Am I the only one
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Years ago, my first shop was sent back for more details. My second shop was criticized for being "preachy."
3,000 shops later, all I can say is that I rarely get two in a row questioned.
But almost always the first one with a new MSC. It's part of the deal.
You are not the only one.
3,000 shops later, all I can say is that I rarely get two in a row questioned.
But almost always the first one with a new MSC. It's part of the deal.
You are not the only one.
It's normal. Depending on the MSC, it's normal in the beginning and forevermore. Sometimes, clarification requests leave you wondering. I answered the question, and as it was a No, I addressed it in my report in the Comments field. For those clarification requests, I reply, "as I stated in my report . . .", then add a few more ditties. If I have not commented on a "No" answer, and get a request, my answer is humble, and different.
I did not do shops right off the bat that required much comment. I think that is the beauty of starting out with some of the companies that have mass shops with mostly box clicking. You don't get paid much but you do learn what sorts of things are important to the majority of clients so that when you move up to ones with commentary you have an idea of what they are looking for. I am glad your editors have gone easy on you...you must be with some of the more lenient companies. It is a learning experience we all go through one way or another.
I shopped for awhile about 10 years ago. I never had a question on a report, I started up again last year. I went about five months without anything coming back. Just after that, I had three come back all at the same time. They were all with new to me MSCs. I didn't write enough for all three of them. I write a TON for every report so I was surprised for that to be an issue. Now, I know that they really want me to write every stinking detail. Sometimes, it's fun to just throw in something to make the editor go......you felt that was neccesary why? You asked for step-by-step explanation of my journey through the store, so here ya go!
Some companies will show you example narratives that will give you an idea of how detailed to be. Generally, though, unless there are a lot of check boxes, editors want to be able to visualize what happened.
I had three reports returned for clarification in a couple days about a month ago when I had a very sick family member. I just wasn't thinking clearly and my mind wasn't focused on work. It happens. I've only not been paid for one shop so far because of a returned report.
I had three reports returned for clarification in a couple days about a month ago when I had a very sick family member. I just wasn't thinking clearly and my mind wasn't focused on work. It happens. I've only not been paid for one shop so far because of a returned report.
gogogirl Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> OK - I am new. Very new and I have had two shops
> need clarification. The editors have been very
> nice in requesting more information. I just
> wasn't detailed enough. Is this normal in the
> beginning? I am making a point to add more
> details for every space I need to give a response.
I am a newbie too, but catching on really fast. I had my first restaurant shop returned with a nice email asking for more detail. They wanted a short narrative with each "no" answer. A lot of those details were left out of the summary at the end since I had already noted them. They wanted more details in the summary. I simply took the time to add details as requested. I sent it back and it was approved within hours.
Part of the problem was lack of details in the paperwork. Now that I know what they expect it will be much easier.
I didn't take it personally , I just added what was requested. I also got a "thank you" email afterwards.
-------------------------------------------------------
> OK - I am new. Very new and I have had two shops
> need clarification. The editors have been very
> nice in requesting more information. I just
> wasn't detailed enough. Is this normal in the
> beginning? I am making a point to add more
> details for every space I need to give a response.
I am a newbie too, but catching on really fast. I had my first restaurant shop returned with a nice email asking for more detail. They wanted a short narrative with each "no" answer. A lot of those details were left out of the summary at the end since I had already noted them. They wanted more details in the summary. I simply took the time to add details as requested. I sent it back and it was approved within hours.
Part of the problem was lack of details in the paperwork. Now that I know what they expect it will be much easier.
I didn't take it personally , I just added what was requested. I also got a "thank you" email afterwards.
I have a problem with one particular shop that requires 300 words in at least one section. My God, my mind is going, I can't remember if it is more than one section. I think it is. Anyway, I find it really hard to find 300 words to describe the shop.
I can never tell how close I am to reaching the 300 words. There is no wordcount feature that I can see on this particular shop. I keep writing in "blah, blah, blah" until I know what the parameters are. I bet there is a better way to do this. One of these days I will accidentally submit the blah, blah version. I wonder if anyone will notice.
I try not to read the samples too much b/c I am afraid my report will end up just like the sample. I really should look at them though.
I have found some times when the report is questioned that I already covered the question. I feel that sometimes they are just seeing how fast you will get back to them. My email is wacky and I have to be careful to look in my spam and trash too.
