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Work from Home Monday: Mystery shopping

July 4, 2011 by

Recently, I’ve had many comments and e-mails asking me about “legitimate” work from home opportunities.  Mystery shopping is one that has come up quite often.  I started mystery shopping about seven years ago when my daughter was a new baby.  Although it sounds exciting, there can be a lot of work involved and the work involved isn’t always “worth it” in terms of the pay.  I look at it as a few extra bucks here and there for spending money or a free meal for my family.

Through the years, I have done all types of shops including fast food, casual dining, retail, gas stations, banks, and even hotels. Pretty much every business you visit likely has some sort of mystery shopping program and at one point or another, and I have visited most of them. Lately, I only do gas station or casual dining shops because they are places that I would be going anyway or because I can take my family along with me.

How it works
Most mystery shops require you to carry out some sort of scenario. You will usually have to read through a set of instructions prior to accepting or carrying out the shop and in some cases, you have to complete a training and pass a quiz before you can complete the assignment.

Fast food shops often require you to purchase a specific item. Some shops are dine in and others are drive thru. You will likely be asked to keep track of how many people are in line when you enter the store, whether or not you were greeted upon arrival, how long it took for them to take your order, and how long it took for your food to arrive. You will usually also be asked to evaluate the cleanliness of the dining area and restrooms. Casual dining shops are similar in nature.

If you are doing a retail shop, you may be asked to go in pretending to be interested in a certain item. You will likely be asked to rate the sales associate to see if they asked you certain questions or tried to upsell certain items. Some retail shops also require a purchase and then a return.

If you do gas station shops, you usually have to purchase a set amount of gas and evaluate the cleanliness of the area where the pumps are. Then, you typically have to purchase an item in the store and evaluate the cleanliness of the restrooms.

I have done bank shops where I pretended to be interested in opening up a specific type of account and I have also done bank shops where I actually applied for a home loan (the mystery shopping company provided me with a social security card and pay stubs to complete the shop).

I have also done “insurance shops” which are typically by phone where I call to get an insurance quote and then have to answer a questionnaire or write a report about my experience with the insurance agent.

On a hotel shop, you are usually asked to evaluate everything from your experience in making the reservation to the cleanliness of your room and even the dining facilities. Sometimes, there are specific scenarios such as asking for specific accommodations or requesting additional items upon check-in.

How it pays
I want to say this up front:  You likely will not get rich or event be able to quit your day job through mystery shopping.  Some mystery shops pay an up front flat fee. Some pay a fee and a reimbursement, and others are reimbursement only. Resturant shops often offer reimbursement as well as a small fee. Some mystery shopping companies will send you a gift card up front to pay for your meal on a restaurant shop.  Most mystery shops pay between $5 (fast food shops) to $12 (retail and gas station shops). Banking shops seem to pay more than some of the others and average between $12-17. Most companies pay via Paypal, so if you don’t haev a Paypal account, you will want to set one up.

The most I have ever been paid for a mystery shop was $300. That was for a complicated bank shop in which I applied for a home loan. I had to record all of my conversations on the phone with a loan officer and actually follow through with the loan process (including signing all of the documents). It was a process that took a few weeks and was actually pretty time consuming. I don’t think I would do it again. They gave me documents (including pay stubs) and there was a whole scenario for my life that I had to carry out. My job was supposedly as a construction supervisor and I know nothing about the construction industry!

What equipment is needed
The equipment needed varies based on the shop. Most shops require you to either scan or fax a copy of your receipts. Some shops will require you to take and submit photos and others will require you to record your interactions.

What happens after your shop
After your shop you will have to submit a report (usually within 12-24 hours). Some reports are very quick and easy and are basically in a checklist format with very little narrative needed. Other reports, especially for more involved shops such as a hotel shop or a bank shop, require a narrative. Keep all of the documentation from your shop for 90 days. Sometimes they will call you to ask for clarification or there will be follow up questions.

