This isn't worth it
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Then feel free to do something else. Perhaps popcorn vender.
For some it is not worth the time and it is definitely not easy. OTOH, quite a few people have found ways to make this work whether it is an enhanced lifestyle, a second income or sole income. How much you get back is going to depend in part on how much you put into it. Another unfortunate reality, just like real estate it's all about location.
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.
If you're taking on the same shops over and over, you should be able to get through the assignment faster and more efficiently (shorter review of the guidelines, efficiently performing the shop, efficiently writing up the report, etc.). Sometimes, you'll find that it takes some adjustments when dealing with a new client and assignment you've never done before, but that's expected! It's not even just with mystery shopping, it's like this with ANY job. That's why you'll find why many of us take on assignments we've done over and over again; after each assignment with the same client, we've learned (hopefully) from our inefficiencies and try to get the job done more efficiently the next time around.
But depending on your goals, you're right; mystery shopping may NOT be worth it for you.
For me, I found my bread and butter.
I found shops I enjoy performing, whether it's the reimbursement or the experience.
I found a way to completely eliminate (or lower) my living expenses. In my case, it's food.
I found a way to entertainment myself and also entertain a friend / lover to a nice dinner and movie in exchange for some work time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2015 10:52PM by Tarantado.
But depending on your goals, you're right; mystery shopping may NOT be worth it for you.
For me, I found my bread and butter.
I found shops I enjoy performing, whether it's the reimbursement or the experience.
I found a way to completely eliminate (or lower) my living expenses. In my case, it's food.
I found a way to entertainment myself and also entertain a friend / lover to a nice dinner and movie in exchange for some work time.
Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2015 10:52PM by Tarantado.
For a lot of people when they first start it really isn't profitable. It's as you learn more and get smarter that it starts to become profitable. I calculated that I earn around $30 an hour after gas so it's pretty profitable for me but it took me a few years to get to this point. I learned a great deal from this forum.
@bboon6847 wrote:
I don't know how anyone can think this is worth the time and effort. Unless you are getting paid more per shop it just diminishes as you continue to do a shop. From the time to sign up, read the instructions, because they all have something specific you have to complete, drive to the location,conduct the shop, then do the report. Well personally it is exhausting. I have tried the "Top 15" and not one pays anything worth my time. Maybe I have an inflated opinion of what I am worth but to do this for the money, I gotta say no. Unless you are totally bored and like doing this and the money is an aside, then go for it. Obviously it is not for me.
I can definitely understand where this poster is coming from. It is beyond disappointing that too many of us (present company excluded) continue to accept the "low-hanging fruit) type assignments that are continually on the job boards. Those of us (presently company again excluded) that accept the $6-type assignments not only devalue their time and effort but it also encourages those MSCs whose purpose is to drill-down on the compensation paid to us grunts-in-the-trenches who actually are responsible for their compensation. Are you listening, joelf? Have some cajones, folks, and just SAY NO to those assignments that are detrimental to not only you but on a larger scale, to all of us. Yes I am aware that freedom of choice is an inherent right and we can pick and choose and everyone is free to accept or not accept but how about looking at the larger picture. And on another note how about those "golden arches" assignments for the princely sum of $6 or so. How about saying NO and forgoing those calorie,sugar and fat-laden meals (maybe the reimbursement for the "not-so-happy-meals is appealing) but your health, waistline and families (that will appreciate your being around for a few more years) may say thanks. Feel free to offer criticism (either way) as I have a tough skin. Fire away.
It is certainly not profitable in the beginning: (I love shopping 
but here goes)
1. New shoppers don't likely take into account: gas, ink, time reporting, time executing, cost out of pocket to pay for the shop, the long wait to be reimbursed, so 2 months feels like forever for some...
f\Failed shops, sometimes you take a loss, if your shop is rejected. Everything you did for that shop feels like you wasted your time and money, all the effort you spent.
If you can get past this and watch your bank account grow (open an account specifically for mystery shopping) I saw $20 turn into $1,000 and there you see your efforts.