I can never tell how close I am to reaching the 300 words. There is no wordcount feature that I can see on this particular shop. I keep writing in "blah, blah, blah" until I know what the parameters are. I bet there is a better way to do this. One of these days I will accidentally submit the blah, blah version. I wonder if anyone will notice.
I try not to read the samples too much b/c I am afraid my report will end up just like the sample. I really should look at them though.
I have found some times when the report is questioned that I already covered the question. I feel that sometimes they are just seeing how fast you will get back to them. My email is wacky and I have to be careful to look in my spam and trash too.
If a report requires a certain number of words/characters, I type it in Microsoft Word. It has a word and character count. I wish I had the problem of not enough details to write! My problem is when the narrative has a limit. I have to go back and delete details. It is frustrating because they are important details. I wouldn't put them in the report if they weren't. Thankfully, I have only experienced this issue with two MSC's so it doesn't happen very often.
I've found out that this type of requirement, sometimes, isn't set it stone. I recently did several of the same type of shop for one of my favorite companies. The guidelines stated that there must be a minimum of six sentences for each comment section. For several of the sections, it wasn't possible, so I did one or two or three sentences--whatever made sense--and submitted the reports. They were accepted without question.
(heart)
(heart)
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Sometime I add a lot of detail and I still miss something. I long for the day when I can remember to repeat everything three times lol!
****************
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
I had one once where it said above each narrative box in bold letters that 6-9 sentences were required. So I stretch out a couple of comments to get to the required number of sentences and get editor feedback and points knocked down because for many of those sections 3-5 sentences should have been enough and I should use common sense. Of course on the next one, my score is docked because of failing to have 6-9 sentences for all the comment sections.
So why do shoppers sometimes feel the need to tear out their hair?
So why do shoppers sometimes feel the need to tear out their hair?
Arrived. Entered. Observed. Questioned. Photographed. Noted. Interacted. Purchased. Reported. Exited.
10 SENTENCES!
10 SENTENCES!
holliscary Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Arrived. Entered. Observed. Questioned.
> Photographed. Noted. Interacted. Purchased.
> Reported. Exited.
>
> 10 SENTENCES!
Don't you report after you exit?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Arrived. Entered. Observed. Questioned.
> Photographed. Noted. Interacted. Purchased.
> Reported. Exited.
>
> 10 SENTENCES!
Don't you report after you exit?
holliscary Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Arrived. Entered. Observed. Questioned.
> Photographed. Noted. Interacted. Purchased.
> Reported. Exited.
>
> 10 SENTENCES!
Minus 2 points for lack of complete sentences.
JUST KIDDING!
Actually, I've only done shops for two companies so far--I'm taking it slow--and neither one of them seems to give feedback. I'm assuming that no news is good news.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/12/2013 10:32AM by Ishmael.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Arrived. Entered. Observed. Questioned.
> Photographed. Noted. Interacted. Purchased.
> Reported. Exited.
>
> 10 SENTENCES!
Minus 2 points for lack of complete sentences.
JUST KIDDING!
Actually, I've only done shops for two companies so far--I'm taking it slow--and neither one of them seems to give feedback. I'm assuming that no news is good news.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/12/2013 10:32AM by Ishmael.
I found if you are redundant it's good. Different managers view different parts of your report. I just go from driving into the parking lot and what I observed there. Then I describe the appearance inside the shop, the employees appearance, attitude, customer service. Paint a picture without opinions.
Ishmael Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Actually, I've only done shops for two companies
> so far--I'm taking it slow--and neither one of
> them seems to give feedback. I'm assuming that no
> news is good news.
Yep, that's usually a good sign.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Actually, I've only done shops for two companies
> so far--I'm taking it slow--and neither one of
> them seems to give feedback. I'm assuming that no
> news is good news.
Yep, that's usually a good sign.
Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.
Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active
Yes it is common
“Adventures in Mystery Shopping”
Most important keep scheduler up to date. If you don’t get it done let them know! You would be surprised how often they will let you R/S.
Worst thing to do -- take shop, don’t do it AND don’t tell them... Remember they get paid (like $2 per report that is accepted by client – typically)!
Next, do not go signing up all over the place like I did when I started in 05. WRONG! You get emails offering you $13 jobs 12 states away. Email and ask if they are in your market.