Can I take my kids along?
Some mystery shops will allow you to take your children with you, but many don’t because of the attention to details that is involved. If you are new to mystery shopping, I don’t advise taking your children on your first shops with you. It takes some time to get the hang of catching all of the details and if you miss something and aren’t able to answer one of the questions on the report, you may not be paid.  I have to be honest and say that when I have completed mystery shops (for example casual dining shops) and taken my family along, it has not been a very enjoyable experience because of the stress of trying to make sure I did everything correctly for the shop.

How to get started?
The magic question is:  how do I get started and which companies are the best to work for? The second question is difficult to answer because there are different companies in different areas, so what “works” in my area may not work in yours. The best resource if you are wanting to start mystery shopping is Volition.com. They have forums here that have information about different mystery shopping companies (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and a comprehensive list of mystery shopping companies here. TheMystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) is also a good resource when you are getting started. You can get certification through them but this is NOT needed. I don’t have it and I still have gotten plenty of shops through the years. Considering what mystery shopping pays, it just wasn’t worth the money to me.

Some companies have “self assign” shops which basically means it’s a first come, first served basis. Other companies require you to “apply” for a shop and a scheduler will contact you if you are approved to complete a shop. Some companies will assign you a rating when you complete your shops and submit your report. The higher your rating, the more shops you will be offered.

Most mystery shopping companies make you sign a “nondisclosure” type agreement basically stating that you will not provide details about the companies that you shop for to others. So, for example, you cannot say “X company does mystery shops for Subway” but you could say “X company does mystery shops for sandwich shops.” After awhile, you get a feel for which companies shop which locations (this does vary from state to state).

If you are interested in making some extra money, you might also want to consider merchandising or demo work. Merchandisers help with things such as new store set ups, product resets, and planogram design. When you are doing demo work, you will be doing things such as product knowledge training or promotional product distribution. At Christmas, they typically offer work helping with the Santa displays and photo service. You can find a list of companies here and check out the forums here.

Other than paying up front for an item that you may need to purchase as part of a shop, you should not spend any money to become a mystery shopper. If a company is asking for an up front fee to find or provide jobs to you, it is probably a scam!  Also, if you are completing jobs that involve reimbursement, check the reputation of the company first.

As a mystery shopper, you are considered an “independent contractor” which means you are responsible for your own taxes.

Do you know of a legitimate “work from home” opportunity?  Would you like to be featured or do a guest post about your work from home opportunity?  Please contact me!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information

 

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Win a free vacation for two: Aspen, Costa Rica, Key West, or Napa Valley!

July 4, 2011 by

eRollover

Right now, e-Rollover (a retirement/financial planning company) is giving away a 5 day, 4 night vacation for two to Aspen, Costa Rica, Key West, or Napa Valley!

Just a few days ago, my husband said that he would LOVE to go on vacation to Costa Rica some day.  That’s not necessarily my #1 vacation destination pick, but if we can go for free, I’m all for it!

To enter this awesome giveaway, all you have to do is “like” e-rollover here on Facebook and then complete the entry form. How easy is that?  The sweepstakes ends on 7/9/11 at 9 p.m. PST.

Which destination would you pick?

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information

 


 

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Menu Planning Monday: My Menu Plan for the week of 7/3

July 4, 2011 by

Happy 4th of July!  I hope everyone has a fun and relaxing day planned with family and friends!

The plan listed here just includes our dinner menu and recipes. I have calculated some Weight Watchers points values using the e-tools Recipe Builder, and points values this week are based on the new Points Plus program! (I will update with points values on the others as we have the meals)

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, then you know that for the past two years, I have done a $40 weekly budget. With the changes to our eating habits, I’m going to increase our budget to $50 per week and I’m really going to try to stick to that, but I’m not even sure that will be enough. This will be a trial and error experience, so stay tuned!

If you’re new to menu planning or would like tips for getting started, check out this post here.  You can also view hundreds of meal plans each week at Orgjunkie.com

SUNDAY: Melt in your mouth meatloaf (slow cooker) – I’ve made this several times now for our family.  It’s easy to make, very kid friendly, and yummy!

