I'm a believer in the free market but are we selling our services way too low?
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Angie - Wonderful post and frankly that should end the discussion right there. Every now and them people come up with this brilliant new idea to get everyone to stop taking low paying jobs so they have to increase the pay right? Wrong! For that to even work it would mean the MSCs would have to increase what they pay us which would take from what they are making which means ultimately they would have to ask for more money from the client just so they can be profitable and what do you think the client is going to tell them? Probably tell them to take a long walk and they will just start adding an online customer survey to their receipts and offer a free cookie.
Triple Platinum Certified - Shopping South Central Kansas
ISpyForYou Wrote:
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> I have never printed out paperwork (except for two
> companies that make you scan a form as your
> receipt - and even then I just print that page
> alone). I just email the info to myself so I can
> access it anywhere, usually through my smartphone.
> I can't even imagine how much ink and paper would
> cost to print out all of those forms!
There are ways around that, such as printing more than one page per sheet, getting rid of the unnecessary blah blah blah on the blank report (Shometrics does that for you in the print screen), and lowering the quality of the print on your printer. I have a large stash of paper that has printing on one side I recycle. I use that when I print up reports. Got it for free from the college I went to because every time someone prints something at school, it gave a cover sheet with the person's name on it. Most people threw theirs out. I kept mine as well as anything I didn't want or need. All I pay for is a little ink.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have never printed out paperwork (except for two
> companies that make you scan a form as your
> receipt - and even then I just print that page
> alone). I just email the info to myself so I can
> access it anywhere, usually through my smartphone.
> I can't even imagine how much ink and paper would
> cost to print out all of those forms!
There are ways around that, such as printing more than one page per sheet, getting rid of the unnecessary blah blah blah on the blank report (Shometrics does that for you in the print screen), and lowering the quality of the print on your printer. I have a large stash of paper that has printing on one side I recycle. I use that when I print up reports. Got it for free from the college I went to because every time someone prints something at school, it gave a cover sheet with the person's name on it. Most people threw theirs out. I kept mine as well as anything I didn't want or need. All I pay for is a little ink.
Wow, I am impressed that so many of you won't accept jobs that are less than $15 $20 or higher! Please, do tell me where you are finding so many of those to add to your list! I mean, enough to fill up all of your time! Because, I see the average - average shops that come across as maybe $10. Or, the ones that pay $45 and ask you to lay out over $500 on a purchase/return - are those the kind that you all are doing?
The other consideration is that those low paying jobs are quick and easy! Perfect for someone getting in to the biz. Or, to fill up time and space if along a route. It's a time/value of money thing for me.
I had an impressively paying shop a few years back, you would be impressed, and I couldn't pass the number. However, it took WEEKS AND WEEKS full time because it was so extremely involved and detailed. Afterwards I was like, "never again".
So, when life is going on around me and I don't have much time to spare, I'm kinda happy with the lower paying quickies. When I do have time, I'll do the better ones and spend more time on them.
To each his own. We all do this for different reasons! And, I am indebted to this board for renewing my interest!! Thank you all!
(I'm one of those "suckers" who bought in to the Ikea shop when first starting all because of that forty five dollar fee they were offering! It nearly shut me down for good!)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/25/2012 10:27PM by Chix.
The other consideration is that those low paying jobs are quick and easy! Perfect for someone getting in to the biz. Or, to fill up time and space if along a route. It's a time/value of money thing for me.
I had an impressively paying shop a few years back, you would be impressed, and I couldn't pass the number. However, it took WEEKS AND WEEKS full time because it was so extremely involved and detailed. Afterwards I was like, "never again".
So, when life is going on around me and I don't have much time to spare, I'm kinda happy with the lower paying quickies. When I do have time, I'll do the better ones and spend more time on them.
To each his own. We all do this for different reasons! And, I am indebted to this board for renewing my interest!! Thank you all!
(I'm one of those "suckers" who bought in to the Ikea shop when first starting all because of that forty five dollar fee they were offering! It nearly shut me down for good!)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/25/2012 10:27PM by Chix.
I made $27 last year according to my income tax return on doing mystery shopping and audits. Not to mention that my money was tied up most of the time waiting for re-imbursement or to get paid. Somebody is making out like a bandit on these deals, but it is not me and probably not most shoppers.
DMrvelous, if you only made $27 last year, then you should seriously reconsider how you're MSing or else you'll burn out in flames like you took a kerosene shower.
Chix, I will take low paying shops but it depends. Phone shops are one type. I do several types for ACE that pay $5 and most take a few minutes on the phone and 10 on a report.
I've also taken Subway shops that were $7 each. Those required that I note whether the Sub of the Month was displayed in the window and what the sub was. I literally didn't have to get out of my car for most of them and then only a few were in a mall. Plus, in a 5 mile stretch of road in my area, there are about 10 stores. Crazy! But I made several hundred in a few hours and the reports were four questions with one sentence for narrative. I'd do those ALL day long!
I'll also do shops that are related to what I need (e.g. need a new car) or the Yankee Candle shops just because I LOVE their products and the fee and reimbursement go towards my purchase. I can get a nice discount if there's a B1G1 sale, too.