Unless you are a whiz with minutes and seconds stay clear of anything food related – there are – (to the second) - anywhere from 10-20 timings. Who the heck can enjoy a meal when you need to pay attn. to everything that occurs to the second? I won’t do them anymore. Fast food skip totally - the client already has everything timed to the second!
Some schedulers are awful they will assign one to you midday on the due date –if you can ask for advance notice of assignment do it. Also be aware- this can happen a lot- if you ask for a bigger bonus – they hold out till the very end to assign them.
There are three platforms basically – Sassie, Shop Metrics and Prophet. Shop metrics is awful. Sassie font hard to read – and that platform uses what they call “blasts”. Translation - you get 19 emails about the same shop for days and days. And days – a real hassle! Be careful signing up for MS companies, that use Sassie, that are not actually doing your market – you can spend birthdays deleting emails Prophet most user friendly!
A real helpful way to takes notes is to print out something about the item your inquiring about from online. In this day and age totally makes sense one would come in with something from the internet and gives you a chance to take notes without looking like your taking notes!
I have found the ones that have a minimum amount of time in the location a drag. If the sales person is fast you end up having to ask stupid questions to not leave before minimum time!
I try to be fair to folks on commission – car dealerships, home furnishing etc. – there trying to make a living and you’re not buying anything!
Grocery can be great -- only buy “by one get one free “you double your money!
MSPA Silver and Gold really does not do a thing! Keeping the scheduler up to date far more important.
Sorry, editors are a total hassle! Some are insane and you cannot determine if one will be accepted and another identical one not Write simple – this was hard for me. A lot of times in the beginning it was exhausting. If you use a compound sentence the editors email back for clarification. On really dumb stuff. Easiest example: Do not say I was given ketchup AND salt. Break it down. I was given ketchup. PEROID. I was given salt. Period. I got a napkin Period. It is really boring writing but far less of a hassle, and saves you time. Write super stupid! .
The apartment folks (EPMS) reports are the worst. The dumbest stuff you have ever experienced. You have to write 8 times the same thing over and over and over. Their reports are like 18 pages – and they are typically not a nice group of people. There narrative boxes are also counted by letters. So if you say all you can say about your hand being shaked and you try to move on to the next part of the report it bounces on you and you have to go back and try to turn your hand getting shaked into “Gone with the Wind”!
Also with them be careful taking a “targeted” one – you can easily end up making 14 cents an hour having to call over and over and over. And having to email them telling them your target has not answered the phone. I don’t do them any more – they are a super hassle! Time is money! And like I said, my sense is it a stressful place to work – they are not nice people. If you take them, type like heck – they love it!
Skip video shopping at all costs – you end up looking as if you have MD – having to keep the camera in the button of your shirt aimed right at the person – it is not worth the money – they reject a lot of video ones. I hated them. Shadow Shopper does these and they send you equipment that needs crazy glue!
Watch out for this -- some of them want you to use the salespersons name, some want you to use the word “associate”, some “salesperson” etc. It can be hassle if you do wrong one and they want you to redo everything.
Uploads can be a hassle. Enlarge everything. Apparently there are a lot of blind people around! Check a receipt before you leave -- if it’s hard to read tell them you have a finicky accountant and get another one – you won’t get paid if you don’t!
Don’t freak if you’re late and you get an overdue email – if you have told the scheduler it usually ok – they are automatic. Respond to it but don’t freak!
If a guideline does not make sense ask or - you won’t get paid. In my feedback below regarding staff responsiveness this is my core criteria. A lot of them do not respond to a question, you go out and do it and you did something the client won’t accept. This way you have proof hey I asked for help, you did not respond.
Getting paid a hassle, -- unless you have designed the space shuttle keeping up with when you will get paid – give it up. Some clocks start with submission. Some start with editing. Some start when client accepts and then company gets paid. I have never not been paid but in the beginning I tried to track and I have never been good at algorithms! I just write them down, wait half a year (!) and if I have not gotten anything I email them!
If you go to a location and it is closed take picture and let scheduler know fast!
You’re on video no cheating!
I have no real consistency as far as (Sassie) and ratings. More important is keeping the scheduler up to date. And the ratings are all subjective anyhow.
Sassie is bad with this – a hassle – keep the profile updated!
For stuff you have to make an appointment for go EARLY Remember your being paid $15 bucks – if you go late and the establishment is running behind you can end up spending 4 hours making 12 cents an hour!
