I've done 89 shops for Bare in 2008, the prior company for HT shops, with a rating of 10 overall. I hate the idea that I have to take a quiz for GFK in order to get shops. Also, now they don't even want a pen or notepad to be carried, so you don't get spotted as a shopper. I can't see any way to remember peoples names without writing down the info for that person, in a empty isle. Try and remember the spelling of Shakily, Taiyuan or Shawano. I am not picking on a race, but it is very difficult to remember these names.

You know. Ever since I started grocery shopping, years ago, I always had a pen/pencil and paper. I've always had a list of things to pick up. I'm not changing the way I shop now.

I certainly use a shopping list when I go to the store whether it is on a shop or not. Chances are good I will have a pencil or pen in my pocket as well to mark off items or make notes of prices for comparison shopping. Perfectly natural and not something I would change. I think their concern is someone taking in the whole questionnaire. But my little note pad and pen I would continue with.

I always have a pen in my pocket and a shopping list and a daily chore list. I can also input notes into my DVR in a noisy store, and most stores are noisy.

Whenever I can't have pen or paper for any shop I always text the the info back to my phone. I just upgraded my cell phone to a Palm. What a wonderful tool!! It has MS Word and Excel. I pretend like I'm texting and put info in there so I don't look suspicious. Another great idea is send yourself a voice msg so you can remember info that might get forgotten later.

I have taken the quiz and it is a cinch. The questionnaire is much easier and the shop goes quite quickly. Also I still carry my "grocery list" and a pen.

We need to be careful with the cell phones because more and more shops are stating that you should NOT be using a cell phone during your shop. Of course at the same time a whole bunch of shops are suggesting you use your cell phone (call your answering machine to leave notes). You just need to watch your instructions carefully.

GFK is a good company...with exception of several schedulers that are arrogant and selfish. Beware

"Let them eat static"

Looks like their gas shops went to another MS company.........tons on the board at the new company

I am having trouble lately. Can't find anything but Mickey D's and I hate them. Looking for some decent rextaurant shops in Jacksonville FL.

lrk--are you registered with at least 150 MSP's? Have you checked Jobslinger for MSP's that shop your zip code and nearby ones?

I am with that new MSP but never shopped for them, as I wouldn't do the previous gas shops they begged me for. I love THIS gas shop-easy, fair pay. But I haven't even tried to log on to their site since the switch to the new site given all I have read about the payment issues and and web issues. Is it worth it? Is anyone getting paid and having things go smoothly? This is the only gas shop I do. Crap, that billion dollar company sure changes MSCs like underwear. Third one in a year. :-(