And it's all tax deductible. Well, up to a point. I can't claim $70 in Yankee purchases when the requirement is for $5. But I can justify a little more than $5. 
I also did a zoo shop for a $45 bonus, I believe it was. Or $30? Whatever. I would've done it for the regular fee but it's with a company that requires you to update your user info every few months. Most people don't move every six months so I tend to ignore the notifications as I find them irritating. I also got deactivated because of it but back then, they had nothing in my area. So thankfully, an outside scheduler sent the email and I was all on that!
I'm also starting to see more bonsued shops in my area. Guess those who would take $5 jobs with a certain low-paying company finally got a clue.
Edited for typo because I'm OCD like that.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/29/2012 01:47AM by AlwaysAngie.
Chix, I will take low paying shops but it depends. Phone shops are one type. I do several types for ACE that pay $5 and most take a few minutes on the phone and 10 on a report.
I've also taken Subway shops that were $7 each. Those required that I note whether the Sub of the Month was displayed in the window and what the sub was. I literally didn't have to get out of my car for most of them and then only a few were in a mall. Plus, in a 5 mile stretch of road in my area, there are about 10 stores. Crazy! But I made several hundred in a few hours and the reports were four questions with one sentence for narrative. I'd do those ALL day long!
I'll also do shops that are related to what I need (e.g. need a new car) or the Yankee Candle shops just because I LOVE their products and the fee and reimbursement go towards my purchase. I can get a nice discount if there's a B1G1 sale, too.
And it's all tax deductible. Well, up to a point. I can't claim $70 in Yankee purchases when the requirement is for $5. But I can justify a little more than $5.
I also did a zoo shop for a $45 bonus, I believe it was. Or $30? Whatever. I would've done it for the regular fee but it's with a company that requires you to update your user info every few months. Most people don't move every six months so I tend to ignore the notifications as I find them irritating. I also got deactivated because of it but back then, they had nothing in my area. So thankfully, an outside scheduler sent the email and I was all on that!
I'm also starting to see more bonsued shops in my area. Guess those who would take $5 jobs with a certain low-paying company finally got a clue.
Edited for typo because I'm OCD like that.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/29/2012 01:47AM by AlwaysAngie.
With all the doom and gloom being passed around, I have to say that my income has steadily increased over the years and I'm NOT Gold Certified, don't do video shops and I rarely do fine dining or hotels. And I just love doing this. I started with a goal of $400 per month in fees. When that became easy, I set my goal to $1000 per month. When that became doable most months, I raised it to $1200 + per month. I've been meeting that goal with ease for this entire year. Plus that does not include remimbursements which add several more hundreds and of course, the tax deductions. So when I do a $7 shop or a $4 shop that's on my way somewhere (usually early in the month), it is adding up to my goal. My bread and butter companies are probably the one's most pooh hooed on this forum. There have been many a weeks when that direct deposit from Cori has helped my much needed cash flow. They are one of the companies that I make the most from. And, no I don't do their shops at the starting rate!! At month's end, I have been able to get several lucrative bonused shops. I'm not afraid to say NO to unreasonable offers and I'm not afraid to ask for decent compensation for distance and gas. I still don't consider that a lot of money, but it is a decent amount for work that I consider fun and certainly not brain surgery. I'm fortunate enough to have a professional part-time job that is my main source of income, but I don't think I will ever stop mystery shopping. I love it too much. What other job gives you flexibility, variety and random paychecks, DDs, and PayPal deposits throughout the month? Now I have to concentrate on drastically reducing my ink costs because I do print out way too much.
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The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..
Mark Twain
The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..
Mark Twain
What I am glad to see here is that shoppers seem to be considering their own value and getting close to putting a price on it.
As small business people, we have overhead and many of us have multiple years of experience, computer, observational and writing skills to be factored into our worth.
In our overhead, we must consider our transportation costs (gas, tolls, insurance, maintenance & repairs) our home office expenses (electric, computers/printers/scanners, office supplies (ink, paper, etc.) and equipment (cameras, cell or smart phone) Professional fees: certification, tax preparation and taxes. In addition, we sometimes have non-reimbursed expenses for proof of visit.
As an independent contractor or consultant, our time is all we have to 'sell.' We should be fairly compensated. Without knowing how much our overhead costs, we cannot add a reasonable amount to the value of our time.
To determine what one will accept in compensation, we should place a value on our time. Base this on what you want to earn and how many hours you reasonably expect to work. For example, if you want to earn (gross) $20,000 (50 weeks), you would need to ‘bill’ $100/day.
Figure out how many shops you can reasonably do during a week. Don't forget the time it takes to read through your emails, respond to schedulers, contract with new companies, and search job boards. Don't forget to include the time you spend reading and re-reading scenarios, guidelines and questionnaires prior to doing the shop. Also, don't forget to include the drive time to and from and the time it takes to enter the reports.
