'worst mystery shopping company award': what are the worst three mystery shopping companies that you have ever worked for? and why?

In my case, it wouldn't necessarily help anyone out or I'd be happy to share. Believe it or not (knock on wood) I have never been stiffed by any company. I have occasionally had a payment issue, missed bonus or the like, but it has always been cleared up. There are literally 2 companies I've deactivated myself from in 7 years. One I never even worked for and found them to be just too cheap and aggravating since they would waste my cell phone minutes with an automated call telling me there were jobs in my area and I would log in to find the same old crap that had been there days before. The other was a personality conflict between myself and the owner. No reason to bash them, stuff happens.

That said, when someone asks about a particular company I am more than willing to chime in and offer an opinion. I just don't really have a company that I would nominate for this award. There are good and bad things about most of them.

1980dory Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> LisaSTL Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What's up with that is I actually can't think
> of
> > any right now and any which I felt were not
> worth
> > working with have been deleted from my list and
> > relegated to an "inactive" folder in my e-mail.
> > While my resolution was a joke, I don't see any
> > reason to dredge up the past when looking
> forward
> > to a new year:
>
>
> I think that dredging up the past would be a great
> help to everyone else, particularly us newer
> shoppers. I prefer to not get burned if anyone
> can share their negative experiences.

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.

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ok so here is mt theory on payment and ms .... get me once shame on u get me twice shame on me. bottom line.... do one job for a new company u are "tring out" if they pay and u like the shops u are seeing then keep them on your list. if they cheat u stomp the dust off your feet and move on.(stepping off my soap box now)

new to the game in south carolina and still learning
Dang, you've already learned one of the most important lessons. And quite well I might addwinking smiley

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.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/2012 02:23AM by LisaSTL.
I won't name the companies that are no longer in existance. Currently, Intellishop is troublesome due to their unreasonably long surveys, low pay and unreasonable edits. I have not worked for them in a very long while. Hilli Dunlap (or whatever they are calling themselves now) is out of the question due to payment issues. I have not accepted any offers from Ritter for quite some time due to low pay and some difficult requirements regarding using a different name & address for each and every storage assignment and having to keep track of them all. Good tip on Franchise Compliance. Thank you!
I have only deactivated myself from two companies StN and Intelli-shops. Now I am sorry I did because I burned a couple of bridges. I figure, if I leave myself active I can always change my mind. Having said that, for the time being, I am not doing any shops for GfK. I can't get a response from them re: payment of a bonus. They keep asking for "proof" they promised me a bonus; I keep sending them the email; they keep ignoring me. I am also staying away shops that pay little to nothing. Trend Source and MF come to mind.
...and here to accept the award in absentia...

Sabrina Boone, Nimble Support Systems!! Hall of Fame! (aka Pirate Queen!)

If you follow my posts, you'll see why!!
I haven't had any problems with intellishop. So far I can scan through their reports in a couple of seconds and their shops are easy. Franchise Compliance is another issue. I like the statement/comment made by lucky423619...........and I agree. If I allow them to scam me on a payment a second time, it's my fault. I learned my lesson from this company and I have stated it in this forum. So anyone who decides to perform a job for them is risking it.
Shop2LiveinFL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Vince - There is a whole thread dedicated to Hilli
> Dunlap (HDE) if you search under the mystery
> shopping companies topic.

okay, thanks. smiling smiley
The worst company is Franchise Compliance, I did a job in July and have been fighting with them to get paid. Even have an email that said that I did an excellent job on the assignment and now can't get them to answer my emails. Shopper beware.

I just pulled up the site and it looks like the site is down????

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2012 12:07PM by shopaholic127@aol.com.
The Franchise compliance site is not down. And they continue to send out emails requesting shoppers and shoppers to perform assignments. I guess they must be luring in the prey similar to spiders. They are casting out the webs.
Franchise Compliance is the only MSC to stiff me in my almost 9 yrs. in the business. I was deactivated by BestMark for refusing to accept their low pay/high work shops and Market Force for an unknown reason. In addition, I've requested deactivation from 6 MSCs and have never regretted those actions, each of which was diligently considered before I decided it was in my best interest.
I emailed Franchise Compliance again today and told them that I was thinking of contacting Bath Filter's home office and inform them that their mystery shopping company was not paying their shoppers. I got a threatening letter that I would be deactivated from their shopping site if I did that and wouldn't get paid......that made me laugh out loud since I hadn't been paid on the July shop and plan to never ever do another shop with them anyway.
Two suggestions. Remove the client name from the post since it is a violation of the posting guidelines and your IC agreement. Even if you are not worried about your relationship with FC (and you certainly shouldn't be) there is no reason to damage your own reputation with other companies. And, on that note, you may want to stop using your e-mail address since this is a public forum and at best you are opening up yourself to a lot more spam and it will most assuredly include scams.

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.
shopaholic127@aol.com Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I emailed Franchise Compliance again today and
> told them that I was thinking of contacting Bath
> Filter's home office and inform them that their
> mystery shopping company was not paying their
> shoppers. I got a threatening letter that I would
> be deactivated from their shopping site if I did
> that and wouldn't get paid......that made me laugh
> out loud since I hadn't been paid on the July shop
> and plan to never ever do another shop with them
> anyway.

