EPMS refuses to pay
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I will no longer do targeted shops for EPMS. I made 17 calls, all of which they insisted I meticulously document with exact names, dates and times, only to learn that the target no longer worked for the company. I received no pay even though this was caused by their faulty information.
EPMS recently paid me $5 after I made several phone calls and discovered that the target no longer works there. (This was the shop I was attempting to do so they could pay me easier for the shop I was originally refused pay on.)
Overall, after my bad experience I believe they have attempted to make things right. I do hope they treat their other shoppers the same way I have been treated post-complaint. They need to inform their clients that a fee will be charged if the client fails to inform them the target has quit. they can then pass on the fee to us, and whomever else has put work into the shop. And maybe the clients won't be so lazy anymore.
Overall, after my bad experience I believe they have attempted to make things right. I do hope they treat their other shoppers the same way I have been treated post-complaint. They need to inform their clients that a fee will be charged if the client fails to inform them the target has quit. they can then pass on the fee to us, and whomever else has put work into the shop. And maybe the clients won't be so lazy anymore.
I'm glad the OP's issue was resolved to her satisfaction, however, it seems there are a LOT of video shoppers who have had their share of problems with this MSC.
I have only two words for EPMS: "Bye Felicia!" (I'm sure some of you have a different two words.)
There are two types of people in this world: Those who can extrapolate from incomplete data.
I have only two words for EPMS: "Bye Felicia!" (I'm sure some of you have a different two words.)
I would never do a video shop, that's all I can say 
Higher pay, easier reports doesn't work for you?
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.
@LisaSTL wrote:
Higher pay, easier reports doesn't work for you?
It would work for me if I weren't positive I'd screw them up....
I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
This is one MSC I have shopped for over 16 years. Close to 800 shops. I don't think I've ever had a problem with payment, in fact, when I've made a call 15 times etc. I've gotten the $5.00 for attempts. If they are not recorded I open Word and just keep a log of dates, types and who answered the phone. (For the recorded ones I always keep a backup of the call.) I know that is not a ton of money, but I'm just sitting making calls, I'm not out running around in 115 degrees. I've done about 5 videos for them and I have to say they are not always the best quality on my part - but I've always gotten paid. About 4 months ago I had a problem with arriving and the target telling me to come back later, I called EPMS and told them what happened, was told to go home and submit the report. About a week later they emailed to ask for clarification of why I left and I explained it, word for word, and was paid. Maybe people aren't calling the right phone number but I always get a person unless its after hours. The reports are tedious but if you've done them long enough its ok.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2016 12:27AM by doscuppy2000.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2016 12:27AM by doscuppy2000.
So I've completed 3 shops for EPMS this month but none of them have been reviewed yet. Has anyone been docked? Do they typically pay you your complete shopping fee or do they easily dock your pay?
I'm only nervous because I'd like to know what I can improve on and such but they haven't reviewed two of the three reports (I just submitted #3 today). I feel super nervous about it all.
I'm only nervous because I'd like to know what I can improve on and such but they haven't reviewed two of the three reports (I just submitted #3 today). I feel super nervous about it all.
I have been shopping for EPMS for a number of years. I have done over 100 shops for them. I have had one shop not paid and it was a video which I screwed up. I like the fact that you know when you will be paid without question. If the shop is submitted by the 7th of the month, the money is in your bank on the 22nd. I hate EPMS's reports, but other than that, they have been great to work with.
higher pay-easier reports ? please elaborate.
You have done video shops so you know they pay more and tend to have easier reports. What do I need to elaborate on?
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.
MegMeg, you are worrying before there is anything to worry about. DO you report completely, file it on time, attach your business card/floor plan, and that should be it. Do your shops show 100% or are they still at 96%? If they are 100%, then you can go in under "I want to check on a payment." The shop will show as either Completed or RECEIVED. If they are in Received, it means they are still being reviewed. Usually that changes over to Completed within a week or so. Once they are in Completed status, the right side will show PENDING or it will show a date that it was cleared for payment. Pending just means that it will pay in the next pay cycle. Hope this helps you!
Pay more for a video shop with them ? More like additional work with little compensation. They're offering video shops for 50.00, which require both a written & video. No thank you very much.
In my area base rate for written is $35, base for video is $60 so automatically $25 more. Granted, I don't take their written shops at the base rate, preferring to wait until they hit $50. If you want to get technical you could say I'm only making $10 more for the whole five minutes it takes to transfer, label and start uploading the video. On the other hand, my narratives are less than half what they would be for a non-video shop. My shops with them average 90 minutes including pre-visit phone call, on site and report.
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.
as long as you are happy with the assignment and compensation, that's all that matters. I would never perform a full written & video shop for 60.00 and under.