For argument sake, let's say that you can stay within 10 miles of your home and drive a total of less than 1 hour/day and that it will take you 2 hours/day to review emails, schedule shops for yourself, review guidelines, scenarios & questionnaires, print out questionnaires (if you do this). Theoretically you have 300 productive minutes left in an 8 hour day. For simplicity, let’s say it takes 1/2 hour per shop, plus 15 minutes to scan POV and enter the report. Divide 300 productive by 45 mins/shop and you should be able to do 6.66 shops. In order to make $100/day, the shop average for the day needs to be $15.00. We also need to factor in something to cover the overhead. (To be safe, figure another $15/day, so you would need to make an average of roughly $16.50/shop.)
There may be times when I choose to do a shop for lower compensation but it usually factors in reimbursement, such as for a meal or taking my pet to the vets for shots and an exam. Also, in my experience, sometimes it is worth doing multiple locations of the same shops at a lower per shop fee because it reduces the amount of preparation/report time required. In those cases, I tend to look at it as one project. $300 for a 2 day project I can do on the phone at home in my pjs sounds a LOT better than $6 reimbursement for 50 calls.
As an independent contractor or consultant, our time is our product. We should be fairly compensated. Without knowing how much our overhead costs, we cannot add a reasonable amount to the value of our time.
To determine what one will accept in compensation, we should place a value on our time. Base this on what you want to earn and how many hours you reasonably expect to work. For example, if you want to earn (gross) $20,000 and are willing to work 40 hrs/week (50 weeks), the value of your time would be $10/hr.
Figure out how many shops you can reasonably do during a week. Don't forget the time it takes to read through your emails, respond to schedulers, contract with new companies, search job boards. Don't forget to include the time you spend reading and re-reading scenario, guidelines and questionnaires prior to doing the shop. Don't forget to include the drive time to and from and the time it takes to enter the reports.
For argument sake, let's say that you can stay within 10 miles of your home and drive a total of less than 1 hour/day and that it will take you 2 hours/day to review emails, schedule shops for yourself, review guidelines, scenarios & guestionnaires, print out questionnaires (if you do this), and 1/2 hour to do the shop, plus 15 minutes to scan POV and enter the report. Theoretically you have 300 minutes left in an 8 hour day. Divide by 45 mins/shop and you should be able to do 6.66 shops. In order to make $100/day (which would give you $20K/yr), the shop average for the day needs to be $15.00. We also need to factor in something to cover the overhead.
As small business people, we have overhead and many of us have multiple years of experience, computer, observational and writing skills to be factored into our worth.
In our overhead, we must consider our transportation costs (gas, tolls, insurance, maintenance & repairs) our home office expenses (electric, computers/printers/scanners, office supplies (ink, paper, etc.) and equipment (cameras, cell or smart phone) Professional fees: certification, tax preparation and taxes. In addition, we sometimes have non-reimbursed expenses for proof of visit.
As an independent contractor or consultant, our time is all we have to 'sell.' We should be fairly compensated. Without knowing how much our overhead costs, we cannot add a reasonable amount to the value of our time.
To determine what one will accept in compensation, we should place a value on our time. Base this on what you want to earn and how many hours you reasonably expect to work. For example, if you want to earn (gross) $20,000 (50 weeks), you would need to ‘bill’ $100/day.
Figure out how many shops you can reasonably do during a week. Don't forget the time it takes to read through your emails, respond to schedulers, contract with new companies, and search job boards. Don't forget to include the time you spend reading and re-reading scenarios, guidelines and questionnaires prior to doing the shop. Also, don't forget to include the drive time to and from and the time it takes to enter the reports.
For argument sake, let's say that you can stay within 10 miles of your home and drive a total of less than 1 hour/day and that it will take you 2 hours/day to review emails, schedule shops for yourself, review guidelines, scenarios & questionnaires, print out questionnaires (if you do this). Theoretically you have 300 productive minutes left in an 8 hour day. For simplicity, let’s say it takes 1/2 hour per shop, plus 15 minutes to scan POV and enter the report. Divide 300 productive by 45 mins/shop and you should be able to do 6.66 shops. In order to make $100/day, the shop average for the day needs to be $15.00. We also need to factor in something to cover the overhead. (To be safe, figure another $15/day, so you would need to make an average of roughly $16.50/shop.)
There may be times when I choose to do a shop for lower compensation but it usually factors in reimbursement, such as for a meal or taking my pet to the vets for shots and an exam. Also, in my experience, sometimes it is worth doing multiple locations of the same shops at a lower per shop fee because it reduces the amount of preparation/report time required. In those cases, I tend to look at it as one project. $300 for a 2 day project I can do on the phone at home in my pjs sounds a LOT better than $6 reimbursement for 50 calls.
As an independent contractor or consultant, our time is our product. We should be fairly compensated. Without knowing how much our overhead costs, we cannot add a reasonable amount to the value of our time.
To determine what one will accept in compensation, we should place a value on our time. Base this on what you want to earn and how many hours you reasonably expect to work. For example, if you want to earn (gross) $20,000 and are willing to work 40 hrs/week (50 weeks), the value of your time would be $10/hr.
