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

Mics_chick

Sorry to ask what loads of peeps have probably asked already but is there a definitive list of survey companies anywhere like the list of mystery shopper companies in post #1 of this thread ???

I've spent quite a bit of time looking through the previous thread (part 2)already but not found anything so far and it is a HUGE thread (said Reeves & Mortimer stylee ) - and then I realised that this thread superceded it so I was looking in the wrong place anyway - so I just wondered if any kind soul could point me in the right direction please?

Becles

strawI3erry wrote: »

Can you please advise me of the best companies to sign up to? and advise how frequently you people get jobs and roughly how much they pay? (if you're allowed to tell)

Frequency varies from company to company as does the pay. There is no "best one to work for". Each company has it's own clients and reporting style. You need to try a variety and then settle with the ones you enjoy working for.

I would quite like to go to pubs and restuarants as I use to work in that trade. Do you think that will go in my favour?

I'm don't think it will go in your favour. Many companies will not offer work to people who have worked in similar type stores to the ones on their books.

IMO if you have worked in the pub/restaurant trade, you have different expectations due to influences from your work, so it would be hard for you to give an unbiased report, compared to someone who has never worked in the trade before.

Also, do you have to use your own money to buy stuff and they reimburse you or you take it back?

It depends on the job. Sometimes you buy things and keep them, then get reimbursed. Other times you buy things then either take them back for a refund, or post them to the MS company who then reimburse you.

strawI3erry

Thanks for that

Is there any companies you would recommend?

I have been looking at retail eyes and gfk.

nickik1970

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

I started working as a mystery shopper just 8 weeks ago, having been on Incapacity Benefit for many years.

With Working Tax Credit (including supplements because I am disabled and aged over 50) I am somewhat better off than on Incapacity Benefit (plus I can earn more than the £20/week I was limited to on Incapacity Benefit).

I am limited to the amount of walking I can do so, lengthy audits are beyond me and I struggle to cope with going out in cold weather. Also, being single, the 'family' work (such as cinema. bowling, restaurant and holiday shops) are not available to me. I occasionally get 'disabled' shops but these are not common (although generally pay better).

What I really need is to work from home doing telephone surveys. where I can call customers and ask them to answer questions. It may seem a little boring work but it would suit me (and my disability) very well. Does anyone know of mystery shopping companies that offer this type of work?

Optimum contact have phone work. Everything you need to know and what to say is all explained to you, and there is an easy to fill out questionnaire as you ask the people questions. The company deals with holiday companies and vehicle hire etc. They also do mystery shops as well. Payment is good and youreceive it approx within 2 weeks of putting in your invoice, which is also done on their website.

MrsB68

I have been accepted by BARE, however, it states I need to obtain a Certificate. Has anyone else had to do this, and do you have to pay? Thanks x

TractorGirl327

strawI3erry wrote: »

Thanks for that

Is there any companies you would recommend?

I have been looking at retail eyes and gfk.

Yes, I use both of those and would recommend them. Retail Eyes have lots of pub jobs, both drinks and food visits. They do like lots of detail in their questionnaires as well.

Gap are probably the best one to start with, to get you "into" Mystery shopping, as their jobs are usually relatively simple to do and the questionnaires are mainly "Tick Box" answers rather than having to write a huge amount.

Another one I like a lot is Grass Roots but you literally have to be online on their site when jobs come on 'cos they go very quickly!

mimi1234

""I have been accepted by BARE, however, it states I need to obtain a Certificate. Has anyone else had to do this, and do you have to pay? Thanks x""

I am with Bare, I had to do some kind of test before they allowed me to do visits for them. I did not have to pay anything.

Anyone got any experience of AMBER ARCH? Are they a good company to work for? Thanks in advance.

TractorGirl327

RE has got rid of the awful new colourscheme!

malteaser1988

Hi all!
I have just applied today for RE and GAP to start MS.
I am currently a full time student at uni, with a part-time job (7hours per week) so I do not earn over £4465 per year.

Am I correct in thinking that if I apply for the small earnings exemption certificate I will be successful, and if I do apply for it do I have to send off a copy of my last payslip or anything similar? Or is it only money from MS that I would have to declare.

Slightly confused on this point. Would appreciate any help available as I want to make sure I contact the tax man so he doesnt come after me later!!

Thanks,

malteaser1988

Zazen999

Well done RE for ending the pain!!!

I can see again.