"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." -- Anonymous
I am working toward my BS in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and through a few unexpected twists, I have this term off. One term at ECPI University is five weeks and Sunday, Jun 28 2015 will mark the end of week 2 of the current term. While off, I figured I'd focus on something I hadn't in quite a while. I said to myself, "Let's try THAT!"
Every once in a while, I will work toward something that I want to try. I have my eye on a few things, but this first series of blogs, I will look at Mystery Shopping. Is it real? Or better yet, can you really get paid to evaluate products and/or service? And yet again, is there a way to shop, evaluate a company, and not end up getting ripped off or scammed? Yes, it is real. Yes, you really can get paid to evaluate products and/or service. And yes again, there is a way to shop, evaluate a company, and not end up getting ripped off or scammed.
I will chronicle my experience with Mystery Shopping right here. However, I will be intentionally vague as to not list the specific service or client. The worst part about Mystery Shopping is getting started. Just like starting a new position with a new company, there is a delay in the first pay period. The only difference is that you accept a job as an independent contractor and you have to pay for a good or service. Once you have spent you're own hard earned money, you get the joy of evaluating minute details as well as the overall details of your experience.
Example #1: I had a service performed that is a normal service that many people have done, several times a year. As my first job that I applied for and was scheduled to do, I read the instructions extra careful and wanted to ensure that my review was complete and well done. I spent some cash and will be reimbursed for my purchase as well as paid for the actual review of my experience.
Imagine starting a company, let's say you star building and installing custom cabinets.You'll pay for tools, wood, and other needs. Once you sell, you get some inflow above your cost and re-invest. That's exactly what I'll do. Reinvest until I am spending and earning to a point that the returns can be enjoyed. But for a while, it'll be spending at a modest rate and- when I can- put the spending toward something I would come out of pocket for normally. However, I do have an upscale restaurant that will reimburse a GREAT night out and give me a couple of bucks. But the meal for free is the paycheck on that one.
The last thing I tried out was Dollar Shave Club (DSC). I'll be honest, the first few shaves felt a bit like a disposable. Once I realized that I was paying peanuts, it dawned on me that I could swap out the blade more often than the costlier blades. With a fresh blade at a fraction of the cost? You can try that!
Click here to try out the DSC.