The certification tests are simple and honestly dumb and time consuming. I won’t take some shops – if it has a cert test and they are paying you $10 by the time all is said and done your back to 12 cents an hour! MVentrix tests a real hassle!
Don’t be afraid to ask for mileage etc. Worst case scenario you don’t get it - but again you’re not back to 12 cents an hour!
You can also be more aggressive overall, if a bonus is offered – they are offering a bonus because they are in a jam. Most projects have a bonus fund for them. If they actually call you, up your fee! They are really desperate! BUT on these do them! You also have a greater chance of getting some extra money near the end of the month.
If there is a due date “range” apply early in the range, they are more likely to give it to you because if you flake (don’t do it) they have time to R/S. Especially if you are just starting cause you can show them you are timely.
This part is very consistent! Totally. The higher the fee the longer the report. This seems obvious – but(!) it quickly gets to a place where you cross like this line – if you’re up to $25 your report is likely to take you till your kid graduates and you end making 12 cents an hour! If the fee is high shoot them an email and ask how many narratives there are. How many questions before you apply!
They all say call first – another hassle. I have gotten to the point if I know the establishment is still there, and there is nothing on the report regarding the call I don’t waste my time!
PAY ATTN to rotation. If it says you cannot shop this location for 180 days do not apply. Some Sassie sites let you apply, you go do it and they hassle you about rotation and don’t get paid. Some Sassie don’t let you apply which is good but Sassie is real inconsitant with this depends hoe the mystery shopping company set it up. Prophet is good about this – it watches rotation for you!
Well, down to, in my experiences, my experiences! All subjective! All IMO!
My definition of good, staff responsive to questions, don’t assign stuff the day it is due, work with you and do not appear like they are pulling their hair out and really do not know what is going on! What follows is just out of my head in terms of their being order – been doing this a long time- just went as they came to my mind!
Intel shop good $15 average
Beyond Hello really good responsive staff pay typical $15
RSG good $15 Staff responsive
Mintel really good Staff responsive-some pay well. They are professional. Really like them! There website is great!
Isecretshop AWFUL their website is numbing it’s all like you’re a spy and get missions and you’re an agent bla bla (think first grade DUMB insulting) ) and signing up will take until your next birthday! I started but once I realized I might be a year older before I could complete it I passed!
Reality really good Staff responsive $15 average
Remington (apts) startup Pay sounds good, but at the end of the day dealing with their guidelines before you know it it’s time for hip replacement! TEDIOUS I think, IMO, they will tame once they get settled in.
Customer Perspectives good
Tech Store Shopper really good Staff responsive $15 average
Bare -ugh a mess - the pitts
Service Sleuth good
Shop N Check stay clear- don’t even know if they are still here and don’t care they were awful
Circle of Service liked
Infotel was a mess
Satisfaction Services a mess, they like to call you and ask can you go in two hours, I can give you 14 dollars hated them
Kern a bit chaotic but ok pay typical $15
Feedback Plus a bit chaotic but ok- can be some good paying ones and it is Prophet which is nice!
Consumer Measures awful just awful in my exp one of the worst – awful and pay is terrible reports L O N G a mess! They have no idea what they are doing – train wreck! Do not even go there – they have lots of jobs average pay is $10 and when you count in their incompetence your back to 14 cents an hour
Informa great Staff responsive some great paying
GFK a mess
Person to Person OK some decent paying
NSS awful
MVentix awful There website and certifications are a super hassle
Maritz terrible pay - awful website -a disaster area - I called FEMA but they never showed!
Kenisis bad their website is really bad --their forms freeze and you have to start all over and over!
Data Qwest good- they are hotels!
Palm terrible they still can’t figure out to work their login page!
Insula good
Best mark - decent - forms are logical - they can be a bit chaotic but they have lots of work mostly automotive if they call --------UP YOUR FEE!
Direct bad
Imyst good---their website really nice!
Ritter awful really bad - for 10 bucks the forms and guidelines and tests are hours of prep before you even leave for 10 bucks (ends up being 17 cents an hour if they are not too far away!)
Business Eval no -- staff not responsive
Service Intelligence awesome, out of Canada
EPMS reports are mind scattering -repetitive you say the same thing 17 times over and over – tend to be nasty
Gap buster forget totally A wreck do not even go to their website!
DSG Can is disorganized- erratic – from time to time has some good pay-website ugh
Channel Watch stay clear - a super mess stay clear you have been told! They rival Gap buster in being a mess!
