I have been mystery shopping for almost 3 years and have seen a steady decrease in what shops are paying. Example - phone shops used to start at $12 - now 3 years later it is $7. Horrible gas station audits that used to start at $15 are now on the boards for $7. They have even dropped the fee for fast food - it was low anyway. I am getting frustrated and feeling abused at this point and am considering deactivation for these penny pinching MSC's. Anyone else feel this way?

dont care what the starting fee shows ever. My
fees have not decreased and have went up year
over year every year.

Yep.

I keep getting an email wanting shoppers to do a phone inquiry shop for $2. It says it is a recorded call and "no narrative, only 6 questions." Two bucks!? I don't really see it as being worth my time. I think I would make more faster by checking the cushions in the couch.

I've noticed the fees for business verifications are suddenly dropping, and that's a tough one for me, because that's where I make a lot of my income. The $17 jobs are turning into $16 and $13 assignments.

It's almost like a limbo competition with the MSCs, as in "How low can we go."

Yes, some of the companies are dropping the base fees. There will always be new shoppers who will take low base fee shops to get started and others of us who will take low base fee shops to pick up a quick lunch or ice cream. I don't think low base fees affect the run of the mill experienced shopper because he/she as a rule is not accepting those jobs in any numbers. Most of us are accepting jobs only in the mid to higher range. How low can they go? Probably almost to nothing, and they're getting close.

I understand the frustration, but feel like you're being abused? As we are independent contractors, it would be self-abuse.

The price of the job is what someone is willing to take for it. I would like to get the most I can. I decided not to take certain shops again because I was being underpaid for doing more than mystery shopping. So I won't take them.

It all comes down to supply and demand. They can start base price at $0 if they want. If they can get it filled at $0 then they will keep the fee at $0. If they can't fill it at $0 and end up adding a $10 bonus to get it done that's alright with them. Next time they may start the job at base of $5 and if not taking bonus it $5 and then its taken. So the 3rd time they learn and base is now $10. The other way goes in seconds at $10 base the next time reduce to $9 still seconds then $8 third time. Till supply meets demand and with supply and demand always fluctuating prices will go up and down. Veteran shoppers know to wait or ask for the bonuses.

I agree--the fee is the fee you accept the job at, not what it starts at. I only did about 1/2 my normal shops in June, but I made $50 more than average because of bonuses and just higher paying shops. I was swamped at work and just didn't have the time to get out like normal. I've been getting desperate emails for some shops that are due today. On Tuesday, when they first starting coming I emailed the scheduler back and named my price. She turned me down. Last night I got an email that these shops, 3 of them total, with a 3 hour round trip drive, are within $10 total of my original offer-so about $3 more each than she has them listed for now....they are still on the board this morning so no one has taken them. Oh well. I can't do them now.

It all comes down to supply and dema

Sorry, somebody else already said that. Watching fees drop used to frustrate me and nearly had me convinced that the best of days were behind me after only two years in the game. Looking at the bigger picture, here's what I see.

There is an endless supply of new shoppers willing to work almost for free.
There is a endless supply of msc's ready to undercut their competition by using the shoppers mentioned above.
Any shop that is easy and pays well = low hanging fruit for these two forces.

It helps me to think of the endless drone of comically low paying jobs like "help wanted" signs in the window at McDonalds. I don't get excited because there is a job available, and I don't get offended when I realize that they could never afford to hire me. That sign is for someone else to read.

The money is still there, but you have to catch the bonuses or take the bigger, riskier shops to earn it.

techman01 Wrote:
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> dont care what the starting fee shows ever. My
> fees have not decreased and have went up year
> over year every year.


Show off! Teach me your ways, oh wise one.

Some of the fees have decreased. Also, some companies have not lowered the fees, but have increased the work substantially without an increase on some jobs.

teriraia Wrote:
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> I have been mystery shopping for almost 3 years
> and have seen a steady decrease in what shops are
> paying. Example - phone shops used to start at
> $12 - now 3 years later it is $7. Horrible gas
> station audits that used to start at $15 are now
> on the boards for $7. They have even dropped the
> fee for fast food - it was low anyway. I am
> getting frustrated and feeling abused at this
> point and am considering deactivation for these
> penny pinching MSC's. Anyone else feel this way?

