Extra income has traditionally been the purpose for taking on an extra job or a side gig to your ‘day’ job. Bills need to be paid or vacations are longed for, and additional cash is needed to make these things happen.
Another reason for taking on additional work is to learn a new skill or to develop a passion into a business that you can eventually view as your primary source of work and income.
Mystery shopping is a side gig that requires little cash investment. It may require a brush up on writing skills and a check on how you manage your time. And any extra income producer will always require an investment of your time (our most precious commodity).
Being a mystery shopper provides you with cash to supplement your income. Or even fund the costs of your passion for brewing beer, creating ETSY products, or writing a book.
What We Learn from Mystery Shopping
One benefit of being a mystery shopper is learning about people.
Standing in line at a grocery store or waiting to be served at a restaurant – and having to really, really watch the interactions – are real eye-openers to how human beings act.
Our current human condition is one where we jump to conclusions, post a video of something we’ve seen, or Snapchat a situation we are experiencing. Usually, these are gut reactions and not thoughtful consideration of what is really happening.
Mystery shoppers must observe what is truly going on. Shoppers examine the exchange of information and product from one person to another. And then, they need to describe it in their written report.
Professionally, kindly, and certainly not with an impulsive reaction.
Mystery shoppers who properly conduct their shops understand and witness kindness, empathy, and awareness. They watch people work by the Golden Rule – “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” – or not. And then …
This is the hidden benefit … they go out and treat others as they want to be treated.
Mystery shopping teaches us to be kind.
Carla’s Story
A mystery shopper named Carla once shared with us that she was glad she had taken her children mystery shopping. Her main reason for mystery shopping was to be able to be home with her children, yet earn money to save for vacations and special treats. So, naturally, her children came along with her when she shopped. They sat or stood beside Carla at restaurants, in retail stores, and for automotive service shops.
After a year or two of doing this, Carla’s elementary-aged children would get back in the car and start to tell her what to write up in the report.
“That man could have been nicer to the woman in line before us, Mom. We weren’t in a rush.” Or “The waitress is taking way too long to bring our food – and didn’t even asked us if we want more water while we waited.” Or “Wow, that guy was nice! Even though he was busy, he came over to see what we were coloring!”
Carla already knew that she had become a bit more aware of being nicer to people after she had started to mystery shop. But she was delighted that her children had learned the lesson too.
Hidden Benefits of Any Side Gig
Side gigs can provide us with money, new skills, and the ability to follow our passion. But some can provide us with lessons which will enrich us more than money ever could.
How has mystery shopping or another side gig helped you to be more aware of how you treat others? Please share below – we all need a little more kindness in our lives!
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