Whether it's for a special meal out, a splurge on a handbag or even a few extra needed dollars to help cover unexpected car problems, a little extra quick and easy pocket money can certainly come in handy in sometimes. Over the course of my single and now mommy years, I have found several fun and easy ways to fatten my wallet, if only temporary. The best part is that you often choose when to work!
Mystery Shopping
I began mystery shopping 12 years ago when I returned from living overseas, had other temporary positions, was settling back into life in the U.S. and seeking full-time work. I began with short and simple cell phone and fast food shops and quickly worked my way up to high-end restaurant and hotel shops.
All shops are different based on clients' requirements, but nearly all expect that you will act like a regular customer, as businesses are keen to know the experiences of average customers. Specific guidelines are given so you know in advance what you will be evaluating. Then online reports are submitted following the visit. These positions are especially suited for those who are detailed oriented and enjoy writing.
Almost every industry is shopped, so you have a variety to choose from, but know that like any job, you work your way up to more glamorous offerings. There is definitely some cash to be made, but some "payments" are in form of reimbursement only, so if it something that you need anyway, like dry cleaning or oil changes, mystery shopping can still help with bills. Some shops include both reimbursement and payment; for example, restaurants often cover reimbursements for meals and tips in addition to a payment.
There are hundreds of mystery shopping companies. Two great places to begin are the websites of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (the trade association of the industry) and Independent Mystery Shoppers Coalition.
I would recommend not signing up with any company who are not members of at least one of these. And please beware that unfortunately, scams are rampant in this industry. Do not sign up with a company that asks you to pay them! As with any other job, they pay you, not the other way around.
I love mystery shopping for lots of reasons, but one of the biggest ones these days is that some shops allow children. It does make the work a little harder sometimes, and I find myself having to work a bit harder to pay attention to all those needed details, but it is nice knowing I do not have to find child care while doing some jobs!
McCormick Taste Testings
We are fortunate to live in the same metropolitan area as the world's largest spice company, McCormick & Company, Inc.. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, McCormick frequently conducts consumer research on a variety of food and beverages in their food labs. I have sampled some yummy foods and have come away feeling like I left a gourmet buffet. They pay the day of the test either by check or direct deposit.
I have been on their email list for about 5 years now, and I receive emails at least weekly, if not more often, advising of upcoming tasting opportunities. There are screening questions for every taste test, as they screen for demographic information as well as personal preferences. In my own experience, I have been denied more than I have qualified, but, of course, they do not tell you what the qualifiers were.
Bon appetit!
Product Demos/Brand Ambassadors
Though I have not done these myself, I know of several mamas who supplement income through the occasional demo. As brand ambassadors, they conduct product demos at stores, fairs, events, etc. on behalf of companies.
Some stores have regular product demos such as the free samples given out regularly at Sam's Club at Costco. The staff handing out samples are often hired by third-party vendors on hourly bases. Others are samples handed out at events like baseball games and county fairs. One mommy of a young child I spoke to recently commented that she works as a brand ambassador mostly on weekends when she has more child care support.
The following are sites to begin your search for companies that hire brand ambassadors and product demonstrators:
Wine and Food Festival Volunteers
Though many of these positions are not paid in cash, these are fun events to volunteer at for a couple hours in exchange for free admission to these often costly events. If you and a girlfriend are planning on attending a wine festival anyway, why not go a couple hours earlier, get a free t-shirt and enjoy the activities for free the remainder of the day?
Admittedly, I have only done these in my pre-kid years, but I still think about them and hope that one day I'll be able to return! We are fortunate to have many food festivals in the area throughout the year. A great place to check out a list of Maryland food festivals is www.msa.maryland.gov.
I volunteered for a Great Grapes Wine Festival, and the Food and Wine Show at National Harbor and had great experiences at both. I contacted them directly to volunteer.
Have fun making some extra pocket change and perhaps enjoying a new experience at the same time!
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