Real or Scam: Mall Surveyor Job Ad

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Dear WAHFAQ,

Is this a legitimate job post? You mention surveying in your Mystery Shopping book, is that what this is?

Mystery Shopping and market research companies conduct spot checks and exit interviews where you’re placed at a particular location and required to count people. You may see these for movie theatres where someone is stationed outside of a particular theatre with a little clicker counting the number of people going to see a particular movie on a particular day. In this case, a surveyor is required to count the number of people going on a train at a mall!

So, yes! This is a legitimate job. Strange, but true.

Look closer at the hours and payment, however, to make sure that it’s something that appeals to you. It is very common for these spot checks to last 8-10 hours, (that’s not unusual) and average between $10-$15/hr. Be prepared to stand on your feet the whole time.

Two things seem unusual for me:

1) The compensation rate ranges from $75-100. Usually it’s a flat fee and a specific number of hours. If you’re interested in the gig, inquire further to see what the actual payment is. You will be paid as an independent contractor, so no taxes will be taken out of your check.

2) A bachelor’s degree is required. No clue as to why this is. Other than maybe the company is looking for people who are a little more reliable and that was the only weeding out criteria that they could think of. I’m guessing that’s why they’re also requiring 21+ to apply: they want someone a little more mature to make sure the job actually gets done.

These types of gigs to bring in a high “flake-factor” so I’m not completely put off by the requirements. If this is something that appeals to you, go forth and apply!