Another thing new shoppers should consider: Your taxes. Even if you write off everything, (to each his own on taxes) I for one, make payments to the IRS throughout the year. That cost comes out of my pocket, out of my mystery shopping. So, new shoppers, if you earn $8,000 in 2015, don't forget to figure in taxes. How each shopper deducts costs and etc, is his/her own concern. Just saying you should figure out what you "might" owe the IRS and make payments throughout the year, as necessary .
but here goes)
1. New shoppers don't likely take into account: gas, ink, time reporting, time executing, cost out of pocket to pay for the shop, the long wait to be reimbursed, so 2 months feels like forever for some...
f\Failed shops, sometimes you take a loss, if your shop is rejected. Everything you did for that shop feels like you wasted your time and money, all the effort you spent.
If you can get past this and watch your bank account grow (open an account specifically for mystery shopping) I saw $20 turn into $1,000 and there you see your efforts.
Another thing new shoppers should consider: Your taxes. Even if you write off everything, (to each his own on taxes) I for one, make payments to the IRS throughout the year. That cost comes out of my pocket, out of my mystery shopping. So, new shoppers, if you earn $8,000 in 2015, don't forget to figure in taxes. How each shopper deducts costs and etc, is his/her own concern. Just saying you should figure out what you "might" owe the IRS and make payments throughout the year, as necessary .
Tsk Tsk, not nice. I am just voicing my opinion, not judging others. I am sorry if I came off that way.
If you've already decided this isn't worth it, why are you here? Obviously the rest of us feel it's worth it or we wouldn't be doing it.
It pays what it pays. It takes time to develop relationships with schedulers and prove your reliability. You have to pay your dues with the cheap shops before anyone will trust you with the good stuff.
It pays what it pays. It takes time to develop relationships with schedulers and prove your reliability. You have to pay your dues with the cheap shops before anyone will trust you with the good stuff.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
@bboon6847 wrote:
Tsk Tsk, not nice. I am just voicing my opinion, not judging others. I am sorry if I came off that way.
I was honestly trying to give you good advice, no harm intended.
When I first started out, I would read the forum but I never guessed the up-front costs. I told my close friend that I had no idea how much I would have to spend and I wondered if I would be able to stay with mystery shopping? Eventually it all came together.
The best most important advice I can give is: Have a bankroll. A starting point with cash. The old saying, "It takes money, to make money" seems to hold true for me.
It can be difficult to make any real money in this business when you first start out. In time, you may do better. I had an easy day today and made a good bit of money. No complaints here.
Careful, careful!
Oft times when one speaks their mind, umbrage can be taken by others as they may view your opinion as an attack upon their livelihood; others shall view your opinion objectively and understandably.
You have seen a mild amount of both.
Also, be aware that the 'respect' police are active here. If your skin is thick enough, just smile and nod and move on.
My opinion is, you are searching for reasons to continue. There must be something that attracts you to the work, therefore IMO, you need to work from that stance. The valuable advice given to you here is the other shoppers's voices of experience. I've felt the same way when starting off. It does become easier as you realise ways to make your shopping streamlined and profitable.
Read other strings upon this forum and learn. That is all I can say.
Cheers!
Cold, damp and rainy here, cat happily sipping tuna juice, whilst dog awaiting her turn.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2015 12:35PM by Tatjana.
Oft times when one speaks their mind, umbrage can be taken by others as they may view your opinion as an attack upon their livelihood; others shall view your opinion objectively and understandably.
You have seen a mild amount of both.
Also, be aware that the 'respect' police are active here. If your skin is thick enough, just smile and nod and move on.
My opinion is, you are searching for reasons to continue. There must be something that attracts you to the work, therefore IMO, you need to work from that stance. The valuable advice given to you here is the other shoppers's voices of experience. I've felt the same way when starting off. It does become easier as you realise ways to make your shopping streamlined and profitable.
Read other strings upon this forum and learn. That is all I can say.
Cheers!
Cold, damp and rainy here, cat happily sipping tuna juice, whilst dog awaiting her turn.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2015 12:35PM by Tatjana.
