Maximising income - Mystery Shopping? Surveys? (Part Two)

Techno

Got my first MS assignment through today (hurrah!!) as there are rather a lot of posts on this thread - can anyone recommend which pages to look at for advice on what can be offset against earnings for each MS trip (petrol I can see but what else) Would it be worth setting up a separate thread with all that sort of advice on. Also noticed that some people use accounts packages - is that the best way to go?

Dim-Tim_2

Only recently started MSing so have only done a handful of shops, mostly chicken and pizza. Most of those I have done have been at places we have previously visited and have been thoroughly satisfied but when we have done the MS, the experience has been somewhat "iffy". I began to think that MSing had put a hex on all our shops.

Last night we set out to do a pub chain (via RE) at a place we have previously visited and been perfectly happy. I was expecting the "hex" to have it's effect again and ruin it.

BUT NO ! It was first class !

What made it even more enjoyable was the fact that I was able to give an award (it comes as part of the job) for exemplary service.

Why did I think this award was deserved ?

As per instructions, I asked the barman to make a recommendation (in this case a real ale). He briefly started to discuss the options, paused , went away and came back with three small glasses with "tasters" for me to choose.

Also, there was a large retirement party in the restaurant and someone had brought flowers. The same member of staff saw this and went to fill a vase with water for them.

And now a question, is that "exemplary service" ? I thought so and I did so enjoy giving that reward.:T

Oops ! that is a bit long, sorry !

leila1

Techno wrote: »

Got my first MS assignment through today (hurrah!!) as there are rather a lot of posts on this thread - can anyone recommend which pages to look at for advice on what can be offset against earnings for each MS trip (petrol I can see but what else) Would it be worth setting up a separate thread with all that sort of advice on. Also noticed that some people use accounts packages - is that the best way to go?

There is a small list of things I copied and pasted from one of the posts:
Printing costs: 6p per sheet
Transport cost: 40p per mile
Items purchased as part of the shop
1/3 of broadband costs
I suppose if you don't have time accounts packages could be handy. I personnaly use a paper expense sheet (which I photocopied in one of my assignments!) and my lovely calculator. I find adding and substracting very relaxing!!

hornetgirl

Dim-Tim - I would say that was definitely exemplary service. I bet you felt good being able to give out the award, especially with Christmas coming. I'm doing one of these tonight and another one tomorrow, hope I get to give an award too

daydreambeliever_3

Hello All,
This is a great thread. I've read it and the original one all the way through (took me about a week back in July).
I joined some of the companies mentioned on here and have had quite a few jobs which I've really enjoyed apart from one or two.
As you have all been so helpful I just thought I would mention something which may be useful to other newbies. I did my second sandwich assignment yesterday and from the list of sandwiches you have to look for, neither have had Tuna Mayo Wedges. Anyway when I checked my receipt yesterday the sandwich I bought turned out to be just that! It was just one of the ordinary ones in the plastic triangular packets but I thought it would be a chunky 'doorstop' thing and be labelled on the shelf.

Course it could just be me that didn't know they were called wedges, in which case just ignore.

jayneuk

Anyone ever get anything from Bare International? I don't really understand it. I have clicked on assignments saying I want to do them, then they are in my job list as pending for a few days, then they just disappear. What's that all about?

leila1

jayneuk wrote: »

Anyone ever get anything from Bare International? I don't really understand it. I have clicked on assignments saying I want to do them, then they are in my job list as pending for a few days, then they just disappear. What's that all about?

With Bare you have to keep on trying, they tend to assign things according to grades and job history. Once you get your first shop try and give a lot of details so you get a high grade, that way you can self assign some jobs and you get accepted in a lot more. I started with a "bank job" and got going from there. They tend to have a lot of work.

tigergold

Registered with gap - its about the orientation, not sure i can mention here. its more technical question regarding the "tours" - anyone i can PM, where is Timmne when you need him

Timmne

Here!

I'm busy typing up a report from a visit I have just returned from....

jayneuk

Thanks Leila.