Figure out how many shops you can reasonably do during a week. Don't forget the time it takes to read through your emails, respond to schedulers, contract with new companies, search job boards. Don't forget to include the time you spend reading and re-reading scenario, guidelines and questionnaires prior to doing the shop. Don't forget to include the drive time to and from and the time it takes to enter the reports.
For argument sake, let's say that you can stay within 10 miles of your home and drive a total of less than 1 hour/day and that it will take you 2 hours/day to review emails, schedule shops for yourself, review guidelines, scenarios & guestionnaires, print out questionnaires (if you do this), and 1/2 hour to do the shop, plus 15 minutes to scan POV and enter the report. Theoretically you have 300 minutes left in an 8 hour day. Divide by 45 mins/shop and you should be able to do 6.66 shops. In order to make $100/day (which would give you $20K/yr), the shop average for the day needs to be $15.00. We also need to factor in something to cover the overhead.
I've been shopping for sixth months and am just now getting the feel for what jobs are "worth it" to me and how to move through the reports at a decent pace. Need to learn to earn and not get burned. I know I gotta sign up with more MSPs,but,it can be really tedious. Half the time I find out after a zillion email alerts that they don't pay enough to make the sign up worth it! I figure I'll need another 6 months to really make the income I wished for before I started. I am for just saying no to Jobs that don't pay $8/hr for time and effort. This includes travel time and expense.
HMMM how about a UNION? sorta like SAG for actors.
HMMM how about a UNION? sorta like SAG for actors.
Wow, this is all so interesting--I am what is referred to as a 'newbie'. I've only completed 9 shops-LOL! I do think it is a lot of work for low pay, but I also think it is very interesting! I do this in my spare time and have discovered some new areas of my city! I enjoy reading what is expected of me befoehand, I love the'shop'and I love the reports---I guess this tells you how exciting my life is! (smile) I am hoping as I gain experience, I will be be eligible for better paying shops--is this what happens, or am I just hoping for something that may never happen? I'ce already attained my silver certificate hoping this may help me get better shops! Suggestions for me anyone?
spree Wrote:
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> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
> 1. I will not start my car for less than $15 now.
> Gas costs money. Wear and tear on our cars cost
> money. No more $5-$9 shops.
>
> 2. No shops for just a sandwich.
>
> 3. This country has a minimum wage and so will I.
> If a shop is for $10, includes an hour of
> paperwork, a 15 minute visit to the company and
> gas to get their how much are we making an hour
> after expenses? $3? $5?
>
> When I see some of these $3-$7 shops I think of
> lawnboys fighting among themselves to mow a lawn
> for $3.
I totally agree - however, you can find great local mystery shops with this new app called Gigwalk....I found this forum through Gigwalk but it's so easy and user friendly...I recommend trying it out to see if you can find more "gigs" and make more local money
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
> 1. I will not start my car for less than $15 now.
> Gas costs money. Wear and tear on our cars cost
> money. No more $5-$9 shops.
>
> 2. No shops for just a sandwich.
>
> 3. This country has a minimum wage and so will I.
> If a shop is for $10, includes an hour of
> paperwork, a 15 minute visit to the company and
> gas to get their how much are we making an hour
> after expenses? $3? $5?
>
> When I see some of these $3-$7 shops I think of
> lawnboys fighting among themselves to mow a lawn
> for $3.
I totally agree - however, you can find great local mystery shops with this new app called Gigwalk....I found this forum through Gigwalk but it's so easy and user friendly...I recommend trying it out to see if you can find more "gigs" and make more local money
spree Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
so long as there are shoppers who are economically poorer than you, they will undercut you for assignments. assignments fees are based upon what the poorest shoppers are willing to be paid.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
so long as there are shoppers who are economically poorer than you, they will undercut you for assignments. assignments fees are based upon what the poorest shoppers are willing to be paid.
spree Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
> 1. I will not start my car for less than $15 now.
> Gas costs money. Wear and tear on our cars cost
> money. No more $5-$9 shops.
>
> 2. No shops for just a sandwich.
>
> 3. This country has a minimum wage and so will I.
> If a shop is for $10, includes an hour of
> paperwork, a 15 minute visit to the company and
> gas to get their how much are we making an hour
> after expenses? $3? $5?
>
> When I see some of these $3-$7 shops I think of
> lawnboys fighting among themselves to mow a lawn
> for $3.
I totally agree with Spree. I for the life of me can't figure out who is doing those shops? When I first started I would do them, but it didn't take me long to figure out, THEIR NOT WORTH IT. I was actually losing money.
Someone is making money on them, but it's not the shopper. But as long as there are people accepting these low pay shops, it will never change. I've been doing this for 5 years now and those low low paying shops are still around! So someone is picking them up.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
> 1. I will not start my car for less than $15 now.
> Gas costs money. Wear and tear on our cars cost
> money. No more $5-$9 shops.
>
> 2. No shops for just a sandwich.
>
> 3. This country has a minimum wage and so will I.
> If a shop is for $10, includes an hour of
> paperwork, a 15 minute visit to the company and
> gas to get their how much are we making an hour
> after expenses? $3? $5?
