Category: Parents + Surveys

  • The Scoop on Product Testing

    There are some folks out there that like to experiment with new techniques and products. In fact, I know some villains who delight in using innocent people to test out their latest weaponry. Since I know you’re not a villain, but you might like to try new things, may I suggest Product testing?

    Who doesn’t love free stuff? The great thing about product testing is you will get samples of products but you might also get full sized items to try. Businesses use product testing when they need to find out what consumers think about products that they currently have in development. Not only does this save businesses time and money, but it gives you the luxury of trying a product without having to commit to purchasing it and you get to share your valued opinion.
    If the idea of product testing sizzles your bacon, simply sign up with a brand or company that does at home product testing. You will then receive an email with some screening questions to determine whether you qualify for the testing of a particular product. Once you meet the mark you will need to submit your address so the product can be mailed to your home for testing over the next week or two.

    Later on, you will receive a follow up email with questions regarding the listed products. Simply submit your responses and then you will get paid. The amount of money you can earn will vary from company to company. I do want to caution you that you won’t be able to live off of product testing alone; it is just another way to earn some extra dough. Getting the products for free means, that money you aren’t spending can go towards something else. This, my Point Clubbers, is what we call a Win-Win situation. I leave you with some words of warning: as with anything you do, please do your research before jumping in blindly.

    See ya, Point Clubbers!

  • Adventures in Mystery Shopping

    This has nothing to do with taking a shopping trip with the Scooby gang in the Mystery Machine.

    Mystery shopping is where a person is sent into an assigned store in order to score the experience. The client is looking for feedback regarding customer service, as well as the actual store itself. They may be hoping for information regarding compliance with regulations or specified products and services.

    Mystery Shoppers, also known as Secret shoppers, are given a checklist or score sheet and they need to rate a variety of things which will all depend on what the client is seeking to measure. In this case, clients are not looking for opinions, they just want to know what occurred. Often included are:

    • Number of employees
    • How long it took to be greeted
    • Names of employees
    • Types of products
    • Sales pitches
    • Whether and how the sale was attempted to be closed
    • If add-ons were mentioned
    • Was a receipt given
    • Invitation to return
    • Cleanliness of the store and employees
    • Speed

    If purchasing a product is required as part of the evaluation, the mystery shopper can keep the item or service and be reimbursed. Sometimes mystery shoppers are tasked with asking particular questions, returning an item, or behaving in a certain way.

    As with any market research, there should be no fee for signing up. There is no certification to pay for. So if the program you are looking to join asks for money, it’s a scam! To avoid falling victim to these villains, it might be helpful to do some research with the MSPA-NA at Mystery Shopping.

    This is a great avenue for anyone who wants to take a more adventurous role in market research. You’re interacting with store employees and in some cases, being a different character if you are asked to pose questions or behave in a way you normally wouldn’t. It’s not quite the same as answering questions on your computer, so it is a great way to add variety into your panel experience.

    TTFN, Point Clubbers!