Restaurant and bar assignments are growing increasingly popular with mystery shoppers. In light of today’s economic crisis, these assignments provide you with a great way to get a meal and drinks for you and maybe a friend or spouse reimbursed. This is a great way to enjoy a “free” night out. But before you sign up for a restaurant assignment, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Pour Me Another One. Bar assignments and even some restaurant assignments require you to purchase and taste an alcoholic beverage. You will be asked to comment on the friendliness and timing of the bartender’s service, as well as the quality of the drink. So first ensure you are old enough to drink and bring your ID if you have a young-looking face. Also, if you are opposed to drinking for any reason, this may not be the assignment for you.
Do I Have To Eat All That? Many assignments will require you to order multiple meals, or multiple items on the menu. For instance, one fast food chain will require you to order both a burger and then a chicken or fish sandwich. Another casual dining eatery requires you to an appetizer, a salad or soup, an entree, and a dessert. The fast answer is yes, you are required to at least taste everything, but you don’t not have to polish off the meal to the last crumb. So be sure to order items you enjoy eating, and ask for a doggie bag to take home anything you can’t finish.
Can I Bring A Friend? The fast food chain mentioned above actually requires you to purchase two meals (one from the inside cashier and one from the window), yet you are required to perform the assignment on your own. Other assignments are neutral on bringing someone else or flying solo. And other assignments may put an age limit on the guests you invite. There are a handful of assignments that actually do require you to bring a friend or spouse. If this is the case, be sure you have someone committed to the date and time of the assignment.
Show Me The Money. Restaurant and bar assignments are one of the assignment types where you can really lose some money if you don’t watch out. A reimbursement of $10 doesn’t go very far if you have to buy an appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert. It’s a great way to get part of a night out paid for, but if you weren’t already planning on an evening out, you will end up upside down on some restaurant assignments even if you order the cheapest items on the menu. Seasoned mystery shoppers often use restaurant and bar assignments as a way to get paid for a planned evening out, such as a birthday, anniversary, or other special event. It can seem like a great way to make the special event less special, but it’s a great way to help your struggling personal budget.
If you follow the basic rule of reading through the assignment requirements and understanding what you are getting into before you accept the responsibility, you can have a great time with restaurant and bar assignments!