Just because the top 10 companies have a ton of shoppers signed up with them and/or garner a lot of posts certainly does not mean that what they offer to new shoppers will result in "good money." First, new shoppers may only be seeing the lower paid shops. Second, some of those companies have so many shoppers that only the top 1 percent may ever see what higher paying shops they do have, if any. Third, almost none of them have really high paying shops on a consistant basis. Fourth, all of the above are why seasoned shoppers are signed up with and routinely monitor the shop offerings of 100-150+ MSCs. No one maintained that the top 10 are "the best," although some of the best MSCs in terms of working relationships and reliability are on the list. Having a huge ff client where each location is shoppped multiple times per month will get an MSC onto that list; doing their unbonused ff shops will not make a shopper much money.
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.
x
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/29/2015 11:14PM by MDavisnowell.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/29/2015 11:14PM by MDavisnowell.
I found out that a friend was doing this. I had always been curious but feared scams. She assured me that it was legit. I discovered MSPA and all of the legit companies registered with them. I did start out doing a lot of low shop fee jobs. I thought it was a numbers game until I made a spread sheet to track what I was spending versus what I was being paid. That's when I stopped driving 40 miles roundtrip for a $5 fee! Now, my numbers look pretty good and when I have one of those days where I feel like I'm sick of it all, I look at my shop account and I'm suddenly surfing for shops! And, it's not just the fees. As others have mentioned, we get groceries, gas, oil changes, movies, food for free. I like free stuff!
I don't make very much, I've been a pretty casual mystery shopper.
Even if I only make $130 a month, that helps curb my gas or grocery budget. Plus, in many cases, you are getting your food or etc reimbursed... so that is a slight added savings.
Many, many companies require expense reimbursement. So I don't think it is unnatural to have to wait a month or so to start seeing the benefits of shopping. This is a very normal part of many occupations.
But if it isn't worth it to you, then it seems you may be wasting more of your time by posting your frustrations here. Sorry it hasn't worked out for you.
Even if I only make $130 a month, that helps curb my gas or grocery budget. Plus, in many cases, you are getting your food or etc reimbursed... so that is a slight added savings.
Many, many companies require expense reimbursement. So I don't think it is unnatural to have to wait a month or so to start seeing the benefits of shopping. This is a very normal part of many occupations.
But if it isn't worth it to you, then it seems you may be wasting more of your time by posting your frustrations here. Sorry it hasn't worked out for you.
Don't misunderstand, I am not wealthy but I live OK and I do the mystery assignments because it gets me out of the house and introduces me to many new things. I am retired and hate to sit at home. I like working and with mystery and merchandizing jobs it fills my days. If I don't want to work I do not sign up for anything. My money has gone for family vacations and cruises that I take all my children and their families and I love every minute of it . THANK YOU MYSTERY COMPANIES, YOU HAVE MADE ME VERY HAPPY.
Good for you! I agree completely ctalbert!
I started mystery shopping in 2001. At the time the kids were in grade school, so it allowed me to have a little income and be here when they got on and off the bus. At first I did not make much money, but it was enough to allow me to have a little spending money so that I did not have to ask my husband for money to buy him and the kids presents for Christmas, birthdays, etc. As I did little shops at first that did not pay much, I eventually developed relationships with schedulers and credibility as a dependable shopper who could write good, if not great, reports. I signed up with as many companies as I possibly could, and occasionally I still find a few new ones and sign up with them. I started getting better shops that paid more money, and schedulers became willing to add bonuses to shops for me because they knew that they could count on me to do a good job and submit the shops on time. It's the same with most of the shoppers in here. We all had to start somewhere, and it wasn't on the top. I have days now, like many others, where I can go out and work for 3 or 4 hours and make $100 or more (I know that the video shoppers make a great deal more than that). Best of luck if you decide to stick with it, you may find that it is your cup of tea after all.
it truly isn't for everybody....I have cut wayyyyyyyyyy back this year, kind of miss the checks but do enjoy my free time. I'm very selective now and hope I can keep it this way!
I shopped for 10 years. In 10 years I have seen the pay reduced while shops are asking more less. It was fun for a while but I am totally burnout. I only shop every few months just to have something to do.
What are you doing now? Where do you live?
