If you click a link with an * to go through to a provider, we may get paid. This usually only happens if you get a product from it. This is what funds our team of journalists, and keeps us free to use. Yet there are two crucial things you need to know about this.
- This never impacts our editorial recommendations – if it's in, it's in there because we independently rate it best.
- You'll always get as good a deal (or better) than if you went direct.
For a more detailed explanation see How MSE is financed.
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Big restaurant chains such as Carluccio's, Wagamama and Leon use mystery shopping companies to keep staff on their toes, and ensure food, service and premises are up to scratch.
You'll be reimbursed an agreed amount to cover some or all of your costs - and sometimes even a few quid on top. It sounds too good to be true, but this can really work, as MSE Ant found: 'In one busy month, I managed to scoff more than £100-worth of free grub – eating out at least a couple of times a week at big high street chains.'
To sign up, you need to fill out an application online (see links below). You don't need any previous experience, just good written English, a camera (to take a picture of receipts) and access to the internet so you can file your reports.
There are no guarantees you'll be accepted as a reviewer, but if you are, you'll then be able to choose assignments from a regularly-updated list in your area. If you're picky, you might do two or three a year, but some do as many as 20 a month.
Mystery dining companies
Mystery Dining by HGEM currently works with over 200 clients including restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues. Unlike other mystery dining companies, HGEM reveals the names of some of its restaurants online, including Wagamama, Giraffe and Leon.
Service Scan is a mystery guest company that covers restaurants, pubs and bars, plus mystery shopping at retail outlets and other areas. It's recruiting across the UK, but has specifically requested new joiners in some specific areas (see 'more info' below).
Market Force offers mystery dining and shopping across the UK, including GBK and Cafe Rouge. Read about MSE Anthony's experience dining out with Market Force in his mystery shopper blog from a couple of years ago.
Mystery dining can be great way to eat out for less or even free, but reports can take up to a couple of hours, so you'll need to weigh up whether you think an assignment is worth it.
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Use the Money Mantras
Before spending, use Martin’s Mantras. If you answer 'NO' to any, then don't buy!
Then ask:
- Do I need it?
- Can I afford it?
- Have you checked prices elsewhere?
Then ask:
- Will I use it?
- Is it worth it?
Free protection for all shopping!
There's a little-known piece of legislation that turns any credit card into a financial self-defence superhero. 'Section 75' of the Consumer Credit Act means your plastic must protect anything you buy for more than £100 for free, so if there's a problem or the company goes bust, you can still get your money back.
And although Section 75 doesn't apply to debit cards, there is something else to fall back on if you've paid using a debit card, or used a credit card for a purchase under £100. Known as Chargeback, this is part of banks' and card companies' internal rules and not a legal requirement. Read full details of Section 75 or Chargeback, plus how to claim, in our guides.
What the * means above
If a link has an * by it, that means it is an affiliated link and therefore it helps MoneySavingExpert stay free to use, as it is tracked to us. If you go through it, it can sometimes result in a payment or benefit to the site. It's worth noting this means the third party used may be named on any credit agreements.
You shouldn’t notice any difference and the link will never negatively impact the product. Plus the editorial line (the things we write) is NEVER impacted by these links. We aim to look at all available products. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link for the top deal, it is still included in exactly the same way, just with a non-paying link. For more details, read How this site is financed.
Duplicate links of the * links above for the sake of transparency, but this version doesn't help MoneySavingExpert.com:
28 July 2021
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New. Broadband price war
Incl cheapest deal in 18mths - '£13/mth'
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Travel insurance from £9/week
Incl some Covid cover
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New. Help if you're 'pinged' or told to isolate
Martin's video explainer
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Slash PCR travel test costs to £40
Avoid £100+ fees
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'I reclaimed £3,500 in packaged bank fees'
'...going back to 1990'
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15 summer cinema savers
Incl £2.50 entry & free O2 Monday tickets
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Updated. Should you join diesel compensation claims?
Against Audi, BMW, Ford etc
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