In the hustle and bustle of college life, juggling classes, assignments, and your busy social life it can leave little room for earning an income. But what if there was a way for busy college students to make some extra cash while saving at the same time? Enter mystery shopping—a hidden gem that can seamlessly fit into your hectic schedule and provide a win-win situation.
In this blog post, we'll explore the enticing benefits of becoming a mystery shopper for college students, focusing on convenience stores, fast food chains, and gyms as prime opportunities to bring in extra money without sacrificing valuable study time.
How Does it Work?
Mystery Shopping is a research method used by companies around the world to collect valuable insights into their customer experiences. These brands will hire companies like Intouch Insight to supply Mystery Shoppers who will go to their physical locations, call their call centers, or visit them online, and provide feedback on specific things they want to know.
Mystery Shoppers are typically what we call “Independent Contractors”. This means that because you are not an employee of the company, you have full control over the assignments you pick, how many you do, and when they are completed.
As a mystery shopper you will receive access to a pool of assignments near you to choose from. The assignments will have specific instructions so you know exactly what’s required so you can choose a gig that’s right for you. After conducting your visit, you then fill out questionnaires online or via mobile app detailing your observations and experiences.
What makes being a mystery shopper particularly attractive for individuals pursuing higher education is its flexibility. Whether you have classes during the day or prefer working evenings and weekends, as a mystery shopper you get the freedom to work when it's most convenient for you. With the ability to choose assignments that align with your availability, you can seamlessly integrate mystery shopping into your jam-packed schedules without compromising academic commitments, extracurricular activities, or your social life.
How Do You Get Paid?
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In terms of compensation, mystery shoppers are typically paid on a per-shop basis. The amount paid per shop can vary depending on the complexity and time required. Intouch Insight pays their shoppers every 2 weeks - one of the fastest in the industry. (Some companies only pay out every 3 months, so check the fine print!)
In some cases, in addition to the shopper fee, you may also be reimbursed for certain expenses incurred during the visit, such as purchases or meals, allowing you to not only make money, but also save money as well, doing things you are already doing in your day-to-day life.
To incentivize excellence, some mystery shop programs offer bonuses, such as referral bonuses for recruiting new shoppers for harder to field locations.
Best Gigs for College Students
Mystery shopping holds immense potential for busy college students seeking financial independence and a way to make the most of their limited time. By capitalizing on opportunities within convenience stores, fast food chains, and gyms, students can unlock a world of extra cash, savings, and personal growth. Embrace the mystery shopping adventure and watch as your bank account blossoms by saving and earning money without sacrificing the demands of college life.
Let’s take a look at some of the great gigs that are perfect for the busy college student!
🏬 Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are a prime choice for mystery shoppers, especially college students. It is a great way to get those snacks, drinks, and even gas costs reimbursed. Most of the mystery shops at convenience stores are checking the store's customer service experience. Mystery shopping jobs include checking if the store's staff greets customers when they enter, the cleanliness of the store, availability of products, as well as, making sure they are checking I.D. for age restricted items. To make the most of convenience store shops and to optimize your earning potential, we suggest creating a route of shops, by picking up a few nearby and completing them all within the same day.
🍟 Fast Food Chains
Fast food chains are another prime location that mystery shoppers can’t get enough of. You will basically get paid to eat! These shops usually involve assessing customer service, order accuracy, cleanliness of the establishment, and other similar factors. These jobs can be combined with a quick lunch break where you grab a bite to eat while completing the survey. There are many where you will not even have to get out of your car and simply run through their drive-thru for your favorite fast food meal.
💪 Gyms
Gyms also offer a perfect opportunity for college students. The task usually includes making inquiries about the gym's services and cleanliness. Some gyms also ask mystery shoppers to perform exercises to assess the staff's knowledge of the work out and competence in explaining gym equipment usage. Gyms also offer the added benefit of a free workout session, which is a great perk for fitness enthusiasts.
What are you waiting for?!
Once you sign up as an Intouch Shopper, you will gain monthly access to 20,000 to 50,000 shops instantly.
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→ If you are ready to embark on your mystery shopping journey register here!