ATh the power - erratic but basically ok have some for a bit better pay-they get some really big banking clients and the folks can go crazy
New Image great
Second to none awesome- staff great, website a joy, organized one of my favs!
In Touch website tough, registering a total hassle -pay awful- editors a true pain! Won’t deal with them any longer.
Service Excellence good
Gray Mark bad pay, unresponsive
About Face they are using two platforms very confusing but they are professionals
Super Sluth good
Goodwin good
A Closer Look – food! Website can be confusing – reports demanding
Amusement Advantage if you have kids sign up you can go to lots of parks for free!
QAMS disliked lots!
ACE hated
Conferno just ugh
Shoppers Critique I had bad experiences with them – but they have a lot of work in my market
Jancyln good
Well there I hope this helps – and hey it is all subjective!
“Adventures in Mystery Shopping”
Most important keep scheduler up to date. If you don’t get it done let them know! You would be surprised how often they will let you R/S.
Worst thing to do -- take shop, don’t do it AND don’t tell them... Remember they get paid (like $2 per report that is accepted by client – typically)!
Next, do not go signing up all over the place like I did when I started in 05. WRONG! You get emails offering you $13 jobs 12 states away. Email and ask if they are in your market.
Unless you are a whiz with minutes and seconds stay clear of anything food related – there are – (to the second) - anywhere from 10-20 timings. Who the heck can enjoy a meal when you need to pay attn. to everything that occurs to the second? I won’t do them anymore. Fast food skip totally - the client already has everything timed to the second!
Some schedulers are awful they will assign one to you midday on the due date –if you can ask for advance notice of assignment do it. Also be aware- this can happen a lot- if you ask for a bigger bonus – they hold out till the very end to assign them.
There are three platforms basically – Sassie, Shop Metrics and Prophet. Shop metrics is awful. Sassie font hard to read – and that platform uses what they call “blasts”. Translation - you get 19 emails about the same shop for days and days. And days – a real hassle! Be careful signing up for MS companies, that use Sassie, that are not actually doing your market – you can spend birthdays deleting emails Prophet most user friendly!
A real helpful way to takes notes is to print out something about the item your inquiring about from online. In this day and age totally makes sense one would come in with something from the internet and gives you a chance to take notes without looking like your taking notes!
I have found the ones that have a minimum amount of time in the location a drag. If the sales person is fast you end up having to ask stupid questions to not leave before minimum time!
I try to be fair to folks on commission – car dealerships, home furnishing etc. – there trying to make a living and you’re not buying anything!
Grocery can be great -- only buy “by one get one free “you double your money!
MSPA Silver and Gold really does not do a thing! Keeping the scheduler up to date far more important.
Sorry, editors are a total hassle! Some are insane and you cannot determine if one will be accepted and another identical one not Write simple – this was hard for me. A lot of times in the beginning it was exhausting. If you use a compound sentence the editors email back for clarification. On really dumb stuff. Easiest example: Do not say I was given ketchup AND salt. Break it down. I was given ketchup. PEROID. I was given salt. Period. I got a napkin Period. It is really boring writing but far less of a hassle, and saves you time. Write super stupid! .
The apartment folks (EPMS) reports are the worst. The dumbest stuff you have ever experienced. You have to write 8 times the same thing over and over and over. Their reports are like 18 pages – and they are typically not a nice group of people. There narrative boxes are also counted by letters. So if you say all you can say about your hand being shaked and you try to move on to the next part of the report it bounces on you and you have to go back and try to turn your hand getting shaked into “Gone with the Wind”!
Also with them be careful taking a “targeted” one – you can easily end up making 14 cents an hour having to call over and over and over. And having to email them telling them your target has not answered the phone. I don’t do them any more – they are a super hassle! Time is money! And like I said, my sense is it a stressful place to work – they are not nice people. If you take them, type like heck – they love it!
Skip video shopping at all costs – you end up looking as if you have MD – having to keep the camera in the button of your shirt aimed right at the person – it is not worth the money – they reject a lot of video ones. I hated them. Shadow Shopper does these and they send you equipment that needs crazy glue!
Watch out for this -- some of them want you to use the salespersons name, some want you to use the word “associate”, some “salesperson” etc. It can be hassle if you do wrong one and they want you to redo everything.