Not only have the fees dropped one grocery store still offers the same reimbursement they did 6 years ago. You only get a few items instead of a bag full.

InPlainSight Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I keep getting an email wanting shoppers to do a
> phone inquiry shop for $2. It says it is a
> recorded call and "no narrative, only 6
> questions." Two bucks!? I don't really see it as
> being worth my time. I think I would make more
> faster by checking the cushions in the couch.


You are being paid 33 cents a question

Whoopee.

I made that decision years ago. When I was a new shopper, I accepted the fact that I would have to accept some low paying jobs to get the number of jobs I wanted. I hadn't "paid my dues" and not many MSC's knew me or the work I do. That time has changed. Fifteen years later, I shop full time. Because I operate a shopping business, it's important that I receive fair compensation for the time and effort it takes for me to do a job. Some, not most of the companies I worked with back when I started still seem to think that mystery shoppers are out there doing this job as kind of a "hobby" and don't need to be respected by being paid a fair rate for their work. Once my shopping business stopped being a hobby, I made several changes to the assignments I apply for and will accept. These include:

1. I do very few, if any, restaurant shops. I have discovered that MSC's offering these opportunities are usually looking for someone who wants a free meal, not a professional who will provide high quality information to their client in a timely manner. Many of these MSC's offer these jobs with just reimbursement of the cost of the meal and no compensation for the time and effort it takes to do these jobs. If they do pay a fee, it is usually embarrassingly low and does not take in to account the time the shopper needs to invest to complete the job correctly.

2. I select jobs based on educated estimates of the amount of time it will take to complete the assignment--both the visit and report preparation. If the fee (minus any reimbursement of expenses) doesn't net me at least $25/hr, I don't apply for the job. I used to think that this practice might hurt, rather than help, my bottom line. But, I've discovered that MSC's who are realistic and respectful about the shopper's cost of doing business are out there, and they are looking for people who can work to a higher standard. MSC's talk to each other and refer top shoppers to other companies. I've had calls from companies who pay a fair rate for my services and were seeking people who were capable of providing the kind of service they needed. My income hovers in the $40-$50 per hour range now, and I'd rather work at cultivating relationships with these MSC's rather than trying to do a glut of jobs for the other companies in order to make a decent income. You are probably at a point now that you might want to evaluate and see if it is a good time for you to "fire" some of the MSC's who do not pay a fair rate for your services.

3. When I decided to make the leap, I had MSC's (the low paying ones) calling me to find out why I wasn't applying for work with them any more. I was honest with them. I told them that the pay they offered didn't cover my cost of doing the assignment. I explained that, rather than shopping for fun and a hobby, I was building a business. I would tell them that, as did their business, my business had to make a profit and the shops they offered were not profitable. I always said I would be happy to work for them again, but that their current standard of shopper compensation would not allow me to do business with them. I told them I really liked working for them, so if their standard of compensation changed to a level that would allow me to make a profit, I would love to shop for them again. If they asked, I told them that I would be willing to apply for a light shopping job (a total of 30 minutes or less to do shop and report), that paid at least $15 over and above any reimbursement. I've had companies get back in touch with me when they could meet my standard, and I've started doing shops for them again. There were some, who can't seem to understand English, that still try to sell me on the below $10 jobs. I don't even read their emails. I just delete them summarily.

Because I demand a higher fee, and usually get it, I am bound to make sure I give the MSC the service that they need. I have had to learn to plan my schedule very carefully so that I have enough time to do the reports that pay $50 - $100, but can take an hour to do. My observation skills have had to improve immensely as well. The companies that I work for pay a lot better than the average MSC, but they also require better work from me than do those other companies. Taking some community college courses in business management and technical writing provided good additional training that has helped me land repeat work with these companies. I have also specialized in the types of shops I do. I work primarily with financial institutions, rental property management, home sales companies, educational institutions, high end fashion and cosmetics, electronics shops, medical shops, and audits. I also have done merchandising route jobs and focus groups.