It is amazing how such a non paying company can reply to your complaint but can't find the time to pay shoppers. The BF in my area must have found out the hard way b/c they don't used FC anymore.

Write BF an anonymous letter.

Send your complaint along with FCs response to the BBB of Utah (FC's home state.).
Franchise Compliance are crooks. I did not receive payment until I contacted the BBB. One excuse after another. Then the check was dated 2 months prior.
I hope the check wasn't one that expired 30 days from the date of issue:O

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 had a feeling that LisaSTL would be all over this. And I am in total agreement. But I think the client name was spelled wrong any way so I am not sure if it matters.

We have to remember that schedulers and even some owners of MSCs are on this board and they can read all the posts. Even if you don't care about one company, you don't want to burn bridges with other companies.

And AOL is the worst for SPAM and hackers breaking into your account.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
LOL! I have to change my MO if I've become that predictablesmiling smiley

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 think I am also been shafted by Franchise Compliance.Does anyone have a telephone number for them? I do not see one on their website.
Really only one person replied on Restaurant Evaluators, Inc.
President Karen Call.... She had high end clients and long reports for restaurant shops dinner, drinks and valet easy to spend over $150.00 a shop. Stopped paying this year, did four shops a month out a lot of cash with many others. Stay clear and save your files.
Wow! This is one of the most helpful threads that I have followed in quite some time. I am so grateful for the heads up on Franchise Compliance. Thanks all!
a recent email from franchise compliance, asking me to spend $225.00 out of pocket for a $15.00 fee:



----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------

$225 Reimbursement for Your Carpet Cleaning !! : Carpet Cleaning (Due : 02-16-12)


From: "rsilvestri@franchisecompliance.com" <rsilvestri@franchisecompliance.com>
To: xxxx
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 7:56 PM
Subject: $225 Reimbursement for Your Carpet Cleaning !! : Carpet Cleaning (Due : 02-16-12)



Because you have previously registered on the Franchise Compliance Inc system, you are receiving this automated posting of mystery shops. Receipt of this email does not indicate that you have been assigned any shops. You MUST apply for these shops AND receive an acceptance email BEFORE performing any shops.

Please do NOT reply to this message directly.

TO APPLY FOR A SHOP: Find your state/region/country among the "Available Shops" and click on its link.

TO STOP RECEIVING SHOP OFFERS from Franchise Compliance Inc:
Please login at [www.sassieshop.com] and:

-Deactivate your account
or
-Check this box: "I do not wish to receive mystery shopping offers by email" (to stop emails, but keep account active)

COMMENTS: ** YOU MUST LIVE IN NORTHERN xxxx xxxx xxxx TO APPLY FOR THIS SHOP**

We are looking for shoppers who would like to have their carpets cleaned free of charge! Shoppers will be required to reveal themselves on this shop; however, we have been doing this program for almost 10 years and the franchises are very used to this program and are kind and helpful to the shoppers. You will be required to complete the survey online, take photos of the van and the equipment the technician uses (digital camera is preferred) and get a sample of the solution. A shopper package will be mailed to you. You will be reimbursed up to $225 for cleaning and expenses related to this shop. Do NOT apply unless you intend to complete this shop – these are time restricted shops!!

If you are interested in this shop, please apply online!

Thanks!

Julie
Franchise Compliance, Inc.
jbishop@franchisecompliance.com

No restrictions on this shop.

___________________________

Business Type/Name: Carpet Cleaning
Due Date : 02-16-12

Available Shops:
* xxxx: xxxx->
[www.sassieshop.com]

------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't do it Vince. You will never get paid the fee or the reimbursement. If you see the number of people who have not gotten paid by this company, then you are only asking for trouble if you believe thie email and their promise to pay...........................