Uploads can be a hassle. Enlarge everything. Apparently there are a lot of blind people around! Check a receipt before you leave -- if it’s hard to read tell them you have a finicky accountant and get another one – you won’t get paid if you don’t!
Don’t freak if you’re late and you get an overdue email – if you have told the scheduler it usually ok – they are automatic. Respond to it but don’t freak!
If a guideline does not make sense ask or - you won’t get paid. In my feedback below regarding staff responsiveness this is my core criteria. A lot of them do not respond to a question, you go out and do it and you did something the client won’t accept. This way you have proof hey I asked for help, you did not respond.
Getting paid a hassle, -- unless you have designed the space shuttle keeping up with when you will get paid – give it up. Some clocks start with submission. Some start with editing. Some start when client accepts and then company gets paid. I have never not been paid but in the beginning I tried to track and I have never been good at algorithms! I just write them down, wait half a year (!) and if I have not gotten anything I email them!
If you go to a location and it is closed take picture and let scheduler know fast!
You’re on video no cheating!
I have no real consistency as far as (Sassie) and ratings. More important is keeping the scheduler up to date. And the ratings are all subjective anyhow.
Sassie is bad with this – a hassle – keep the profile updated!
For stuff you have to make an appointment for go EARLY Remember your being paid $15 bucks – if you go late and the establishment is running behind you can end up spending 4 hours making 12 cents an hour!
The certification tests are simple and honestly dumb and time consuming. I won’t take some shops – if it has a cert test and they are paying you $10 by the time all is said and done your back to 12 cents an hour! MVentrix tests a real hassle!
Don’t be afraid to ask for mileage etc. Worst case scenario you don’t get it - but again you’re not back to 12 cents an hour!
You can also be more aggressive overall, if a bonus is offered – they are offering a bonus because they are in a jam. Most projects have a bonus fund for them. If they actually call you, up your fee! They are really desperate! BUT on these do them! You also have a greater chance of getting some extra money near the end of the month.
If there is a due date “range” apply early in the range, they are more likely to give it to you because if you flake (don’t do it) they have time to R/S. Especially if you are just starting cause you can show them you are timely.
This part is very consistent! Totally. The higher the fee the longer the report. This seems obvious – but(!) it quickly gets to a place where you cross like this line – if you’re up to $25 your report is likely to take you till your kid graduates and you end making 12 cents an hour! If the fee is high shoot them an email and ask how many narratives there are. How many questions before you apply!
They all say call first – another hassle. I have gotten to the point if I know the establishment is still there, and there is nothing on the report regarding the call I don’t waste my time!
PAY ATTN to rotation. If it says you cannot shop this location for 180 days do not apply. Some Sassie sites let you apply, you go do it and they hassle you about rotation and don’t get paid. Some Sassie don’t let you apply which is good but Sassie is real inconsitant with this depends hoe the mystery shopping company set it up. Prophet is good about this – it watches rotation for you!
Well, down to, in my experiences, my experiences! All subjective! All IMO!
My definition of good, staff responsive to questions, don’t assign stuff the day it is due, work with you and do not appear like they are pulling their hair out and really do not know what is going on! What follows is just out of my head in terms of their being order – been doing this a long time- just went as they came to my mind!
Intel shop good $15 average
Beyond Hello really good responsive staff pay typical $15
RSG good $15 Staff responsive
Mintel really good Staff responsive-some pay well. They are professional. Really like them! There website is great!
Isecretshop AWFUL their website is numbing it’s all like you’re a spy and get missions and you’re an agent bla bla (think first grade DUMB insulting) ) and signing up will take until your next birthday! I started but once I realized I might be a year older before I could complete it I passed!
Reality really good Staff responsive $15 average
Remington (apts) startup Pay sounds good, but at the end of the day dealing with their guidelines before you know it it’s time for hip replacement! TEDIOUS I think, IMO, they will tame once they get settled in.
Customer Perspectives good
Tech Store Shopper really good Staff responsive $15 average
Bare -ugh a mess - the pitts
Service Sleuth good
Shop N Check stay clear- don’t even know if they are still here and don’t care they were awful
Circle of Service liked
Infotel was a mess
Satisfaction Services a mess, they like to call you and ask can you go in two hours, I can give you 14 dollars hated them
Kern a bit chaotic but ok pay typical $15
Feedback Plus a bit chaotic but ok- can be some good paying ones and it is Prophet which is nice!
