The Reality, The Risk

Everything I do is independent work and it's almost like having a second, third, fourth, etc... job that is solely commission based. I would never try to support myself on a commission only job because that is too much risk for me. But like working in commission only job, there is RISK in all the things I do and discuss on this blog and with others in person!

 

As a product reviewer, mystery shopper, movie screener, and couponer, there are a multitude of risk associated with each. 

Top 3 risks for Mystery Shopping

• Not getting paid - because of course, that's one of the reasons I do it!
• I have only had 3 shops ever that I didn't get paid for. I am lucky in some capacity that none of those were reimbursement shops. And while I can sit and be defensive about the issues of why I did not get paid, I learned lessons from each on of them. The more ya know, the more ya grow! 
• Not doing the shop right - because then I won't get paid and I jeopardize the shop company deactivating my account or in the least, my shopper ranking/rating.
• Any shopper that says they have never messed up one bit on a shop is a liar! I have messed up on more shops that I'd like to admit. While it may be small mess up, technicalities, it's still a mess up.  And I've watched a dear friend of mine mess up on a shop before only to assist her so that she did have all the details for the shop. The lesson I learned from my very first mess up is to read both the instructions and look at the questionnaire BEFORE going out to the shop. If anything, the questionnaire is going to tell you EVERYTHING you need to submit for the shop, right?
• Something going wrong - because it makes the shop more difficult and could cause you to not do it right
• This has happened to me many times, from the cost being different that what the instructions said to not being able to evaluate a restroom because I deemed it an unsafe environment to a specific location not existing in a multi-venue shop. Contacting the scheduler and keeping the shop company in the loop is of utmost importance when these situations arise. Expect the unexpected and keep your cool! 

Top 3 risks for a Product Review

• Not getting your package(s)- because the postal service is human, but you cannot complete the review(s)
• I didn't even acknowledge this risk until a month ago when I had packages containing multiple items not arrive. I had to contact review companies, sellers, Amazon, and the post office in an attempt to figure out what happened and to try to resolve. In the end, I missed out on those products (though some of the sellers were willing to resend, while others just had to be cancelled with Amazon and refunded).
• Getting a crap product - because you are reviewing it to give honest feedback
• Sometimes, you get a product that just sucks. The product isn't broken or defective, it just is not a good product. There is nothing the company can immediately do to cause you to have a better opinion about the product and yet, you have to provide honest feedback about it. 
• You miss out on a product you really wanted - because products reviews can be limited
• I have missed out on my share of things because I work a full-time job by day and also do so many other things that prevent me from continuously looking at review sites, my email and facebook. You win some, you lose some! (And if anything, some deals repeat on with other review sites or even the same site or it'll be available from a different brand/seller)

Top 3 risks for a Movie Screener

• Not getting in! - Because otherwise, I wasted hours of my time to just go home. 
• In my many many screenings, I have ever not gotten into ONE movie! Recently, I almost didn't get into a movie and was given the opportunity to go to the screening of another movie and took it! 
• Getting a crappy seat - not the end of the world, but in all seriousness, you don't want to sit for 2 hours watching something that you have to bend your neck awkwardly
• I'm not too picky about seats, but travelling alone or in a smaller group makes it easier to get that random seat you want. Also, arriving early you can usually get a seat of your choice rather than the leftover. Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle!
• Missing passes - 
• I'd like to think that there is nothing worse than missing the passes for a movie you have been stalking for weeks. But the reality is, there is! I've missed passes many times and I can't even remember specifically what movies. Having friends who do screenings is helpful because sometimes you can be their plus one or they have extra passes or can't make it and give you theirs. There are also usually at least one contest for a movie, so you can enter the contest for a shot to win. But I either catch another screening, 

Top 3 risks for a Couponer

• Forgetting your coupons - because well, you remembered your grocery list, reusable bags, wallet, cellphone, keys, and those coupons... well, they didn't make the cut!
• Get in the habit of having them with the other things you take or get a book that you can throw in your bag, purse, whatever. Digital coupons are also great CVS, Walgreens, Target (Cartwheel) and other places that will take them. But there really is not real solution to this one! 
• It doesn't scan - because technology is not perfect! 
• Usually, this happens on internet printables more frequently than ones out of newspaper inserts. See if the cashier will enter manually. Any experienced cashier will know how. 
• Cashier says NOPE - because they say they don't excepted internet print (IP) coupons, they can only take one, it's not the right product, and they just don't know how (this one always humors me!)
• 1. Check to make sure you do have the item (I've had coupons stick together and look at it like where did you come from. Then I apologize to the cashier and take it away; 2. Check to see that you are following the requirements for the coupon. I once stood behind a lady with a cart full of facial wipes that she had a "FREE" coupon for, but in smaller print above, it said "With the purchase of facial wash". Well, poor employees because she sent it all back :-( 3. Don't be afraid to speak up. I have had employees say "Well, it says "it says 'Limit one coupon per item' so I can only use one coupon" and I so kindly point out, "Limit 4 like coupons per transaction" and explain why there is a difference in those two descriptions. 
• All I can really say is if you know you are right and can use the coupon, it's up to you to prove it. Know your rights, know your coupon policies! But be nice about it ;-) 

I've put this all out there, but in the end, what it comes down to is being able to think outside the box and being able to think on your feet! While I have experiences all these risk in some capacity, they have never been a deterrent for me to do what I do!  

Happy Weekend!