At times I feel the same way. Is it really worth it? First of all, I would like to point out, in case you did not know, that the rate we get paid differs from most states to the state of Nevada. I started as a shopper in Ohio and when winter hit I moved to our winter condo in Las Vegas. I signed up here to do shops. Shops that paid me $6 in Ohio paid me $12 in Las Vegas. Plus there are so many more shops to do.
My wife & I are retired and we do this for the fun of it and not for the money but the money is just a bonus. Together we earn about $1600 a month. I do not know how that compares to others.
Anyone who complains about the it not being worth it - is doing it for the wrong reason! They need to find another source of income. You will not get rich doing this but we find it to be fun and we have gotten to see alot of Las Vegas, eaten at the best restaurants, seen shows, gotten free groceries, free merchandise and so much more that we would not have done or gotten.
Since we drove from Ohio to Nevada, we will shortly return home. My project for the drive home is going to be "How Many Shops & How Much Can You Make Mystery Shopping Across the USA" ummmm maybe I should write a book!
My wife & I are retired and we do this for the fun of it and not for the money but the money is just a bonus. Together we earn about $1600 a month. I do not know how that compares to others.
Anyone who complains about the it not being worth it - is doing it for the wrong reason! They need to find another source of income. You will not get rich doing this but we find it to be fun and we have gotten to see alot of Las Vegas, eaten at the best restaurants, seen shows, gotten free groceries, free merchandise and so much more that we would not have done or gotten.
Since we drove from Ohio to Nevada, we will shortly return home. My project for the drive home is going to be "How Many Shops & How Much Can You Make Mystery Shopping Across the USA" ummmm maybe I should write a book!
I try to organize my personal trips in with a few shops here and there. That almost makes regular shopping fun.
I'm struggling to understand the point of this post. Even that took time. Are there companies that pay for someone to post on this forum?
I decide. Will taking a shop be better than I was going to do at the time. Sit and watch TV or get lunch paid g
For and a few $. I will do that. Drive 40 miles for $5, no. Fees have reduced from when I started doing this in 2007. Won't get rich, but shopping has been a big help to me and my family the last several years. Now, mostly for fun and lunch money. A few years bsck, was a big part of my family income. Now replaced with more steady and higher pay. I have done in several states, and got to see places otherwise never would have gone.
For and a few $. I will do that. Drive 40 miles for $5, no. Fees have reduced from when I started doing this in 2007. Won't get rich, but shopping has been a big help to me and my family the last several years. Now, mostly for fun and lunch money. A few years bsck, was a big part of my family income. Now replaced with more steady and higher pay. I have done in several states, and got to see places otherwise never would have gone.
Truth be told I have just started to take some low to just reimbursement food shops that require lots of timing and many or long naritives. Not for the food or money but for practice, practice, practice. The 5 star hotels, restaurants, cruises, and casinos require exeptional skill at timing and naritives. I won't get there if I keep to easy shops. One of the best restaurants in my state had a shop open. The reimbursement more than covered a romantic dinner for 2. The timing was complex, plus the naritives. I don't have that skill level yet. But I will and if it takes some low paying jobs so be it. I can find 3 in a day all close together so I have no out of pocket expenses. I saw an ad once for mystery shopping. It talked about having fun, making a difference with my input, having a meal on them, and a little extra pocket money. It did not say anything about making a living. IMO a 9-5 job would be much easer than this. Those that do make a living at this have a skill level I hope one day to achieve.
reenelc, I don't understand what you mean. Who do you think is getting paid to post? How would it benefit an MSC for the OP to post about how they don't think this is worth it?
tobiz, I always heard that in Nevada you have to have a PI license to do shops. Is this not the case after all or is that something thathas changed?
tobiz, I always heard that in Nevada you have to have a PI license to do shops. Is this not the case after all or is that something thathas changed?
In Nevada shoppers do NOT have to be licensed as a PI; they do need to wotk as employees (not ICs) for one of the 4-5 licensed PI firms that do all of the MS in Nevada. Other MSCs wanting to do business in Nevada subcontract their shops to those Nevada firms. The shoppers do need a permit issued by the sherrif's dept to work for the PI agencies in NV. For more details, do a search on "Nevada" for "all dates."
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.
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