Ingredients:
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk (we use skim)
2/3 c. seasoned bread crumbs
2 tsp dried, minced onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp rubbed sage
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (we always make this with ground turkey instead and it’s yummy!)
1/4 c. ketchup
2 T brown sugar
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well (mixture will be moist.) Shape into a round loaf; place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over the meat loaf. Cook 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

WW points = 5 per serving with the ground turkey, ground beef may be more (makes 6 servings)
Sides – Sour cream mashed potatoes (4 pts) and green beans (0 pts)

MONDAY: BBQ! We’re having a family BBQ

Pizza Pasta salad – I’ve been using this recipe from Favorite Family Recipes for awhile now and it’s always a hit.  I haven’t been able to find the Bernstein’s dressing, so I just use fat free Zesty Italian.

Ingredients:
1 bag colored spiral noodles
¾ c. pepperoni cut into wedges
¾ c. mozzarella cut into small cubes
¾ c. fresh tomatoes, diced
½ c. olives, sliced
¼ c. parmesan cheese
1 bottle Bernstein’s Restaurant Recipe Italian Dressing

Mix together all ingredients and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. We like to put it in a tupperware container with a tight lid and flip it upside down, then right side up a few times while it is chilling to distribute the dressing into the pasta better.

Better than Almost Anything Cake ~ Another family favorite – it’s easy to make and so moist!

Ingredients:
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® German chocolate cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (16 to 17 oz) caramel, butterscotch or fudge topping
1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 bag (8 oz) toffee chips or bits

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Bake cake as directed on box for 13×9-inch pan. Poke top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with handle of wooden spoon. Drizzle milk evenly over top of cake; let stand until milk has been absorbed into cake. Drizzle with caramel topping. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Spread whipped topping over top of cake. Sprinkle with toffee chips. Store covered in refrigerator.

TUESDAY: Alisa’s Mexican Pulled Pork – Marci posted this on her blog while ago – it’s YUMMY!

Ingredients & Directions:
– 1 Pork Loin
– Put the pork loin on your oven broiler tray and broil for 20-40 mins at 400 degrees until browned (The longer you cook it in the over the quicker it will cook in the crock pot, but the crock pot makes the meat tender).
– Slice into the meat in several places. Put browned meat into the crock pot and add tomato sauce until covered (if you like your meat extra saucy add more).
– Add onions, garlic, adobo seasoning (Goya makes a good one), chili powder, salsa, and cumin all according to your tastes. You could also just add a can of canned enchilada sauce or tomato sauce and a packet of taco seasoning.
– Let the meat cook for several hours (at least 4 or 5, but you can leave it in on low all day long) Stir and check fluid levels every couple of hours.
– Slice and tear with fork when tender. You know the meat is completely done when it shreds easily with a fork.
– Meat can be used for tacos, enchiladas, nachos or anything else Mexican. I usually make more than we need. I freeze half it and then keep the rest for various Mexican meals through out thought the week.

WEDNESDAY: Chicken & dumplings (slow cooker)

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2-3 carrots, sliced
2-3 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, diced
1 can chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)
1 tsp salt, optional
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
paprika
2 pkg refrigerated biscuit dough, torn in pieces (I only use one)

Place chicken, vegetables, soups & seasonings in crockpot and fill with enough water to cover.  Cover with lid and cook on low 5-6 hours.  About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough into the crockpot.  Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

NOTE:  If I don’t have time for the biscuits to cook in the slow cooker, I just cook them in the oven and then tear up the biscuits and add them.

THURSDAY: Chicken & pea pods

FRIDAY: Peppered steak – this is a family recipe that came from my mother in law

Ingredients:
3 cups hot cooked rice
1 lb lean beef round steak (cut into 1/2 inch thick strips)
1 T Paprika
2 T butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 c. beef broth
1 cup sliced green onions
2 green peppers, cut in strips
2T cornstarch
1/4 c. water
1/4 c. soy sauce
2 lg tomatoes (cut in eighths)

Pound steak to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 1/4 inch wide strips. Sprinkle meat with paprika. Let stand. Brown meat in butter. Add garlic and brother. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in onions and green peppers. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Blend cornstarch, water and soy sauce. Stir into meat mixture. Cook, stirring until clear and thickened, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and stir gently. Serve over beds of fluffy rice.

