I'm getting it! So far I'm pretty vague about the details. Any input? Also, do you mix in other companies shops or is that a no no?

Huh?

I would guess it depends on the MSC. I haven't done airport shops yet but I know at least 3 different ones badge shoppers.

If I understand what you are asking, you are getting badged through an MSC to shop beyond security, and you want to know if you can work for other companies while you are there. I am going through the process myself. The company I am getting badged has stated that we are free to do other assignments while at the location using their badge to get through security, just as long as the vendor is not the same. Since the shops I am doing are for the airport authority, not the vendor, another MSC might have an assignment for the same vendor. I would not be allowed to do two visits for the same store in the airport. If another MSC has an assignment at a vendor/store that I am not assigned to for the airport authority, I would be free to do this while I am there past security with my badge.

As far as I am concerned, this is the best reason to get the badge. The airport circuit is ok, because I can get many shops done all at once, but the rate per hour isn't that great, by the time I write all the reports. The additional shops (with bonuses, I hope) will be icing on the cake and make it more worth my while.

Your MSC may be different. I would just ask them directly. I am sure they will give you a straightforward answer. They don't want to go through the badging process and then have something screw it up and waste it all.

Plus, I can't help but add, "Badges?! We don't need no stinking badges!"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/04/2015 04:44AM by InPlainSight.

Pony,
If you mean, "What does the clearance process include?" here's what TSA required for the airports where I have clearance:
1. Two forms of government issued ID required, both current (They prvide a list of acceptable sources);
2. Letter from the "employer" and a form where you certify as to prior arrests or convictions for several dozen possible offences.
3. Extensive background check;
4. Finger printing (on site at airport security office);
5. Passing one or two different on-line tests given on site. These are tutorials about airport security rules, followed by on-screen questions with instant feedback if you select the wrong answer. In the cases I have seen, you must pass with 100 percent or repeat until you do. These are NOT complex.

Depending on the location, the background check could take 1 to 3 weeks. Once they notify you that you are cleared, you return to have your picture taken and get the picture ID badge.

The MSC that got me cleared paid for the background check, fingerprinting and badge fee, parking while at the airport security office, and a set sum for my time. YMMV

At the airports where I am badged I get to use a separate employee screening point or go through the high priority line at the regular screening stations. In addition, I have found that when I do buy a ticket to fly, I consistently get the TSA Pre-Approval logo on the ticket, so no more taking off shoes, etc., unless I am randomly selected for "regular" screening.

Which msc give airport clearance? I live near an airport and would love to do these.

Dare,
The MSCs that will get you clearance tend to use a very small cadre of shoppers who have committed to do circuits every month or every 2 or 3 months. Since they are investing in a long term relationship, those MSCs tend to rely heavily on references, interviews and long shopper histories with an emphasis on cash integrity shops. The MSC that I do two major airports for, for instance, has only added two shoppers to the group in the past 3 years, and did that because two shoppers moved out of the area. I know that they also added just one shopper to each of two other airport groups, because I was asked to recommend shoppers who lived in those areas. Another MSC does not get shoppers badged, but again uses just a small group of shoppers that bid on jobs that they are flown in to do at some major airports.

What airport do you live near and how long have you been doing MS? How many cash integrity shops have you done? Do your narratives get consistent 9s and 10s? Will you commit to a long term project?