I saw an assignment for a zoo reimbursing $115, however it states that I should expect to spend 5-6 hours at the zoo, the report is 14-16 pages and the report should take 3-4 hours to complete. Furthermore, the evaluation covers all the of following areas and employees: Phone system/website, ticket booth, facility conditions/restrooms, animal exhibits, Meet the Expert/Keeper Presentation and presenter, 11 quick service food locations, 1 food cart and 3 gift shops, etc.

The assignment encourages me to bring children so as not to stand out. My kids love the zoo, but wow, this sounds like way too much work and I would probably be too stressed out to actually enjoy myself.

Has anyone done these before?

I haven't but if you are close and you could bring a companion with you (dad, grandma, etc) and then do the parts that would interest them first, feed them a couple of times (snacks) and then let them leave with the other while you stay and do the rest it might be doable.

Liz

I saw one of those too. It was less in my area and had to cover at least 2 admission, 5 cafe purchases, 2 cart food purchases, and 2 gift shop purchases. There is no way it would all get covered. Totally did not seem worth it at all

I occasionally do this sort of assignment for Amusement Advantage. I view it as incomplete reimbursement for something fun that my two kids and I can do together: for 3 of us the reimbursement covers at least 2/3 of what I spend. It certainly isn't a money-maker, and I wouldn't accept an assignment unless it was a place I wanted to visit. Yes, Amusement Advantage requires a lot of detailed information about many interactions and facilities, but it is do-able. I'm grumbling by the time I'm finishing entering my report. The scheduler in my area is great to work with, and I've always found the Company highly responsive (including the editors).

I have not done any zoo assignments but have done bowling for them. The report is pretty detailed and took me a while to fill out. Usually their payment is pretty close to what you need to spend. Some assignments get bonused if you wait until closer to the end of the month. There's no way I'd do the zoo assignment if each of the 11 food locations is as detailed as the one at the bowling alley.

I have attempted one zoo shop for them. I was at the park about 6 hours before close. It just wasn't enough time for all the interactions. I found myself running from one activity to another to hurry and get all the interactions done. The reimbursement wasn't enough for everything you had to buy, but was a nice discount on a great day at the zoo with your family. Each interaction required some yes/no answers (I think about 10 each) then a narrative on each interaction as well. I messed up the directions not realizing I had to have an interaction/purchase at each and every location/type of place to make a purchase and let the company know I messed up. They understood, I can still assign another zoo, but I am really, really afraid too. The amount interactions were crazy. I might try again, giving myself a full open to close day at the zoo. Really need to take a dvr as well to record specifics and overall thoughts on each interaction because there are so many to fulfill.

Seems like too much work for me.

I've done this job a few times...recently last month. I like their assignments and find the staff to be fantastic to work with. I would warn however, that it would be impossible to do the zoo assignment if you are taking several young kids with no other adult, at least if they are like my kids were. The job requires constant movement from place to place to get everything done on time. I did notice that now my local zoo job says to arrive as the zoo opens and finish all by 2 PM. I finished just at the dot of 2. During that time we ate food went to gift shops and did a lot of walking. We checked out only the animals we passed on the way to the food places.The zoo here is very pretty and the weather was perfect. I was able to complete the job with a friend and have some of the money to spare for myself. This requires discipline and purchasing pencils in the gift shop for only a dollar when they have them. I actually found a post card at one for 25c right on a rack by the front door. The cart gift shop had nothing cheap so there I had to spend $5 for a reusable shopping bag with zoo motif. Much more festive than those plain green ones. For the food it becomes a moving feast. If you expect to feed everyone a whole meal at one place it will be expensive. So have a burger with tap water one place, a hot dog another, etc. You can get your drinks at the carts and bring them over to the food places to finish two food stops at one shot. Basically get a good idea of the layout of the zoo using their online map. I mapped out all the food places and sort of made a plan first. After two pm I had three hours before closing to enjoy the animals. Parking was free, another perk.
The report is not bad as you can stop at benches all along the way and pull out your cheat sheet to make notes. Usually there is no one hanging about that works there. The sections to fill in are pretty straightforward. Ask the same question everywhere...about a restroom or pick something else. Then you just need to remember if the person gave you the correct answer or not. AT the educator just ask something to do with what they are expert in...
As an added bonus if you have an Entertainment book they have a two for one coupon (at least in my city) and you are allowed to use it to purchase admission.

I get emails all the time about these shops but don't have anyone to go with so there it is.

I saw the zoo posting and was thinking about it, but it sounds like I should stick with my gut and stay away. My oldest kids, aged 14 and 13 have no interest. My youngest kids, aged 2 and 1 would be a nightmare to try to get this done with, I would imagine even with another adult. I'd be stressed out for sure!

Yeah, I've decided to stay away. It sounds like I would be too busy running around to the different shops to even enjoy myself. Pay isn't great for the work involved. I'd rather pay full price for admissioni and be able to enjoy the zoo with my kids. No wonder they have a difficult time filling this job....

I see those from time to time. Another company shops a specific food vendor that works at my local zoo. You are supposed to visit 4 places for food, and they also reimburse 1 admission. Well, we have a family zoo pass...so that's not an issue for me. Food reimbursement is not a lot at all. Very easy though. Plus, at certain times of the year...only 2 of the food places are open...so I just have to visit 2! I like doing this shop.