Imagine getting paid to sample coffee and doughnuts. Keilor’s Katie O’Donovan spoke to Esther Lauaki about the perks of being a secret field agent shopper.
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I live and work in Brimbank. I have always lived either in Brimbank or very nearby to the Brimbank area.
How did you become a secret field agent shopper?
I was searching online to see if I could find some easy ways to earn some extra cash, and came across the field agent website. Then it was as simple as downloading the app on my smartphone and I was able to begin completing tasks straight away.
How long have you been a secret field agent shopper?
I have been a field agent shopper for just over a year, in this time I have earnt over $2000 completing simple and easy tasks all within 10kms of my home.
What does the role involve?
All the jobs are listed via the field agent shop and you scroll through and select the tasks you wish to complete. It could be checking on a price in store and taking a photo, or keeping track of the catalogues that get delivered to your letterbox during the week. All tasks are submitted via your smartphone, generally taking no longer than 5-10 minutes to complete.
What’s the best/most interesting product or service you’ve had to test?
It’s great when I get to sample food and beverage items, as I get paid to purchase things I would normally buy anyway. My favourite is probably the coffee and doughnut sampling, because well, who doesn’t love coffee and doughnuts?!
Does your job require a certain level of mysteriousness?
Yes, we are required to remain anonymous during our tasks, so you need to be discreet to keep undercover at all times. But this isn’t very hard as these days everyone is using their smartphone whilst out and about, so it doesn’t look out of place. But there are also a lot of survey tasks you can complete from the comfort of your home, without needing to step foot in store.
What do you do when you’re not being a secret field agent shopper?
I work with my husband running our local fitness and personal training business, holding fitness bootcamps and training sessions. I complete the Field Agent tasks in my spare time in addition to my full-time job.
What’s Brimbank’s best kept secret?
The parks and walking tracks throughout Brimbank are fantastic and a lot of them are unknown, but I think the best secret is the great canoeing that can be done along the Maribyrnong River, particularly around the Brimbank Park area. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and experience the beautiful nature and wildlife around the area.
What do you love about living in Brimbank?
I love that Brimbank is in such close proximity to everything, the airport, the CBD and has great local shopping and eateries. I also love the community feel around Brimbank.
