How did your 2016 go? Goals for 2017?
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It sounds like you had a good year! 
2016 was a good year here. I did not leave enough free time for myself, but I will schedule differently next year and have personal time.
Who's next?
2016 was a good year here. I did not leave enough free time for myself, but I will schedule differently next year and have personal time.
Who's next?
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
Did well, but am wasting too much time on unnecessary reimbursed items as opposed to shopping for straight fees...
My goals were better met though I earned less through them. I changed employers and make more at my full time job than previously. I decided to enjoy my days off a little more.
I prefer opportunities that are short and simple, that compliment my life. For 2017 I plan to sign up for more MSCs to identify opportunities that are not posted on the job boards. From there to adjust accordingly; hopefully finding better opportunities that fit around my work schedule while preserving my free time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/2016 09:52PM by isaiah58.
I prefer opportunities that are short and simple, that compliment my life. For 2017 I plan to sign up for more MSCs to identify opportunities that are not posted on the job boards. From there to adjust accordingly; hopefully finding better opportunities that fit around my work schedule while preserving my free time.
My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/2016 09:52PM by isaiah58.
Since I don't rely on MSing for income, I set my goals based on reimbursements, life experiences and program status attained.
I fell slightly short of my financial goal for reimbursements this year, but it was still the best year I've had by far in terms of reimbursement and income from my main career. I also had a goal to not take shops that were overwhelming and/or stressful. I came closer to that goal than ever before, but that's a tough one. I did manage to take a full month away from MSing on 2 separate occasions in 2016, which helped me avoid burning out. I also turned down a few opportunities that would have allowed me to easily hit the financial goal, but detracted significantly from the stress goal.
I'm ending the year with platinum status in my favorite hotel and airline programs, and will be completely paid up for all shops performed in 2016 coming into the new year. I think I'm going to carry that forward as my main goal for 2017, plus getting better at saying "no" to assignments that negatively impact the quality of my life, including those that have me eating and/or drinking on ways that I don't deem healthy.
I fell slightly short of my financial goal for reimbursements this year, but it was still the best year I've had by far in terms of reimbursement and income from my main career. I also had a goal to not take shops that were overwhelming and/or stressful. I came closer to that goal than ever before, but that's a tough one. I did manage to take a full month away from MSing on 2 separate occasions in 2016, which helped me avoid burning out. I also turned down a few opportunities that would have allowed me to easily hit the financial goal, but detracted significantly from the stress goal.
I'm ending the year with platinum status in my favorite hotel and airline programs, and will be completely paid up for all shops performed in 2016 coming into the new year. I think I'm going to carry that forward as my main goal for 2017, plus getting better at saying "no" to assignments that negatively impact the quality of my life, including those that have me eating and/or drinking on ways that I don't deem healthy.
The area I live in now isn't nearly as lucrative as when I lived in New England. I did okay considering the area. I am moving to my home state of MI in the summer of 2017. I expect it to be better than here, and thus plan to do much better overall in 2017. However, I also realize I will probably never do as well as I did shopping in the rural areas of New England.
I had a busy year with being select (as always), but not wasting time on jobs that require a lot of driving. Being
several of my reliable MSC's lost accounts, I did fewer jobs, but learned to like jobs I didn't feel I wanted to do, but that pay more, and are in my town, like Banks, dealerships, etc. Took many days to myself, never burnt out. Had some personal setbacks, like my daughter's Father having health problems, we pray he will be fine. I can't complain, work is work, but health and well being and enjoyment are most important, all of which I have.
several of my reliable MSC's lost accounts, I did fewer jobs, but learned to like jobs I didn't feel I wanted to do, but that pay more, and are in my town, like Banks, dealerships, etc. Took many days to myself, never burnt out. Had some personal setbacks, like my daughter's Father having health problems, we pray he will be fine. I can't complain, work is work, but health and well being and enjoyment are most important, all of which I have.
Live consciously....
I haven't reached my goal for number of shops for 2016. I can still meet it, but that would require me to take jobs that I would hate. I am still considering doing that so that I meet my goal. I haven't decided yet. I am hopeful for 2017.
I'm sorta nervous how the new presidency will affect the economy. If the economy tanks then there goes money for companies to invest in shoppers. Hoping for the best, however.
I did pretty good meeting my goals in 2016. Thanks to an article in the mystery shopper magazine, I focused more on straight income and less on reimbursements. With the income, I was able to pay for my dream vacation to Venice (note, airfare was using points not mystery shopping). I did use reimbursements for things that I wanted like car maintenance, dinners out with family, and Christmas gifts for grandkids.
In 2017 my goals are to
1) Save towards funding a 2018 vacation overseas
2) Enjoy a fine dining experience at least once or twice a month with a close family member
3) Support my granddaughters pet
4) Continue training my granddaughter to become a mystery shopper next year
5) Do more with less effort, staying at home, such as my upcoming Managed Account project
6) Make more friends
I look forward to and feel that I can accomplish each of these goals and am flexible enough to change them if a situation arises.
