Maximising income - Mystery Shopping? Surveys?

PONDSAVER_2

never heard of them - are they good jobs and good reimbursments?

Becles

Yes - have worked for them for a good few years now.

They're really nice and helpful, but they do expect lots of comments on your whole experience. Make sure you write more than just yes/no answers and you'll be fine.

liz545

I've just noticed that on the Web Express pages of Gap it refers to things you have to look for if you're visiting a coffee shop, but I don't see any jobs for this client, or anything in the training modules. Has anyone done any jobs for that client, or know anything about this?

Yorkielass

Has anyone done any jobs donig Merchandising - I was browsing online last night and saw Merchandising mentioned on a site (can't remember which ) but it didn't really say what it included - anyone done any Merchandising work?

Thanks

PONDSAVER_2

liz545 wrote:

I've just noticed that on the Web Express pages of Gap it refers to things you have to look for if you're visiting a coffee shop, but I don't see any jobs for this client, or anything in the training modules. Has anyone done any jobs for that client, or know anything about this?

I thought the same when I noticed it a couple of days ago....thought is was maybe like mcdonalds you have to be msing with them for a few months before you see them??

Becles

Yorkielass wrote:

Has anyone done any jobs donig Merchandising - I was browsing online last night and saw Merchandising mentioned on a site (can't remember which ) but it didn't really say what it included - anyone done any Merchandising work?

Yes - me!

It covers lots of things! Basically you go into store and sign in as a visitor on behalf of a manufacturer. You then have a list of tasks to do in store, which have to be signed off by either a manager or someone from that department before signing back out. Usually the main point of the exercise is to make your brand look more attractive to increase sales.

You might have to any of the following:
Speak to management to try and secure extra shelf space, or space in a promo aisle end.
Set up and stock a free standing display unit.
Bring forward more stock from the warehouse and sort out an inventory errors.
Put posters, leaflet dispensers, stickers, shelf edge labels and other promo material.
Make sure the main fixture is topped up with stock.
Replanogram a whole fixture (moving stock around so it looks like a pictoral diagram you'll be sent)
Take digital photos of your work.
Capture comments from store staff on how items are selling and general customer feedback.

You need to be quite confident and be happy dealing with a range of people from general assistants, stock controllers up to store managers. You do run into managers who are rude and patronising, so you have to be thick skinned and try and be as persuasive as you can to get the job done. Companies do understand if you can't do something as the store say no, but you do need to show you tried. Other managers can be lovely though and will help as much as they can.

I would try a couple of easier jobs first to see if you like it and to learn the lingo. There's a number of terms and acronyms that are puzzling at first!

If you've got anymore questions, give me a shout!

Yorkielass

Thanks Beccles that's really helpful. Looks a lot more involved than Mystery Shopping but sounds interesting. I'll keep it in mind.

onthecase

Does anyone know if you can claim mileage allowance when it comes to filling in your tax return form?

I know some companies pay 40p per mile if you have to visit somewhere so I was wondering if you could claim this as you are self employed and have to travel around.

If you can claim, where would you put this on the form and would you have to make a list of every job done and the miles travelled?

Thanks in advance!

Dormouse

liz545 wrote:

I've just noticed that on the Web Express pages of Gap it refers to things you have to look for if you're visiting a coffee shop, but I don't see any jobs for this client, or anything in the training modules. Has anyone done any jobs for that client, or know anything about this?

I was wondering about that myself - I've never seen these jobs listed

Maybe they're a new client?

Chas

The coffee shops are not a new client but when Gap got the contract they asked existing shoppers to apply to shop that particular client. The jobs are not available to everyone.

Don't worry that you are missing out - in my opinion the fee for this job is rubbish & the scenarios make you stand out as a mystery shopper. I applied to do the jobs, was accepted & got sent all the info but when I saw what you have to do & what the fee is I decided not to bother.

Having said that, some people might find the jobs brilliant.

Gap also do audits for petrol stations & a retailer but these also aren't available for everyone.