>
> When I see some of these $3-$7 shops I think of
> lawnboys fighting among themselves to mow a lawn
> for $3.
I totally agree with Spree. I for the life of me can't figure out who is doing those shops? When I first started I would do them, but it didn't take me long to figure out, THEIR NOT WORTH IT. I was actually losing money.
Someone is making money on them, but it's not the shopper. But as long as there are people accepting these low pay shops, it will never change. I've been doing this for 5 years now and those low low paying shops are still around! So someone is picking them up.
Maybe I should have read all these post before I jumped in here!
MDavisnowell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's consider that the government is not looking
> at this because the government is concerned we
> don't make minimum wage. Minimum wage is not the
> issue. The issue is whether mystery shoppers
> should be considered independent contractors. The
> government (IRS) is concerned because they may be
> missing out on collecting taxes. The income that
> concerns them is their own.
>
> By hiring legitimate independent contractors
> instead of employees, companies avoid the payment
> of employers taxes and all the associated record
> keeping and reporting required at state and local
> levels. By choosing to be an independent
> contractor, I have the freedom to work for many
> different companies and control my own schedule
> and assignments. In return for that, I take on
> the responsibility of operating a small business
> of my own.
>
> Being an employee working for one company for a
> guaranteed minimum wage is not attractive. There
> are plenty of minimum wage jobs already available,
> and any mystery shopper who wants one can get one
> somewhere else. If we ever have to work for just
> one MSC as an employee, this work will lose its
> charm. I like to think that the harder I work, the
> more I make. That doesn't happen with a regular
> job.
>
Stop complaining, we don't want IRS involve and taking away a good thing, those pennies jobs for gaining experience in mystery shopping.
> You say I am cynical. A better word would be
> realistic.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's consider that the government is not looking
> at this because the government is concerned we
> don't make minimum wage. Minimum wage is not the
> issue. The issue is whether mystery shoppers
> should be considered independent contractors. The
> government (IRS) is concerned because they may be
> missing out on collecting taxes. The income that
> concerns them is their own.
>
> By hiring legitimate independent contractors
> instead of employees, companies avoid the payment
> of employers taxes and all the associated record
> keeping and reporting required at state and local
> levels. By choosing to be an independent
> contractor, I have the freedom to work for many
> different companies and control my own schedule
> and assignments. In return for that, I take on
> the responsibility of operating a small business
> of my own.
>
> Being an employee working for one company for a
> guaranteed minimum wage is not attractive. There
> are plenty of minimum wage jobs already available,
> and any mystery shopper who wants one can get one
> somewhere else. If we ever have to work for just
> one MSC as an employee, this work will lose its
> charm. I like to think that the harder I work, the
> more I make. That doesn't happen with a regular
> job.
>
Stop complaining, we don't want IRS involve and taking away a good thing, those pennies jobs for gaining experience in mystery shopping.
> You say I am cynical. A better word would be
> realistic.
Missy, congrats on giving spree some advice they appreciated. God knows the rest of us couldn't measure up
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.
You folks seem to have a good handle on how to make this a profitable way to earn some extra money.
And that's just what it is, a way to earn some extra money. It will never replace actual income and the pay structure will never change to allow that. For oh so many reasons including the "you are not our employee, you are just a contractor' that was so aptly touched on earlier in this thread.
As a person who just retired from scheduling for a large MCS, I have to point out that you folks are for the most part not who I was looking to pick up for those sandwich shops, or those under $5 shops.
What we are looking for is someone who is already going to this place...not someone who will have to leave their home to go as a special trip. What I really don't want is a 'professional shopper".
Think of your mystery shop as a heck of a good coupon. If you are already heading to Jo Bob's for a sandwich or know you will need lunch at work today, we would be happy to pay you $3 or buy your sammich in trade for your mystery shop and report on this place. You have already intended on spending money, now we are saving you some or are willing to pay you some.
I really disliked when people thought of my shops as their 'jobs' and wanted me to care about their gas and time. Not to be mean, but we don't actually care about that, it's not part of anyone's job and as another poster put up if you had a real job your boss would not pay for your gas or drive time.
It's all in how you look at it, really. Consider though that when you start looking at mystery shopping as a job and expecting employer type payment and responses you have completely missed the structure and goals of this industry.
And that's just what it is, a way to earn some extra money. It will never replace actual income and the pay structure will never change to allow that. For oh so many reasons including the "you are not our employee, you are just a contractor' that was so aptly touched on earlier in this thread.
As a person who just retired from scheduling for a large MCS, I have to point out that you folks are for the most part not who I was looking to pick up for those sandwich shops, or those under $5 shops.
What we are looking for is someone who is already going to this place...not someone who will have to leave their home to go as a special trip. What I really don't want is a 'professional shopper".
Think of your mystery shop as a heck of a good coupon. If you are already heading to Jo Bob's for a sandwich or know you will need lunch at work today, we would be happy to pay you $3 or buy your sammich in trade for your mystery shop and report on this place. You have already intended on spending money, now we are saving you some or are willing to pay you some.
