In today's world, where the cost of living is skyrocketing, finding creative ways to boost your income has become a necessity for many. I'm here to share with you some intriguing apps that offer a unique opportunity to earn some extra cash by completing simple tasks. But here's the catch: these apps are not your typical side hustles. They're a bit unconventional and might just spark some interesting discussions.
Imagine standing in the middle of your local Superdrug, phone in hand, snapping photos of shampoo bottles and toothbrushes. No, you're not breaking any laws; you're actually earning money through apps that pay for these seemingly mundane tasks.
Let's dive into the world of these apps and explore how they work, how much they pay, and the pros and cons of each.
Roamler:
This app offers a fun way to earn by mystery shopping and testing products. You can earn between £2.50 and £10 per task, which can include reviewing food and drink products or monitoring how stores operate. For instance, you might be asked to check the display of hair care products in Superdrug, taking photos and ensuring everything is in order.
The tasks are straightforward, but they do require some time and attention to detail. You'll need to understand retail jargon like "gondola ends" and "side stacks" to complete the tasks successfully. The good news is, once you submit your review, you'll receive your payment quickly, straight into your Roamler wallet.
However, there are some drawbacks. The tasks can be time-consuming and are only available for short periods, often requiring you to be physically present. Plus, the rewards might not cover your travel expenses if you need to go far.
Shepper:
Shepper takes mystery shopping to the next level. You can go undercover, reviewing customer service in phone shops or even giving feedback on the food at M&S cafés. The app lists available tasks near you, and you can earn a decent amount, like £7.50 for reviewing an EE store.
One unique feature is the M&S mystery shopping exercises, which require you to pass an exam via the app. Once you unlock these opportunities, you can earn refunds on meals and drinks, making it a great way to enjoy some freebies.
The downside is that these tasks are often snapped up quickly, so you need to act fast and be flexible with your time.
Ipsos iSay:
If you prefer a more relaxed approach, Ipsos iSay might be your cup of tea. You can complete daily surveys and questionnaires on your phone, earning Amazon or PayPal vouchers. These surveys cover a wide range of topics, from your sleep habits to your skincare routine and even your choice of mobile phone contract.
The surveys are convenient, and you can do them on the go. However, it can take some time to earn a significant amount, and there's always the risk of being rejected from a survey after investing time in it.
Sprive:
Sprive offers an innovative way to earn cashback on your in-store shopping, which can then be used to overpay your mortgage. By doing so, you can reduce the interest you owe over the long term, making it a more generous cashback option than most.
The app is easy to use, and you can buy vouchers in advance or at the checkout to ensure an exact match with your shopping amount. However, the cashback is only useful if you have a mortgage, as it's designed to help you save over the long term rather than provide immediate earnings.
Webuybooks:
Last but not least, Webuybooks is a quick and convenient way to get rid of your unwanted books, DVDs, games, and CDs. You can scan the barcodes with your phone camera and instantly see if your items have any value.
While it's a great way to earn a few pounds during a clear-out, it's important to note that not all items will be accepted, and you'll need to consider the cost of packaging.
So, there you have it! These apps offer a unique and sometimes controversial way to earn some extra cash. Which one would you be most interested in trying? And what do you think about the idea of earning money through these unconventional methods? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!