the locations were within close range of each other. It was then I realized there's something to this. You can easily make $60/hr between two stores that's close. It doesn't have to even feel like work. Make a day out of it and have lunch and shop. Yes they really do have these opportunities available. And they are popular places. It's real yall. Please also remember, doing these jobs, you never disclose it or else it's not a mystery right?
So now, the next part to the series:
Mystery shopper Newbie Checklist:
•Bank account- You will be considered an independent contractor so you want to treat this like your business. Keep it separate from your personal.
•Separate email- It can become overwhelming notifications of new postings and best of all THAT COMMISSION 💸💸💸 so yes for your sanity, do an email just for side hustles.
•MSPA Certification-optional* does not prevent you from getting started but can help you get better deals depending on location. It basically shows you've been trained and have an understanding on being an independent contractor. If you get with enough companies you may really be able to maximize your earnings. If that's your goal, get the certifications. They also list you on their site as an independent contractor so if your demographics matches an opportunity the company can reach out to you.
3 companies to check out to get started:
I say these three because I've personally used them. Do not panic when they ask for information. The data is used to find the best offer for your demographic and location. Also the more you do, the more higher paying opportunities you get. So stay organized! Set up that home office and keep good notes. You need to save receipts for at least 120 days. You can really grow this as your business. You can help others get on as well once you see how easy it is.
click the names to be directed to sign up*
Observa- This is the one that I had forever! I would see the opportunities and my stubborn mind would say 'that's too easy to be real'. I was wrong. This one has a ton of opportunities, even in my small rural area. As you travel, adjust your zip code and pick up out of town opportunities. They may pay better 🤷🏽♀️. I usually see $3-$25 offers and they take less than 10 minutes to complete. Once you agree to the job, you have 2 hours to complete.
iSecretShop- I love this one! They have phone and webshops if you don't want to do outside shops. They are connected with several mystery shop companies who list their jobs on their sites. Work is always available!
Clickworker- This is a fascinating website/app. They have all kinds of tasks to do and honestly pay well for something that may take 10 minutes to do. I've seen tasks for as high as $38. Yes these tasks really aren't long. Once you agree to the job you have 8 hours to complete.
Mystery Shopper- Just seems too obvious to be true right? They are the real deal. You have to take an assessment before you can even sign agreements to get started. They also have opportunities throughout the globe in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.
So they pay for your food/product/service sometimes up to $50 and you'll get paid as well. This could range from $3-60 maybe more. It depends on the location and company. It also depends on the app. Some pay more and this is why you want to build a schedule out between 2-3. Even more once you get the hang of it. Most times you're going take photos of certain areas of the stores. So if you're a person who loves shopping and taking photos, you may really enjoy this side hustle.
Now what? Go get started! I know what I'm doing tomorrow. Instead of taking the money I earned, I'll be using these opportunities to let me enjoy while earn money from it. Now this is one hell of a side hustle 🎤👇🏾