Consumer Measures awful just awful in my exp one of the worst – awful and pay is terrible reports L O N G a mess! They have no idea what they are doing – train wreck! Do not even go there – they have lots of jobs average pay is $10 and when you count in their incompetence your back to 14 cents an hour
Informa great Staff responsive some great paying
GFK a mess
Person to Person OK some decent paying
NSS awful
MVentix awful There website and certifications are a super hassle
Maritz terrible pay - awful website -a disaster area - I called FEMA but they never showed!
Kenisis bad their website is really bad --their forms freeze and you have to start all over and over!
Data Qwest good- they are hotels!
Palm terrible they still can’t figure out to work their login page!
Insula good
Best mark - decent - forms are logical - they can be a bit chaotic but they have lots of work mostly automotive if they call --------UP YOUR FEE!
Direct bad
Imyst good---their website really nice!
Ritter awful really bad - for 10 bucks the forms and guidelines and tests are hours of prep before you even leave for 10 bucks (ends up being 17 cents an hour if they are not too far away!)
Business Eval no -- staff not responsive
Service Intelligence awesome, out of Canada
EPMS reports are mind scattering -repetitive you say the same thing 17 times over and over – tend to be nasty
Gap buster forget totally A wreck do not even go to their website!
DSG Can is disorganized- erratic – from time to time has some good pay-website ugh
Channel Watch stay clear - a super mess stay clear you have been told! They rival Gap buster in being a mess!
ATh the power - erratic but basically ok have some for a bit better pay-they get some really big banking clients and the folks can go crazy
New Image great
Second to none awesome- staff great, website a joy, organized one of my favs!
In Touch website tough, registering a total hassle -pay awful- editors a true pain! Won’t deal with them any longer.
Service Excellence good
Gray Mark bad pay, unresponsive
About Face they are using two platforms very confusing but they are professionals
Super Sluth good
Goodwin good
A Closer Look – food! Website can be confusing – reports demanding
Amusement Advantage if you have kids sign up you can go to lots of parks for free!
QAMS disliked lots!
ACE hated
Conferno just ugh
Shoppers Critique I had bad experiences with them – but they have a lot of work in my market
Jancyln good
Well there I hope this helps – and hey it is all subjective!
I had something to say, but by the time I scrolled down to the bottom of your post, I forgot what it was.
This is not the first post where ishopalot has actually included the name of a blog in her post. A shopper attempted to start the blog back in 2012 and referred to it as " Everything you ever wanted to know about mystery shopping in one location." The problem was she had virtually no experience and was taking all of her advice directly from these pages.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
This is also not the only time ishopalot has posted the above post, which contains some misinformation and a lot of opinions with no explanation for the opinions or detail. ishopalot cut and pasted the same post into another thread earlier today.
It's like the gift that keeps on giving - not only a post with information I don't trust but a duplicate post!
It's like the gift that keeps on giving - not only a post with information I don't trust but a duplicate post!
AustinMom Wrote:
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> which contains some
> misinformation
"Some"? I'd say more than just "some". You almost feel like they're trying to dissuade others from doing this. It's almost like in those infomercials... which show people doing some task, without the product being sold; and they're complete bozos and totally inept ~ not to mention complete klutzes. When that is not reality at all ~ most of the population can accomplish the depicted task far more eptly (is that a word? the opposite of inept?) than the infomercial indicates.
If most of the things they classify as being so difficult as to not be worth doing, really are *that* difficult for someone... well, draw your own conclusion.
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> which contains some
> misinformation
"Some"? I'd say more than just "some". You almost feel like they're trying to dissuade others from doing this. It's almost like in those infomercials... which show people doing some task, without the product being sold; and they're complete bozos and totally inept ~ not to mention complete klutzes. When that is not reality at all ~ most of the population can accomplish the depicted task far more eptly (is that a word? the opposite of inept?) than the infomercial indicates.
If most of the things they classify as being so difficult as to not be worth doing, really are *that* difficult for someone... well, draw your own conclusion.
Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.
Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active
Totally untrue! I did not know this place existed until two days ago! Wrong person and anyone who has done this knows that every thing outlined above is true! Wrong person!
Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active
Yes I posted in reply to finding a request for feedback from a new shopper in another forum. I cannot spell well and typed it up on word - so I can cut and paste it at will!
Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active
I had something to say, but by the time I scrolled down to the bottom of your post, I forgot what it was.