I would like to hear what others do to be paid fairly.

Don't accept it and look elsewhere.

Thanks Jims for the thoughtful and helpful response. I have been mystery shopping for almost 3 years now and need to broaden my horizons and step out of the comfort zone.

And now we have the gas prices to figure in. I live in Franklin, NC. Google it and you will see that I am outside any Metro area. My outside routes to other towns average 120 miles, round trip. Even if I do 7 or 8 shops, all I really have time for, that barely pays for gas to run the millstone around my neck. I have to drive a full sized handicap equipped van. I have a disabled son, and can't afford insurance on two vehicles.

My routes cost me about $40 for gas now. With gas forecast to hit $5.00 a gallon . . . My gas cost just went to $50 a trip. That doesn't count wear & tear, etc. I would like to earn at least $1/mile, but I don't see that happening any time soon. The high dollar shops are really hard to find here. So, if I make $70 or $80, spend $50 for gas, I have $30 for supplies (ink, paper, etc.), vehicle maintenance (I don't qualify for oil change shops), and end of with a $20 net for a 10 hour day.

I have to really hustle to get that many shops for the route that pay at least $10. Is there any way I can insist on bonuses for these long distance routes (there are 5 of them), to help with the fuel costs. I also know that finding good shoppers in these itty bitty towns is next to impossible. My MSC today made an exception and is allowing me to audit a store that I mystery shopped last week!

So, if MSC's are really paying less, or refuse to raise rates (I did see where some phone shops went up to $8!! Woo hoo!! Not.), how on earth are we "professional" shoppers going to make ends meet? Not doing the long distance shops will drop my shopping down to 10 shops a month, IF I land them before my local competition.

I need some help identifying the MSC's that are working in my area, instead of doing the Paper Chase every night, hoping to hit the jack pot with the right companies. I can't afford to pay for a shop service like Shadow Shopper! My bottom line is tight enough! I'm using Jobslinger and free Shadow Shopper (mostly useless).

Other than the financial struggle, I'm really loving the job! I'm made a few mistakes, but so far, haven't blown a shop yet. There's still time though!! ;-)

Tracey

jlms0355gmail.com That was a GREAT write up honest and helpful !!!

Some of the banking shops have moved to another company and are paying less. Removed the bonuses (temporarily). They had to put them back, the jobs were not getting done. Changed the shops from 30 days to 90 days. Hopefully that will change too.

jlms0355, that's nice work! I am glad you can get it.

I have been referred a few times and have had some very nice bonuses offered to me but not often enough to make a living. There are more than enough shoppers in my area willing to take most all the shops at very low pay. I usually have to wait and hope for something better toward the end of the month and in those instances it's extremely competitive. When I am willing to travel to less desirable locations where there aren't as many shoppers, I can do pretty well. But even then, with all the traveling and reports I can't make $25 an hour doing MS on a regular basis. I have other income, thankfully!

Hymn singer, I don't recall how many MSCs you are signed with, but that should be your priority in the beginning. You need to develop a way to streamline registering. Some browsers will save information and fill in fields for you. Create a writing sample and save it as a Word document to either upload or copy/paste where required. Mystery shopping as a business requires little, if any, upfront out of pocket cost. It does require time for research and registering which can be considered sweat equity.

MSCs are not going to raise their base rates, why should they? You can raise your rates by negotiating bonuses, something easier to do when you are established and have a good handle on the competition and which assignments are hard to fill. When negotiating don't ever whine about the cost of gas or needing to make a profit. You are a business owner now and entitled to make a profit. No apologies.

Remember as you go along certain costs within your control will go down and your efficiency will increase. If getting reports done at night is preventing you from taking on additional shops during the day, negotiate for next day report submission. Scheduling $150 worth of shops for Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the other days for reports will be making better use of your time and resources. My printing costs are minimal now. Rare are the new to me jobs requiring a brief note on my calendar to hit the high points. Between a smart phone and tablet it is all accessible. For audits I anticipate to be ongoing I will take the time to create a cheat sheet rather than print out 10, 20 or more pages of information that can easily be condensed into one. As you get to know shops you will also be able to figure out which ones constitute the most return for your money. A $30 shop taking an hour on site and another hour to report will not be as desirable as 3 $10 shops which can be completed in an hour.

