Shopalong Closure: App's End and Impact on Your Side Hustle Earnings
Important Update: Shopalong has Closed its Doors!
Let's cut to the chase: Shopalong, the once-popular app promising to pay for your shopping assignments, has officially closed up shop. So if you're on the hunt for a new side hustle, you'll need to look elsewhere to fill your piggy bank.
What was Shopalong Like?
Shopalong was a unique take on earning a little extra cash. This app went mobile-only, rewarding users with cash for completing various shopping-related tasks, known as 'assignments'. Owned by the market research company Purchased, this app aimed at providing valuable insights to big-name consumer brands.
The One and Only Earning Opportunity – Shopalong Assignments
Imagine receiving offers to visit stores, snap pictures of products, or buy certain items during holiday seasons - this was the essence of Shopalong assignments. They were the bread and butter of the platform, but they required real-world interaction and not just a few clicks online.
Completing these assignments wasn't a walk in the park. While the payouts could range from a modest $5 to a handsome $50, they often demanded a hefty chunk of your time. If you started a task, you had to see it through to the very end to pocket the cash. In other words, committing to an assignment was like signing a contract - there were no half-measures.
The Mystery of Payment
Shopalong was somewhat of an enigma when it came to payments. They didn't make it crystal clear, but rummaging through user experiences suggested that real money and prepaid Visa debit cards were on the table once tasks were completed. While it hinted at a PayPal relationship, nothing was set in stone.
Potential Earnings: A Balancing Act
With promises of up to $50 for an assignment, the potential earnings looked tempting. However, this was balanced by the time and effort put into each task. Regular assignments that sucked up less of your time generally paid less, which meant that to truly capitalize on Shopalong, commitment was key.
Mobile Experience: Shopalong's Heart and Soul
Shopalong lived on mobile devices. Whether you were an Android enthusiast or an Apple aficionado, the app was designed for the small screen. Surprisingly, the app wasn't essential past signing up; you could still engage with assignments via your mobile browser.
A US-Exclusive Club
Shopalong's VIP list was pretty exclusive - if you didn't hold a US residence, you couldn't swing an invite. The sign-up process firmly placed its bets on US residents with a clear cut question about residency, leaving international would-be members in the dust.
Customer Support: Room for Improvement
While Shopalong had support in place, with a decent FAQ and contact form, they lacked the sparkling touch of social media interaction. For those seeking quick resolutions or live updates, this may have been a miss.
Shopalong: The Final Ruling
Pros: Payouts in real money with no minimum threshold.
Cons: Insufficient clarity on vital information, and assignments devoured significant chunks of time.
Shopalong was undoubtedly not designed for every shopper. The tasks that paid well demanded a wealth of time, while easier tasks rarely filled the wallet. It didn't carve out a niche for the busy bees or those seeking a quick buck. If you're scouting for user-friendly paid survey apps, Shopalong wasn't your pot of gold.
Alas, all treasure hunts must come to an end. Shopalong's journey has concluded, but those left adrift can still navigate towards other survey apps. So chin up, savvy earners – there are more oceans to sail and rewards to claim!
