LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / September 1, 2024 / As families across the UK brace themselves for the financial strain of the summer holidays, many parents have found a clever way to manage their budgets, enjoy new experiences and entertain the kids through mystery shopping.
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The idea of mystery shopping is simple: everyday people are hired to shop or use services and then report back on their experience, to help brands improve their customer service. In return, they earn extra cash, making it a great side hustle and a way to save money on the things they would be doing anyway.
For many parents, the summer holidays bring increased expenses as they seek to keep children entertained and fed without the structure of school days. The cost of day trips, meals out, and additional childcare can quickly add up.
Mystery shopping is a win-win for both parents and kids with assignments varying from dining at restaurants, filling up on fuel and staying in hotels to shopping for specific items or using particular services.
Side hustles, such as mystery shopping have become more popular for Britons since the rise of living costs, and in a digital age where there are multiple channels of service which are in need of evaluation.
How It Works
It's simple - sign up to a reputable mystery shopping company who will provide guidelines and checklists for shoppers to follow during their visits. After completing an assignment, shoppers simply submit their report and receipts, and in return, they receive reimbursement along with a small fee for their time.
For parents, the flexibility of mystery shopping could be a big attraction. Assignments can often be completed around their existing schedules, making it an ideal option for parents looking for cost effective ways to take the children out to eat or to supplement their existing income.
What It Takes
Simon Boydell, Chief Marketing & Product Officer of mystery shopping company Serve First, shares his top tips on how to be a top-notch mystery shopper.
Firstly, before you become a mystery shopper make sure you do your research and find a legitimate company before registering. Avoid any company that asks for an upfront fee - genuine mystery shopping companies are free to join and will never charge you.
Other tips are:
Start with Small Assignments:
Begin with simpler tasks to get the hang of the process. These might include dining at a restaurant, shopping at a retail store, or visiting a petrol station. As you gain experience, you can take on more complex assignments.
Take Detailed Notes:
During your visits, discreetly take mental or physical notes on the key aspects you need to evaluate. This could be anything from the cleanliness, staff behaviour, product availability, and any other relevant details. The more specific your notes, the more valuable your feedback will be.
Be Observant and Objective:
Pay close attention to your surroundings and interactions. Remain impartial, your role is to provide an accurate and fair assessment.
Submit Timely and Accurate Reports:
After completing an assignment, you'll need to fill out a report detailing your experience. Ensure your report is thorough, clear, and submitted on time.
Supercharge Your Summer Saving
In addition to free meals and payment perks through mystery shopping, here are some more money-saving tips to help you breeze through those costly summer weeks.
Explore Local Parks and Nature Reserves: Take advantage of free entry to local parks, nature reserves, and countryside trails for picnics, wildlife spotting, and outdoor games.
Get a Kids Pass: Discover a multitude of offers with a Kids Pass, including up to 40% off family holidays and days out. You also get access to a great range of kids-eat-free deals. Prices start with a 30-day trial for just £1. You can then choose between a monthly membership at £3.99 or an annual membership for £39.99.
Visit Museums and Galleries: Many museums and galleries offer free entry or discounted family tickets. Check their websites for special events and interactive exhibits.
Free Swimming Lessons: During the school holidays, many local councils offer free swimming lessons to children for under-16s. Enquire with your local swimming pool or council to see what's available in your area.
Discounted Cinema Tickets: Some cinemas host special morning screenings for children during the school holidays with discounted family prices. With Vue you can even bag tickets for £2.49 each if you book online.
Kids Eat Free Offers: Don't forget there are plenty of places that offer free or reduced-price kids' meals during the school holidays. Supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's all offer free or £1 meals for kids when you purchase an adult sized meal.
Serve First is calling upon parents who want to make this a year of fun and funds. So, if you're thinking about becoming a mystery shopper this summer simply sign up here and start earning.
About Serve First:
Serve First is a leading mystery shopping company dedicated to enhancing customer experiences through detailed, impartial evaluations. With a commitment to improving service standards across various industries, Serve First connects businesses with everyday consumers who provide valuable insights through mystery shopping assignments. By offering flexible and rewarding opportunities, Serve First empowers individuals, including parents, to earn extra income while enjoying new experiences. The company is known for its transparent practices, comprehensive support, and dedication to maintaining high standards of quality in every assignment. Serve First is free to join and provides a platform for consumers to contribute to better service across the UK.
Media Details:
Company Name: Serve First
Contact Person: Simon Boydell
City & Country: London, England
Mail: info@servefirst.co.uk
Website: https://www.servefirst.co.uk/
SOURCE: Serve First
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