I really disliked when people thought of my shops as their 'jobs' and wanted me to care about their gas and time. Not to be mean, but we don't actually care about that, it's not part of anyone's job and as another poster put up if you had a real job your boss would not pay for your gas or drive time.
It's all in how you look at it, really. Consider though that when you start looking at mystery shopping as a job and expecting employer type payment and responses you have completely missed the structure and goals of this industry.
Real bosses do pay for gas and drive time--if we are going from job site to job site in our own vehicles. Merchandisers who have several assignments from the same company get that. I have gotten it. I decided not to travel much anymore. I will do routes when I feel like it. I never wanted to work for only one company. Still, I get phone calls offering me bonuses to go 50 miles to another county without a major city. If I can make stops at all the small towns, it's ok, but I really need a video assignment somewhere along the way. I do occasionally take those rural assignments, then watch my income jump the next month--or the next!!
Just as someone finds a way to "make an income" couponing (not me!), some of us rely upon mystery shopping. So, it isn't that we have a trip to Jo Bob's. We may not even know what Jo Bob's is. We'll find out--for a fee. Eventually, all those contacts we make with schedulers and MSP's "should" lead to bigger assignments. Well, maybe just more assignments.
Just as someone finds a way to "make an income" couponing (not me!), some of us rely upon mystery shopping. So, it isn't that we have a trip to Jo Bob's. We may not even know what Jo Bob's is. We'll find out--for a fee. Eventually, all those contacts we make with schedulers and MSP's "should" lead to bigger assignments. Well, maybe just more assignments.
HI
wHAT I FIND AMUSING IS A SCHEDULER WILL SCHEDULE A SHOP FOR LETS SAY $8.00 WHEN NO ONE PICKS IT UP SHE RAISES IT TO 10.00. FINALLY IN DESPARATION SHE SAYS, PLEASE HELP, BONUS SHOP IS NOW WORK $18.00 IF THE COMPANY WAS WILLING TO PAY $18.00 WHYY DIDN'T SHE ORIGINALLY LIST IT FOR $18.00? SHE'S BEGGING FOR HELP AT $18.00 BUT DIDN'T CARE ABOUT OUR FAMILIES WHEN SHE LISTED IT AT $8.00. SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THE PROCESS WORKS WHERE $$8.00 TURNS TO $18.grrrr.
PAID2PEEK
wHAT I FIND AMUSING IS A SCHEDULER WILL SCHEDULE A SHOP FOR LETS SAY $8.00 WHEN NO ONE PICKS IT UP SHE RAISES IT TO 10.00. FINALLY IN DESPARATION SHE SAYS, PLEASE HELP, BONUS SHOP IS NOW WORK $18.00 IF THE COMPANY WAS WILLING TO PAY $18.00 WHYY DIDN'T SHE ORIGINALLY LIST IT FOR $18.00? SHE'S BEGGING FOR HELP AT $18.00 BUT DIDN'T CARE ABOUT OUR FAMILIES WHEN SHE LISTED IT AT $8.00. SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THE PROCESS WORKS WHERE $$8.00 TURNS TO $18.grrrr.
PAID2PEEK
PAID2PEEK Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> HI
>
> wHAT I FIND AMUSING IS A SCHEDULER WILL SCHEDULE
> A SHOP FOR LETS SAY $8.00 WHEN NO ONE PICKS IT
> UP SHE RAISES IT TO 10.00. FINALLY IN DESPARATION
> SHE SAYS, PLEASE HELP, BONUS SHOP IS NOW WORK
> $18.00 IF THE COMPANY WAS WILLING TO PAY $18.00
> WHYY DIDN'T SHE ORIGINALLY LIST IT FOR $18.00?
> SHE'S BEGGING FOR HELP AT $18.00 BUT DIDN'T CARE
> ABOUT OUR FAMILIES WHEN SHE LISTED IT AT $8.00.
> SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
> WHERE $$8.00 TURNS TO $18.grrrr.
> PAID2PEEK
The scheduler usually schedules many shops at one time and is interested in getting all the locations done for $8. Shoppers in a number of locations accept the job at $8. When she gets closer to her deadline, she raises it to $10. A bunch more shoppers accept jobs. As the scheduler gets closer and closer to her deadline, she needs to offer more and more to get the job in some locations done, so eventually it makes it to $18. The process works for the shoppers who decide to accept $8-$10 because they chose to accept the shops knowing the pay, it works for the shopper who gets the $18, and it works for the scheduler because most of the locations were shopped for $8-$10. Only the difficult-to-schedule locations have cost her $18. The scheduler doesn't care about your families whether she lists the job at $8 or at $18, she cares about getting the jobs done at the lowest price. Obviously, the scheduler is not going to list all the shops at $18 when most of them will be done for $8. She will pay $18 for a few but actually not very many.
Edited to add: In many cases, the company is not willing to pay $18 for each of 300 shops, but they will pay $8 for 200 shops, $10 for 80 shops, and are willing to cough up the $18 to get only the last 20 shops done.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/28/2012 08:22PM by AustinMom.