I'm not sure your van isn't eligible for oil change shops or if you just haven't found the company yet. Keep looking.

Hymnsinger, I'm assuming the Franklin, NC you're in is in the upstate [there's also a Franklin just outside of Salisbury, NC according to Microsoft Streets & Trips].

Asheville is a 136 mile RT, Greenville, SC is 188 RT, and Knoxville, TN is 208 RT [via Gatlinburg]. While I haven't done the $5 Funeral Home Shops [phone], there was a week earlier this year where I had jury duty I ended up getting 40, $4 phone shops, so I had $160 with no travel and the reporting was fairly easy. I'm a 2-finger typist and I think the reports were about 10 minutes each, about 7 hours total for reporting.

A lot of people knock the phone shops, and I understand why they do, but if circumstances get in your way, would you rather have the $160 from the phone shops, or nothing?

For most of us here, mystery shopping is a business. The key to being successful in any business is to work smarter, not harder. As Lisa suggested, perhaps you negotiate an extended deadline to file reports. A scheduler I had worked with before needed me to do 5 bank shops on Thursday. I left home at 5AM and returned 7:30 PM [569 miles later] Thursday night. Friday was spent doing the reports. While I didn't make quite as much as I would have liked, the scheduler had helped me out before, so I was returning the favor.

I don't know what's feasible for you or not, but if you could manage a 13 hour day, then you could shop 10-6 in Greenville/Spartanburg. While we have to follow instructions on the shops, planning how we get the shops scheduled is a case of thinking outside the box.

How long is the call, how long to answer the question.

I cherry pick the shops as has been said it is supply and demand, as it gets closer to the end of the month many shops have bonuses to complete. I do get calls from Marketforce to do some shops that others have cancelled on and they pay me a bonus for it. I will do certain dinner shops for just food if the survey is not too long and it will fully pay for my food. Some places want you to buy a lot of food and not even fully reimburse. They asked me one time why I did not apply and I told them, they have not raised their rates and they are usually looking for people.

I do it as a part time job and I specialize in Bar audits, usually sitting at a bar having a drink and appetizer with a friend hits the reimbursement mark and I get 30-40.00 for my write-up. Those I take whenever I can, also airport bar shops are great too.

I am not willing to do a shop for less then 25.00 if it does not offer me any food.

The call lasted 2-3 minutes, about 10 minutes for the report and I'm sure someone who can type could drop the report time to 4-6 minutes. There were multiple choice questions [8-10, IIRC] and a narrative that ran about 150 words.

whosear Wrote:
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> How long is the call, how long to answer the
> question.

jlms0355gmail.com:

I disagree with >>>1. "I do very few, if any, restaurant shops. I have discovered that MSC's offering these opportunities are usually looking for someone who wants a free meal, not a professional who will provide high quality information to their client in a timely manner." >>>

Are you suggesting that highly trained, professional mystery shoppers should NOT be doing dining shops?

Your analysis is WRONG. But you keep that opinion.. and shoppers who ENJOY dining shops will keep doing them

Sunny Days:

I agree with you. It is only my opinion. That is what is presented on this forum. When I write a post, the information in it is from my experience. I have not conducted a scientific analysis of all restaurant locations that hire mystery shoppers. I have, instead, found what I said to be true for me, and in the areas where I work. I am not suggesting that established, professional shoppers not do any kind of shop. Again, (and this is my opinion too), I think the reason we Mystery Shop is that we like being able to choose the kind of work we do. I simply answered someone else's post, just as you did in answering mine. I truly hope that you don't really feel as intimidated as your post makes you sound. You should go ahead and do as many restaurant shops as you can fit into your schedule, if that is a business you like to shop. As for me, I will continue to avoid them because they do not fit my business plan.

Thank you. As I told another person who didn't like my post, "I call 'em as I see 'em!"

Jeanette Larsen