I recently applied for a "circuit" shop with a very well-known MSC. I would have to take a r/t plane ride to a fairly-close city on one airline and then a return trip on another airline. The only compensation would be for my actual out-of-pocket expense for buying the trip ($600) maximum and any in-flight food/beverage expenses (maximum of $12 each way). There is a very narrow window regarding the turnaround dates/times so there would be very little time to visit friends or sight see, etc. The requirements were somewhat daunting: a total of 14 very precise time points to be recorded (time it take to make reservation on their web sites; time it took to board; time on the jetway; time it took to ring for the cabin attendant to bring water, etc., etc.) as well as 14 pics to document everything. And...that is on both outbound and inboard portions of the "circuit". Additionally there was no mention of the time in which my reimbursement would be issued. 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? and also very strict language regarding the detail of my observations and that if it was not deemed "worthy" my report would not be used and reimbursement would not be forthcoming. After applying for the shop I received an email that I had been assigned the shop. I then replied that after reading the guidelines/requirements I respectfully decline the assignment. Was I justified in declining this shop? Thoughts, please?

I have often returned assignments after reading the details. Hopefully, the company gets the message that it is just too much and too little pay.

I think you were absolutely right to decline. That type of out of pocket is a non starter right out of the gate. Too many details which could make it a potential loss of big money for you. Deemed worthy? Sounds like a real fun MSC to deal with.

Might want to move this to mystery shopping. It is not a merchandising assignment. And would i take it no way. They could easily pull payment for any reason.

I don't think so! Decline!

Thanks for the input, folks

That kind of shop makes sense only if you needed to travel anyway. Then you'd be doing the observations and report to "try" to get reimbursed for airfare you needed to spend anyway.

I declined a job based on the Guidelines, not the original email. I got a citation for it. I canceled within minutes of excepting. I have asked to have the citation removed, we'll see.
I would never do a shop without completely knowing what is expected. I usually ask the scheduler to send me the Guidelines first. If they decline so won't I. Wouldn't you think that the MSC would like us to know what we have to do in order to do a good report. Shouldn't the MSC, schedulers, and editors work together as a team to provide the best for their client.
Some of the MSC don't understand that most of us are educated, reliable, and willing to shop,and will do the job effectively. Why do we have to hassle with our narratives through an editor. What is their job?

Their job is quality control.

I was about to ask if you would get penalized for this, and read further. Apparently so. I've seen some that just do not have enough information until after accepting to know if it is worth it in the first place. But may have just enough info beforehand to lead you to think it may be. One with this much money on the line...who could blame you! I really hope the citation is removed!