-------------------------------------------------------
> HI
>
> wHAT I FIND AMUSING IS A SCHEDULER WILL SCHEDULE
> A SHOP FOR LETS SAY $8.00 WHEN NO ONE PICKS IT
> UP SHE RAISES IT TO 10.00. FINALLY IN DESPARATION
> SHE SAYS, PLEASE HELP, BONUS SHOP IS NOW WORK
> $18.00 IF THE COMPANY WAS WILLING TO PAY $18.00
> WHYY DIDN'T SHE ORIGINALLY LIST IT FOR $18.00?
> SHE'S BEGGING FOR HELP AT $18.00 BUT DIDN'T CARE
> ABOUT OUR FAMILIES WHEN SHE LISTED IT AT $8.00.
> SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
> WHERE $$8.00 TURNS TO $18.grrrr.
> PAID2PEEK
The scheduler usually schedules many shops at one time and is interested in getting all the locations done for $8. Shoppers in a number of locations accept the job at $8. When she gets closer to her deadline, she raises it to $10. A bunch more shoppers accept jobs. As the scheduler gets closer and closer to her deadline, she needs to offer more and more to get the job in some locations done, so eventually it makes it to $18. The process works for the shoppers who decide to accept $8-$10 because they chose to accept the shops knowing the pay, it works for the shopper who gets the $18, and it works for the scheduler because most of the locations were shopped for $8-$10. Only the difficult-to-schedule locations have cost her $18. The scheduler doesn't care about your families whether she lists the job at $8 or at $18, she cares about getting the jobs done at the lowest price. Obviously, the scheduler is not going to list all the shops at $18 when most of them will be done for $8. She will pay $18 for a few but actually not very many.
Edited to add: In many cases, the company is not willing to pay $18 for each of 300 shops, but they will pay $8 for 200 shops, $10 for 80 shops, and are willing to cough up the $18 to get only the last 20 shops done.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/28/2012 08:22PM by AustinMom.
Why should the scheduler care about your family? What's that got to do with anything? Many schedulers have families, too. You don't care about their families as they spend more and more time trying to schedule those last few, hard to schedule places. And you shouldn't. Neither should she. This is a business, not a charity. You decide if taking the $8 shops is good for YOUR business. Ignore it otherwise.
FYI, no MSP can afford to pay $18 for each shop when the fee is $8. They'd go out of business. They know they have X number of hard to schedule locations and they have $X set aside each month. Sometimes they break even on the bonuses, sometimes they save a little, and sometimes they go over. Just don't hold your breath expecting to get $18 every month for that bonused shop unless you live in an out of the way place. And don't take it personally. It's business. Don't like it? There are other industries you could try.
FYI, no MSP can afford to pay $18 for each shop when the fee is $8. They'd go out of business. They know they have X number of hard to schedule locations and they have $X set aside each month. Sometimes they break even on the bonuses, sometimes they save a little, and sometimes they go over. Just don't hold your breath expecting to get $18 every month for that bonused shop unless you live in an out of the way place. And don't take it personally. It's business. Don't like it? There are other industries you could try.
MissyH71 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have stopped printing out paperwork, for the
> most part.
>
> My printer was going through $40 in ink every 2-3
> weeks. Ridiculous.
>
> Instead, I save the paperwork as either a Word
> file or as a PDF.
>
> If I need to refer to notes, I write them down by
> hand in my daily notebook.
>
> Bic ballpoint ink is SO MUCH cheaper than my HP
> printer ink!
I always save the blank report to file so I can refer to it later. I used to always condense the report and save the shortened version also, then print that up on paper that had a little printing on one side that I got from my local college. I'd print two pages per sheet of paper and set the ink quality to a lower but not lowest quality.
However, I've noticed that I don't print out as much as I used to. I'll often text myself the basics or write it in my notebook, then scribble down the necessaries. I do need some slip of paper with the shop info and the mileage on it and I staple the receipts to that.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have stopped printing out paperwork, for the
> most part.
>
> My printer was going through $40 in ink every 2-3
> weeks. Ridiculous.
>
> Instead, I save the paperwork as either a Word
> file or as a PDF.
>
> If I need to refer to notes, I write them down by
> hand in my daily notebook.
>
> Bic ballpoint ink is SO MUCH cheaper than my HP
> printer ink!
I always save the blank report to file so I can refer to it later. I used to always condense the report and save the shortened version also, then print that up on paper that had a little printing on one side that I got from my local college. I'd print two pages per sheet of paper and set the ink quality to a lower but not lowest quality.
However, I've noticed that I don't print out as much as I used to. I'll often text myself the basics or write it in my notebook, then scribble down the necessaries. I do need some slip of paper with the shop info and the mileage on it and I staple the receipts to that.
Which company now offers these shops? I used to do them for ATH Powers. I would like to get back to these shops. They were fun!
It is usually better if you start a new thread to ask a question rather than changing the title and posting on a thread that has nothing to do with your question. Because we sign a confidentiality agreement with each mystery shopping company when we register with them, we are prohibited from disclosing the names of mystery shopping clients. It's also best to post your question one time, in one place, on the forum.