In 2017 my goals are to
1) Save towards funding a 2018 vacation overseas
2) Enjoy a fine dining experience at least once or twice a month with a close family member
3) Support my granddaughters pet
4) Continue training my granddaughter to become a mystery shopper next year
5) Do more with less effort, staying at home, such as my upcoming Managed Account project
6) Make more friends
I look forward to and feel that I can accomplish each of these goals and am flexible enough to change them if a situation arises.
When you learn, teach, when you get, give. Maya Angelou
I did pretty good in 2016. Getting on with a lot more MSC's. My goal next year is to branch out with maybe doing a hotel for 1 night to see how it is.
2016 was my first full year of shopping and my biggest goal was to simply become a more well-rounded shopper, and to schedule shopping days better to keep driving time at a minimum. I feel as though I accomplished this, especially with the scheduling aspect. I still focus a little too much on certain types of shops, but I still am able to make good money on those. I've become better with long term planning so when I am not in rotation in one area, I can go to another. I am fortunate to live in a strong shopping market. Only one shop rejected for the entire year, which was around Thanksgiving, and I was allowed to re-shop it.
For 2017 I will hope mainly for more of the same, but try to stop relying too much on what I consider my core clients.
For 2017 I will hope mainly for more of the same, but try to stop relying too much on what I consider my core clients.
Hi. I was a shopper in 2013 and but I was spotty. Did it just for fun...I re entered the mystery shopping workforce in October on 2016. Slowly at first, but now I'm cranking thru 3-12 everyday. I have implemented a file system and bought all my office supplies. Bought a new laptop & wireless printer. This is a full time job for me right now. I've become very serious about it.
I've increased my MSC's to about 50 and try to add 5 a day. What's been really nice is the companies paying weekly because of Christmas, like Shoppers View. I get some instant reinforcement plus I've stacked January for some decent money.
I am doing 6 audit type shops at a large grocery store chain tomorrow. I'm a little nervous that I may have overbooked myself. Does anyone have experience with these department shops that would tell me how long they take. Does anyone have experience with North Fork Research? I usually verify a company is legit and pays timely before taking on a big job like this. But I figured if this store is their client they must have some juice. I have no idea when they pay and an email to the scheduler got no response.
I love reading your posts and am learning so much!! Thanks everyone!
I've increased my MSC's to about 50 and try to add 5 a day. What's been really nice is the companies paying weekly because of Christmas, like Shoppers View. I get some instant reinforcement plus I've stacked January for some decent money.
I am doing 6 audit type shops at a large grocery store chain tomorrow. I'm a little nervous that I may have overbooked myself. Does anyone have experience with these department shops that would tell me how long they take. Does anyone have experience with North Fork Research? I usually verify a company is legit and pays timely before taking on a big job like this. But I figured if this store is their client they must have some juice. I have no idea when they pay and an email to the scheduler got no response.
I love reading your posts and am learning so much!! Thanks everyone!
North Fork Research is a reliable company. They have some great schedulers and I believe they pay monthly on time.
I've been happy with my mystery shopping this year. I started in 2013 and have ramped it up over time. I've gotten comfortable with all types of shops and narratives. When I first started, I was so nervous about placing an in person order at Five Guys. Now I can do investment shops and scenarios comfortably without breaking a sweat. I still have yet to do car dealership shops, but I am not very interested in trying those. I don't like high pressure sales.
I've been happy with my mystery shopping this year. I started in 2013 and have ramped it up over time. I've gotten comfortable with all types of shops and narratives. When I first started, I was so nervous about placing an in person order at Five Guys. Now I can do investment shops and scenarios comfortably without breaking a sweat.
I still have yet to do car dealership shops, but I am not very interested in trying those. I don't like high pressure sales.
@LeslieKay111 wrote:
What's been really nice is the companies paying weekly because of Christmas, like Shoppers View. .....
......Does anyone have experience with North Fork Research?......
Shoppers' View is great. Northfork is legit, no worries there.
My 2016 has been filled with useful and enjoyable reimbursements, and fees which were more than good. It can be a double-edged sword, come tax time.
I did okay in 2016 with a slow start and stellar ending. My 2017 goal is to get some automatic recurring shops. Another is to reduce the number of shops and increase income aka more per shop. I may try some video shopping this should help.
Shopping Western NY, Northeast and Central PA, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. Have car will travel anywhere if the monies right.
I did alright. I could've made more, but I'm happy with what I made.
I want to thank the members on this board that took the time to help me with answers on the board or their PM's. I've learned so much this year with your wise words. I want those who helped me to know that there are some of us that like your wisdom.
MaryAnn
I want to thank the members on this board that took the time to help me with answers on the board or their PM's. I've learned so much this year with your wise words. I want those who helped me to know that there are some of us that like your wisdom.
MaryAnn
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning; the devil shudders...And yells OH #%*+! SHE'S AWAKE!
