What Price Mystery Shopping

I do have to say I did take a risky assignment the other day. The company wanted me to evaluate the local bus station. Not only that, but they wanted me to do it late at night! I was rightfully hesitant in taking the assignment. The station is not a place you really want to go, particularly "after hours." But they were offering a pretty good fee to do it, and you could also get reimbursed for a lovely meal there.

I drove by the day before to figure out where to park. I couldn't believe I was doing this! It made me feel better when I noticed the station had its own small parking lot. At least I could park near the door and it wouldn't take long to get in the front door.

The next night I drove down at the appointed hour and booked a ticket to a nearby small town. It was as bad as I expected. All kinds of unsavory characters. Craziness. People talking to themselves. I am not a snob, but it is the kind of place where you fear for your safety. I didn't even notice a security guard there. Not good. I made notes that I would later put in my report.

I went in to buy my meal. I really didn't want to eat in there, as there was another man talking to himself nearby. But I had to according to my mystery shopping agreement. The cook behind the counter was the best part of the evening. He smiled and took time to get me what I wanted. He scored high points.

I guess it is good that the company hired a mystery shopper. Would I recommend it to others, I was asked. No. There are a lot of improvements that need to be made. I hope they make them. It would be good if bus companies could not only be a cheap, but safe alternative for people looking for transportation. I hurried out to my car and got in, glad I was not leaving on a bus to anywhere.

My Hand at Mystery Shopping

In my quest to make some extra money, I have been investigating a number of ways to earn some extra cash.

My latest venture is mystery shopping. I have been intrigued by it for some time, but just did not have to time to even investigate it while in law school. Now that I am out, and have taken the bar, I am taking a stab at it while I wait for my bar exam results.

I signed up with a mystery shopping company, one that alerts you to shopping opportunities in your area. There is a fee to belong. I know people say don't pay to earn money, but I am only doing a trial run, which only cost me $4.99 for a month.

So far, I have to say it has been worth it. Just slightly halfway through my paid month, I have already made about $150. Not bad return on the money! In the process, you have to sign up with individual mystery shopping companies, so at the the end of the month, I might not even have to renew. I can just go directly to the individual companies' websites and accept assignments there.

In doing mystery shopping, you do have to plan and take assignments that will fit into your schedule. I have limited myself to one assignment a day. I don't want to overdue it with my regular job, etc. So far I really like it. It seems to be an easy way to make a little cash that can help close the gap financially.