Hi shoppers
I just started on here and looking forward to this. I'm new to the city and thought what a great way to learn the city and the shops. What I think I need to do is get a file system or if you do something different then please help me out. Filing and documenting, Documenting in a book or the computer what is best? I'm glad it is February and I have a year to tax season. If there are any Canadian shoppers that would like to give me helpful hints I'm all ears and eyes.
Thanks shopping peeps Sandy

Hi Sandy. I'm in Alberta. Welcome to the forum and enjoy mystery shopping in Saskatoon.

My record keeping is less than stellar so no hints from me. I think a lot of people use a spreadsheet. I am trying by trial and error to develop one that works for me. If you haven't already check the sticky threads in the newcomers section.

Some Canadian companies that might not be on the list below are:
spotcheckservices
performalogics
crg
mysteryshoppingcanada.com NOT www.shopperscanada.com

Hi Prince,
Thank You so much I never thought of a spread sheet so I'll give it a try and thank you for the names of the companys. I will definitly sign up for the shops. Can you let me know who income tax works? Can we claim anything for the use of our car or anything at all? Now to shop on . Thanks

I am very far from a tax expert. I keep track of all my expenses: ink, paper, miles traveled and give it to my accountant.
There is some information in the New Shoppers area of this forum.
SQM has links to Service Canada regarding small businesses and taxes.

Hi in Saskabush,

There is a good spreadsheet. It was developed by one of the Forum members. At the moment I can't remember where to find it but I'm sure someone with a better memory than mine will direct you. Here is a list of the kinds of things you might want to track:
- date you applied for an assignment
- date it was confirmed
- date it is to be shopped
- date/time report is due
- date/time report submitted
- company the shop is for
- what the shop fee is
- what the reimbursement is
- what the bonus (if any) is
- when pay is due
- when pay received
- shop score (if applicable)

What is income? The shop fees and the bonuses are income. The reimbursements are not.

What is an expense? Pretty much anything you spend to earn income.

If you are using a vehicle, you need to keep a log for the tax man. You need to put down your start mileage and your end mileage every day. Then you need to say which was personal mileage and which was work mileage. For the work mileage, you need to say where you were going and why. For example:
Odometer Start:23050 End: 23410
Personal: 20km
Work: 340 km - MS, from home to X address to Y address to Z address to home

You will also need to keep track of everything you spend for the vehicle such as gas, oil changes, maintentance, car washes, etc. At the end of the year you deduct the percentage amount that was for business purposes.

If you buy a camera or video recording devices, etc, specifically for mystery shopping, those are also expenses.

If you have a workspace set up in your house to do your mystery shopping paperwork, then a percentage of your home expenses (ie utilities) can also be claimed.

The CRA site has a lot of good information on income/expenses and it's not that hard to read
I am not as fortunate as Prince having an accountant but, although tedious, it is not hard to do it yourself. Keep all your receipts for everything and write down on them which shop they were for (if applicable).

Good luck from the Peg,
Bena

p.s. One MSC is always looking for shoppers for Sask Lotteries. It's a $10 easy shop but you'll have to look around for the MSC.