Yup. I'm perfectly content with the $40 to $60 an hour I make from those local shops.
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.
I would love to know how you manage to make 40-60/hour on an EPMS video shop, unless it's a bonused shop. They are offered up at 50.00 around me, and it requires both a video and full written report, so according to my math, by the time the call, travel, on site video performed, return travel, and finally, the input of both the report & video PLUS follow-up are completed, unless there is a handsome bonus attached, significantly less than 40-60/hour.
First, I already mentioned they start at $60 here and they do bonus. Reports only take me less than 45 for video, 45 for written only. On site averages 20 to 25 minutes. Phone calls are nothing. Unsuccessful calls take less than a minute. Follow up is ridiculously fast, taking about three minutes. Travel tends to be irrelevant as I go almost nowhere without multiple shops or personal errands. Keep in mind, I've been mystery shopping for eight years, video shopping for six. That includes multiple routes of thousands of miles and dozens of shops.
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.
So I am worried about this exact thing. I called and spoke to my target on the phone, I made an appointment (per shop instructions, since she asked me if I wanted to) and I arrived at my appointment on time. I was then told she was at lunch and that this other agent would show me around. The instructions said that I MUST complete the shop with my target and the person I spoke to on phone, so I said I wouldn't mind waiting. I was told she wouldn't be returning soon. I said that I was really looking forward to meeting her and she was recommended to me... blah blah blah... I was still told that this other gal was going to give me a tour instead. I didn't know how else to insist otherwise, so I went. I came home and emailed EPMS, they told me to submit the shop with explanation. All my other shops have been accepted except this one. I wouldn't be frustrated, except I emailed them to ask if I should still turn it in, as I didn't want to waste nearly an hour on the report (no, I didn't say that part in the email), and they said that I should submit and explain what happened. Hoping it is accepted. I really don't know what else I could have done. And it was a recorded phone call, so anyone can listen in and tell that I made an appointment with the correct person. What else was I to do?
Also, I am pleased to say at least one of my shops is under "completed" and all of the others (except the one above) have a check status date list... which seems like a good sign. So I guess I did worry for nothing. They are just such long reports and it's nerve-wracking to keep completing the shops without knowing if I am doing them correctly. lol
I've never had a shop rejected and I've had to take tours with the "wrong" person on a few occasions. Especially, when the shop is recorded, you have clear proof that you made the appointment with the target, asked for the target when you arrived and offered to wait. EPMS knows that there is nothing more than you can do aside from storm out, which would make you too memorable. I recently had a non-recorded shop accepted when my target went home sick. Is it possible that EPMS contacted the client to verify that this is true? Sure. However, I am always truthful, admit the mistakes I do make and have never had a problem.
Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
If you can find out who the client is, (is should the management company listed on your shopper instructions form), I would contact them directly. Let them know the situation, and try and find out if they really refused to pay Ellis. Right now, all you have to go on is Ellis's word. Get the facts documented, who you spoke with, when, and all pertinent details. Present your results to Ellis, in writing, copying your information to the Mystery Shopper's Association, Mystery Shoppers Newsletter, and if you live close to Ellis corporate in Texas, to the press (editor) in that area. The Board of Consumer Affairs, or the office of your local state representative may also be helpful. If you're going the political route, DO IT NOW, before the election, especially if your congressman/woman if up for re-election.
I bet you get your check.
I bet you get your check.
Like Lisa, I don't understand how some seem to think that video shops are a lot more work. Her estimate of 5 minutes to transfer, name and start an upload of video is generous IMHO. Many of the written reports (but not all) that accompany their video shops are much shorter than for non-video. (And, with many MSCs/clients, the written report all but disappears for video shops!) With video there is never any question about whether or not I did the shop correctly; I did, or I didn't and it's all available for everyone to see. Some shoppers may not be comfortable with that, but I prefer to have video to prove that what I report is actually what happened! As a bonus, when the shop on site is only 10 minutes, the video is there to stop all questions about why that happened. Since those are almost all very negative reports, it's so nice to have irrefutable evidence when/if a target disputes the report. Finally, I can make the required phone calls on "down time" (coffee break, anyone?) between other shops and hardly consider that time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/2016 12:44PM by walesmaven.
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.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/27/2016 12:44PM by walesmaven.
@hattendo wrote:
If you can find out who the client is, (is should the management company listed on your shopper instructions form), I would contact them directly. Let them know the situation, and try and find out if they really refused to pay Ellis.
BAD advice. Please do not encourage others to break their ICAs with the companies for whom they work. I don't think I have ever seen an ICA that does not specifically prohibit contacting the client.
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