researcher31726 Wrote:
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> But when you are deciding to do a shop, based on
> your out of pocket expenses versus the fee, what
> dollar amount or calculation do you use to roughly
> cover your expenses?
>
> I know that some will not do a shop for less than
> a certain amount on general principle. I
> understand that, but that is not my question.
>
I'm a traditional mystery shopper. Generally, I work 3-6 hours a day, which includes preparation, drive-time, on-site, and report. Though at home, there is no such thing as uninterrupted time for my business. The phone or doorbell rings, I chat with my husband, one of the pets wants something, I get hungry, or decide to do a chore. I route shops within 20 miles from home, typically 2-4 a day. I drive a fuel efficient vehicle. With the IRS' standard mileage rate, and unreimbursed expenses, I show a profit every year. This year, my profit margin is a concern, and while I'm certainly not complaining, I'll mull and tweak before year end to my best advantage.
I take shops that make sense to me, and leave the others on the board. A lot of it is personal preference. There's a Lowe's less than two miles from me. I'm not doing it for the going rate, as it doesn't make sense to me. Also, I don't go by the dollar a mile measure, nor do I go by the $ per shop or I won't leave the house. So many variables, and each IC's business is unique. I take the shop of value to me.