I'm relatively new to this, and I'll admit that I've taken some "sandwich + low fee" jobs because I'm trying to get more experience. I'd rather get something wrong on a report and only be out the cost of a sandwich than something for which I laid out $25 or more. With some companies, I don't see any jobs offering more than $10 for jobs, so I'm taking them now so I can prove myself to the company and hopefully get offered better-paying jobs in the future.
I am getting some higher-paying jobs, but not a lot yet, so the smaller ones are keeping me busy and helping me gain experience. I don't intend to do them forever, but for now, it's fine for me. And when I get a free sandwich, that's one less meal I have to plan for at home, even though my husband has to fend for himself sometimes!
I am getting some higher-paying jobs, but not a lot yet, so the smaller ones are keeping me busy and helping me gain experience. I don't intend to do them forever, but for now, it's fine for me. And when I get a free sandwich, that's one less meal I have to plan for at home, even though my husband has to fend for himself sometimes!
Personally, I would take a $4 fee + full reimbursement on a meal shop so I won't have to fix lunch or cook dinner when I get home; the client is 5 minutes from my home; and, the report only takes 10 minutes at best, than take a $50+ shop where I have to drive 20-30 minutes to get to; stay anywhere from 30-60 minutes talking to someone; then drive 20-30 minutes to get back home; AND, spend 1-2 hours doing a report.
I just did a shop that took me 20 minutes to get to, the time with the client was 45 minutes and it took me 1 1/2 hours to do the report. Was I mad at myself, yes, very much so! Will I take another one, no!
I just did a shop that took me 20 minutes to get to, the time with the client was 45 minutes and it took me 1 1/2 hours to do the report. Was I mad at myself, yes, very much so! Will I take another one, no!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."
I live pretty much in the stix, so I take what I can get. Though I do pace my scheduling and am finding that great as now many shops I passed before have higher fees. Cha-ching! Of course I am just getting started and am only signed up with 20-25 companies (I need to count)
Especially in the beginning I picked up these jobs and any other jobs I could to gain the necessary experience. Eight years later I only apply for the higher end jobs and usually receive them. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Take what you need and leave the lower paying jobs for the newbies or ones who really need them. When I am contacted by a scheduler to pick up work more than 30 minutes from my home I explain I charge an hourly rate plus the job rate. More often than not they will agree to this charge.
I have seen this complaint many times. Low pay. It is such a simple equation. Don't apply for them. To complain after the fact serves no one. As I said, the newbies have to pay their dues like the rest of us. Shoppers starting in this occupation have to understand, like any business there is a cost to start.Sometimes companies require certain equipment to be used while performing their shops. If it is reasonable I purchase it. Usually I will use it again in the future allowing me to pick up more work.
I could go on and on but I think I've said enough. Basically if you went into this work expecting to get rich quick, you've come to the wrong place. spree Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
> 1. I will not start my car for less than $15 now.
> Gas costs money. Wear and tear on our cars cost
> money. No more $5-$9 shops.
>
> 2. No shops for just a sandwich.
>
> 3. This country has a minimum wage and so will I.
> If a shop is for $10, includes an hour of
> paperwork, a 15 minute visit to the company and
> gas to get their how much are we making an hour
> after expenses? $3? $5?
>
> When I see some of these $3-$7 shops I think of
> lawnboys fighting among themselves to mow a lawn
> for $3.
I have seen this complaint many times. Low pay. It is such a simple equation. Don't apply for them. To complain after the fact serves no one. As I said, the newbies have to pay their dues like the rest of us. Shoppers starting in this occupation have to understand, like any business there is a cost to start.Sometimes companies require certain equipment to be used while performing their shops. If it is reasonable I purchase it. Usually I will use it again in the future allowing me to pick up more work.
I could go on and on but I think I've said enough. Basically if you went into this work expecting to get rich quick, you've come to the wrong place. spree Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know most of us need the money but I keep seeing
> shops that end up paying around $5-$10 an hour.
> Some barely cover gas. Some are just for a
> sandwich. Then when the schedulers get desparate
> the same shops can double or triple in their
> payments so it is obvious they are being
> compensated a lot more than the shoppers. I'm not
> suggesting a union or anything like that but I'm
> personally taking a stand and I hope other people
> follow along. Maybe that will raise our pay.
>
> 1. I will not start my car for less than $15 now.
> Gas costs money. Wear and tear on our cars cost
> money. No more $5-$9 shops.
>
> 2. No shops for just a sandwich.
>
> 3. This country has a minimum wage and so will I.
> If a shop is for $10, includes an hour of
> paperwork, a 15 minute visit to the company and
> gas to get their how much are we making an hour
> after expenses? $3? $5?
>
> When I see some of these $3-$7 shops I think of
> lawnboys fighting among themselves to mow a lawn
> for $3.
I read that several of you get frustrated with the newer shoppers who "snatch up" the $4 shops rather than allowing them to sit on the boards until the MSCs add bonuses to them and make them more profitable to you. I understand that. But what did you do when you first started out? Probably the same thing. It's life. It is what it is.
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