Thats funny!
"can accomplish the depicted task far more eptly "
aptly is, in all liklihood, the word you might be seeking. You could use skillfully if you wanted, properly would be correct with intended meaning, accumen would work here as well! Astutely you could use and your statement would make sense as well!
Pretty sure eptly is not a word in the English language - maybe tho
Did I misunderstand this on the front page of the forum:
Discuss the good and bad of mystery shopping companies. Which ones treat you well? Which ones have burned you? Give your feedback here. Discuss assignments and companies.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2013 11:49AM by ishopalot.
Thats funny!
"can accomplish the depicted task far more eptly "
aptly is, in all liklihood, the word you might be seeking. You could use skillfully if you wanted, properly would be correct with intended meaning, accumen would work here as well! Astutely you could use and your statement would make sense as well!
Pretty sure eptly is not a word in the English language - maybe tho
Did I misunderstand this on the front page of the forum:
Discuss the good and bad of mystery shopping companies. Which ones treat you well? Which ones have burned you? Give your feedback here. Discuss assignments and companies.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2013 11:49AM by ishopalot.
I figured 'eptly' wasn't really a word... but kind of like that old joke about being 'gruntled'... I mean, if you can be *dis*gruntled, why can't you be gruntled? Hee! So I really was just trying to be silly, but I *do* kinda like making up words like that.
And I honestly don't find it nearly as difficult as you make it out to be. I mean, yeah, you got some things right on... but other things really aren't that difficult ~ at least once you get the hang of things, which isn't *that* difficult, either. But that's just me. Just so others reading know that it's not *that* difficult, at least not to everyone.
And if "Adventures in Mystery Shopping" is the blog title Lisa's referring to up there, it *is* entirely possible two people came up with that phrase. I mean, after all, mystery shopping can be adventurous. Because ishopalot has only been here a couple of days. Unless (s)he just came back with a new handle.
Odd I don't recall the 2012 thing... but then part of that year was a very dark time for me. :/
Geesh, I'm making a lot of typos tonight! Glad for that little red squiggly line thing telling me so, so I can fix 'em.
So I really was just trying to be silly, but I *do* kinda like making up words like that.
And I honestly don't find it nearly as difficult as you make it out to be. I mean, yeah, you got some things right on... but other things really aren't that difficult ~ at least once you get the hang of things, which isn't *that* difficult, either. But that's just me. Just so others reading know that it's not *that* difficult, at least not to everyone.
And if "Adventures in Mystery Shopping" is the blog title Lisa's referring to up there, it *is* entirely possible two people came up with that phrase. I mean, after all, mystery shopping can be adventurous.
Because ishopalot has only been here a couple of days. Unless (s)he just came back with a new handle.
Odd I don't recall the 2012 thing... but then part of that year was a very dark time for me. :/
Geesh, I'm making a lot of typos tonight! Glad for that little red squiggly line thing telling me so, so I can fix 'em.
Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.
Ishopalot your statements are completely subjective and based on my experience I would not agree with some. With the same company some schedulers and/or people evaluating your work may be great but some horrible, so your opinion on the company may strongly depend on that with whom you worked. But you have clearly written that this are your subjective opinions, so I am OK with that. Majority of shoppers will keep such detail to themselves and seems may not be happy when someone reveals such details. Although, I do not agree with all of your opinions thanks for sharing your experiences.
Hmmmm... Guess six years in means I haven't really been mystery shopping because there are sooooo many things in the post I don't agree with.
What I post is my opinion and my experiences. I don't expect everyone to agree with me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2013 05:57AM by Shelly.
What I post is my opinion and my experiences. I don't expect everyone to agree with me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2013 05:57AM by Shelly.
I can honestly say that I don't agree with ishopalot. I got through the first 2 paragraphs and stopped reading. I said it before and I'll say it again, some approach this as a job and some as a hobby. Those who choose this as a hobby should not give advice... really.
O.o
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O.o o.O
Happily shopping New England and beyond!!!!!
Happily shopping New England and beyond!!!!!
If they can only manage to make a few bucks an hour ~ didn't (s)he say they never make more than around $5/hour? ~ why bother to continue MS'ing? Well, I guess you'd continue if that's all you had to live on, so I take that back. But if that's all I could make out of MS'ing, I'd be seriously looking for other work as I went along. $5/hour is pretty pathetic, and *so* below what's possible.
Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.
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