WW points = 7 points/serving  (add an additional 3 points for 1/2 cup rice and 5 points for 1 cup rice), this makes 4 servings.

SATURDAY:  Chicken Taco Rice – I got this recipe from a freezer swap awhile ago – it’s easy to make and everyone loves it!

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
3 cups Chicken broth
8 oz. Tomato sauce
1 pkg. Taco seasoning mix
1-1/2 Brown rice, uncooked
1/2 cup Red or Green Pepper
1 can of corn
On Hand:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients:
Tortilla chips, flour tortillas, tomatoes, lettuce, salsa, etc.

Assembly Directions:
Mix everything in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until rice is done (about 40-50 minutes). Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Freezing Directions:
Allow rice mixture to cool. Place in appropriate sized containers. Seal, label and freeze.
Serving Directions:
Thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat in microwave until warm. You can also reheat it in a saucepan if you add a little bit of water before heating. Sprinkle cheese on top and serve with tortilla chips.

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Printable coupon round-up: $2/3 Pop Tarts, $.50/1 Chex Mix + more!

July 3, 2011 by

Did you grab all of the hot printable coupons that were posted today?  Here’s a round-up in case you missed something!

There is a SUPER hot printable coupon available here for $2 off 3 Pop Tarts! Printable coupons for Pop Tarts are VERY rare and I don’t think I’ve ever seen any Pop Tarts coupon with that high of a dollar value!  Usually they are $1/2 or $1/3!

There should be some good sales on these within a few weeks as back to school sales start. Print this fast before it’s gone and hang on to it!! I found mine under the zip code 77041 when I sorted by “Foods.” There’s a $1/3 Pop Tarts Target printable, too! Hopefully there will be a GREAT sale (or even a gift card deal) so we can use both coupons together!

GM released some HOT cereal printable coupons yesterday. We should start seeing some good sales on cereal as the back to school sales start in the next few weeks, so hopefully these will match up with some of the deals!

Save $.50/1 Honey Nut Cheerios (if you have stores that double, you should be able to get a great deal using this coupon!)

There is a new printable coupon for $5/1 Enfamil here. You can pair this with the $2/1 Enfamil coupon in the Walgreens infant care booklet and you should be able to get a good deal! If you have any formula checks you’ve received by mail, you should be able to use those, too, since formula checks are processed as actual checks rather than as coupons!  There is also a deal at CVS this week:  Buy 2 formula, get a $6 ECB.

Have you printed the $.50/1 Chex Mix coupon here yet? Hurry and grab it because the Chex Mix will be 10/$10 at CVS next week, so it will be just $.50 after coupon!

If your stores double coupons, you should be able to get Chex Mix for free during a 10/$10 sale, too, so it may be worth it to print it and hold on to it!  If the coupon doesn’t show up automatically under your zip code, you might want to try sorting by “Foods” and using the zip code 77063.

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$15 for 2 AMC Gold or Cinemark movie tickets + 2 game rentals!

July 3, 2011 by

You know I love my movie ticket deals and I’ve been LOVING taking my kids to the movie this summer!  Right now, Screamin’ Daily Deals has two HOT movie ticket promotions.  The tickets don’t expire and you can buy two of each!

Here’s how you can take advantage of these deals:

1.  Log into your Screamin’ Daily Deals Account Here (if you don’t have one, you can create one here)

2.  After you log in, check out these movie deals below:

You can grab TWO Cinemark movie tickets and two game rentals for just $15 here!  These tickets NEVER expire!

Get two movie tickets, a small drink, a small popcorn, and two game rentals for $25 here!


Get two AMC Gold Experience tickets and 2 game rentals for just $15 here! These tickets don’t expire and don’t have the same restrictions that other tickets and offers have.

(Thanks Enza’s Bargains!)

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information


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