vince Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> a recent email from franchise compliance, asking
> me to spend $225.00 out of pocket for a $15.00
> fee:
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> --------------------
> --------------------------------------------------
> --------------------
> --------------------------------------------------
> --------------------
> --------------------------------------------------
> --------------------
>
> $225 Reimbursement for Your Carpet Cleaning !! :
> Carpet Cleaning (Due : 02-16-12)
>
>
> From: "rsilvestri@franchisecompliance.com"
> To: xxxx
> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 7:56 PM
> Subject: $225 Reimbursement for Your Carpet
> Cleaning !! : Carpet Cleaning (Due : 02-16-12)
>
>
>
> Because you have previously registered on the
> Franchise Compliance Inc system, you are receiving
> this automated posting of mystery shops. Receipt
> of this email does not indicate that you have been
> assigned any shops. You MUST apply for these shops
> AND receive an acceptance email BEFORE performing
> any shops.
>
> Please do NOT reply to this message directly.
>
> TO APPLY FOR A SHOP: Find your
> state/region/country among the "Available Shops"
> and click on its link.
>
> TO STOP RECEIVING SHOP OFFERS from Franchise
> Compliance Inc:
> Please login at
> [www.sassieshop.com]
> ppers/LoginShopper.php and:
>
> -Deactivate your account
> or
> -Check this box: "I do not wish to receive mystery
> shopping offers by email" (to stop emails, but
> keep account active)
>
> COMMENTS: ** YOU MUST LIVE IN NORTHERN xxxx xxxx
> xxxx TO APPLY FOR THIS SHOP**
>
> We are looking for shoppers who would like to have
> their carpets cleaned free of charge! Shoppers
> will be required to reveal themselves on this
> shop; however, we have been doing this program for
> almost 10 years and the franchises are very used
> to this program and are kind and helpful to the
> shoppers. You will be required to complete the
> survey online, take photos of the van and the
> equipment the technician uses (digital camera is
> preferred) and get a sample of the solution. A
> shopper package will be mailed to you. You will
> be reimbursed up to $225 for cleaning and expenses
> related to this shop. Do NOT apply unless you
> intend to complete this shop – these are time
> restricted shops!!
>
> If you are interested in this shop, please apply
> online!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Julie
> Franchise Compliance, Inc.
> jbishop@franchisecompliance.com
>
> No restrictions on this shop.
>
> ___________________________
>
> Business Type/Name: Carpet Cleaning
> Due Date : 02-16-12
>
> Available Shops:
> * xxxx: xxxx->
> [www.sassieshop.com]
> =15581&ST=15
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> ----------------
> --------------------------------------------------
> ----------------
> --------------------------------------------------
> ----------------
> --------------------------------------------------
> ----------------
destiny1234 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Don't do it Vince. You will never get paid the fee
> or the reimbursement. If you see the number of
> people who have not gotten paid by this company,
> then you are only asking for trouble if you
> believe thie email and their promise to
> pay...........................
>

shucks, i was going to spend all of my christmas money for franchise compliance. (just kidding, lolol, they tried to burn me before.)
BEWARE of this SCAM.

After several e-mails to the scheduler "Julie Bishop" for payment of $125 for a shop completed in late Sept., I phone the local franchisor and got the phone number of their Corporate Office/California Division. The phone number is 1-800-chemdry ext 1106. I left a message today at this extension.

Chem-Dry is owned by Harris Research and there are a number of complaints on www.ripoffcomplaints.com stemming from as far back as 2000.

A response was written by one Keith Gerson (Keith@chemdry.com) I will do a follow -up e-mail to this Keith. I encourage any person with a complaint about this business do the same.

Check out: www.ripoffreport.com



I fully intend to submit a claim to Small Claims Court. The Better Business Bureau in UT has numerous complaints, also.

Lainerz
10 Year Veteran Shopper
Lainerz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BEWARE of this SCAM.
>
> After several e-mails to the scheduler "Julie
> Bishop" for payment of $125 for a shop completed
> in late Sept., I phone the local franchisor and
> got the phone number of their Corporate
> Office/California Division. The phone number is
> 1-800-chemdry ext 1106. I left a message today at
> this extension.
>
> Chem-Dry is owned by Harris Research and there are
> a number of complaints on www.ripoffcomplaints.com
> stemming from as far back as 2000.
>
> A response was written by one Keith Gerson
> (Keith@chemdry.com) I will do a follow -up e-mail
> to this Keith. I encourage any person with a
> complaint about this business do the same.
>
> Check out: www.ripoffreport.com
>
>
>
> I fully intend to submit a claim to Small Claims
> Court. The Better Business Bureau in UT has
> numerous complaints, also.

i wrote the following email to julie bishop, threatening her with legal action last summer, and i got paid within a few days for a $20 job:

"Julie Bishop -

Please be aware that I am initiating legal confrontation with your -------- client to receive direct payment for this shop. This is due to the negligence of Franchise Compliance to pay the fee for the shop in a timely manner. The 'payment pending' status is now 3 1/2 months delayed, and your accounting department has not been responsive to my requests. As a representative of Franchise Compliance, you are being directly accused in a court of law regarding your accounting department's inaccessibility in the context of your corporate affiliation. Franchise Compliance will be summoned into a court of law with it's Bathfitter client in the context of misrepresentation of payment for services. Several mystery shoppers who have also been employed by your corporation are also involved in this legal confrontation against your Bathfitter client, and their written testimonies are currently being gathered for identical non-payment occurences.

Regards,
- ---- ----"

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2012 11:19PM by vince.
More Info on Franchise Compliance.

The phone number for CHEM-DRY Corporate office is: 435-755-0099. The person is Camille.

Camille returned my call and left a message stating 'I should call Franchise Compliance' (HA). I left another message for her requesting their phone number.

Lainerz
10 Year Veteran Shopper
I just received an offer for the carpet cleaning assignment and swiftly blocked the sender so I would not forget these posts 6 months down the line and accept an assignment from FC. When I was a new shopper, I was burned twice when I did not heed experienced shopper's warnings because things were going well with companies that were going bad. I will not make those mistakes again. Hope springs eternal but if it quacks like a duck, it is a duck.
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