I did OK in 2016, fewer shops but I made more profit on the shops I did. My goal for 2017 is to make the needed connections to do more "lifestyle" shops. I started working on this in the 4th quarter of 2016. The wife and I are nearing retirement age and we'll have more time to travel, so I hope to be able shop hotels, casinos, resorts etc. as we wander about the country.
My buddy and I are working on our bucket list to get to all the MLB ballparks...this year was the first time I did shops while we were out of town and it worked well....so I can work more shops in this coming year.
Silver certified (since 2009) and willing to do shops all around the greater Chicago, NW Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin areas (including airports!.
I didn't make as much as I anticipated at the beginning of the year, but I'm OK with that, because less shopping allowed me to focus on other personal goals and spend more time with family.
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt
I met the goal I set. My 'year' ends the month of November as I choose to have December wide open for shops that I choose to take that day or the day after scheduling if I'm in the mood. I've done like 10 shops this month. Did a couple of my favorite ones, a couple that I was asked to perform and then some of just straight reimbursement. I have nothing planned until January. My goal for next year is to earn a 25% increase from this year.
I am self-employed in my primary job and I had a really poor year. The last couple months I have changed my mystery shopping focus to shops with more lucrative fees and those with reimbursements for things we really need; suddenly, even grocery store shops are becoming more important, again! My goal for 2017 is to find more $$$-yielding shops...I have just scheduled two car shops --not my favorite, but they pay well. I feel fortunate that I have been shopping about 15 years, so have registered with many companies; that will help me ramp up again.
3-12 and you are thinking that is full time?
@LeslieKay111 wrote:
Hi. I was a shopper in 2013 and but I was spotty. Did it just for fun...I re entered the mystery shopping workforce in October on 2016. Slowly at first, but now I'm cranking thru 3-12 everyday. I have implemented a file system and bought all my office supplies. Bought a new laptop & wireless printer. This is a full time job for me right now. I've become very serious about it.
I've increased my MSC's to about 50 and try to add 5 a day. What's been really nice is the companies paying weekly because of Christmas, like Shoppers View. I get some instant reinforcement plus I've stacked January for some decent money.
I am doing 6 audit type shops at a large grocery store chain tomorrow. I'm a little nervous that I may have overbooked myself. Does anyone have experience with these department shops that would tell me how long they take. Does anyone have experience with North Fork Research? I usually verify a company is legit and pays timely before taking on a big job like this. But I figured if this store is their client they must have some juice. I have no idea when they pay and an email to the scheduler got no response.
I love reading your posts and am learning so much!! Thanks everyone!
Wow! CM, where is your "positive contribution"? "Primary" is not necessarily "full time." Why deride someone's plan for improving their skills and income potential.
Mod note: post modified as referenced post is no longer visible
Mod note: post modified as referenced post is no longer visible
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I did pretty good this year. I work Full time and I try a few Mystery Shops here and there. I try and pick 3 or 4 up each month.
I could have done a few more but with my work schedule, they didn't fill into the time frames..
I have one pending for January
I could have done a few more but with my work schedule, they didn't fill into the time frames..
I have one pending for January
@CANADAMOMMY wrote:
3-12 and you are thinking that is full time?
And you are thinking that is a positive contribution to the forum?
Is this a positive contribution to the forum? Because of this year, I am prepared to take a leap of faith next year and reserve time at the end of every month for bonused shops (instead of scheduling many shops early just to be sure there is some money from shops). The last few days were productive, fun, and pleasant. And profitable.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
I'm positive we don't need to pick at each other. I'm positive this forum is mostly great with a few maladjusted posters who make themselves feel good by putting others down. In spite of their presence, their attacks, and their negativity, I'm positive I'm going to continue to enjoy this wonderful source of information and encouragement we all need. Best wishes for a happy holiday season from a southern hillbilly redneck racist black white and native American Indian half-Okie Texan. Y'all have a good one, as we say down here.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
I am just trying to do the same. I haven't picked at anyone and now I am being stalked and harassed every time I post. A lot of nice people have reached out to me but I don't know what else that you would like for me to do? I have contacted the creator to change my user id and keep hoping that she doesn't start harassing me on other sites or IRL.
My goal every year is to do better than the last. This year started out well, but then I had a really slow June, which was the month before I moved to a different territory. Things got going again quickly in the new area and the year ended well, though, I'm happy to say. I am looking forward to the new year. One thing about this work is that there is always a new client and something new to learn.
Mod note: (this post is absolutely NOT directed at ChristineReed. Her post just happens to be a handy place to place the mod comments)
Please all be kind to one another for at least the remainder of the year so the mods can also have time to enjoy the holidays....thanks and Happy Holidays
Mod note: (this post is absolutely NOT directed at ChristineReed. Her post just happens to be a handy place to place the mod comments)
Please all be kind to one another for at least the remainder of the year so the mods can also have time to enjoy the holidays....thanks and Happy Holidays
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