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What do you buy for the $8 reimbursement with their $7.00 job offer? "Must Shop each department and buy" Grocery Store.

June 05, 2016 05:15AM
@snarf47 wrote:

Just a guess, but the most probable reason they are asking why you aren't taking anymore of their shops is they are hard to fill at the fee the MSC is willing to pay and/or their flake rate is pretty high. It never hurts to ask for a bonus of $15-30 since they asked you what will it take to accept their shops. Most grocery shops take 45 minutes or more+ travel & report time which need to be factored into the bonus amount you ask for.and that you consider fair (anything is negotiable). If they don't accept your fee that's fine...they may eventually accept it if they really need it completed.

The worst that can happen is they say no. Then you can use TxB17Lady's solution & walk away. There are plenty of other and better MS opportunities out there for reliable shoppers.


One finally got filled and soon popped back up on their Job Board because a shopper read the instructions realizing the amount of work and pay was severely imbalanced? I did reply asking about the bonus only to receive a reply "Besides a bonus what would make our shops more desirable"? Their not going to change their assignment, will not add extra cash to reimburse for more fancy items and a bonus at this point is not acceptable what should I ask for? What would make a shop like this more attractive if they do not want to add any financial motivation?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/05/2016 05:15AM by GuyFawkes.
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More About Reimbursements
June 05, 2016 09:00AM
Smart MS'ers don't do grocery store shops, plain and simple. Whether it's substandard pay or being required to attempt to break the law (the try to sneak an item out in the bottom of the cart requirement), grocery shops are arguably the most detestable assignments in the industry.
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June 05, 2016 01:25PM
@GuyFawkes wrote:

Their not going to change their assignment, will not add extra cash to reimburse for more fancy items and a bonus at this point is not acceptable what should I ask for? What would make a shop like this more attractive if they do not want to add any financial motivation?

The MSC has made it clear that you won't be paid adequately for your work. Even if you could negotiate for another type of shop that they might have that you don't qualify for now, the odds are that the MSC won't pay you adequately for that shop, either. Why expend so much effort to accommodate an MSC who doesn't respect your time?
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June 27, 2016 05:14AM
I have done three of these, and I refuse to do any others until they adjust their pay scale.
They require you to interact with associates in the produce, floral, meat/seafood, deli/bakery, dairy and frozen food departments, noting the associates name and descriptions and asking them pertinent questions. Then talk to three centers of the store associates, ask them where something is at and see if they will walk you there. During all of this, you must buy a minimum of three items spending a minimum of $9.00. When you get to the checkout, go to a lane with a bagger, getting their names and description too. Oh, did I mention one of the items must be on the bottom of the cart, to see if the cashier catches it before finishing the transaction?

All this for a $8.00 fee and $9 reimbursement.
This amount of work, memorizing and reporting should pay at least $15.00+ I feel stupid asking what kind of cheese is good for a cheese tray or what kind of meat is good for grilling? Or can you suggest something quick for dinner tonight? I have guests coming over.

Shopping Southern Georgia, Valdosta, Waycross, Quitman, Thomasville and North Central Florida I-10 & I-75.
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June 27, 2016 01:43PM
@GuyFawkes wrote:

Would you reply to their question "How come you have not signed up for one of our jobs"? or ignore their response? The reimbursement of $8 and job fee of $7.00 along with over one hour of paperwork is a slap in our face.
Those are automated, mass mailings sent out to everyone on their list. No need to reply.

BTW, I buy small amounts of deli products in real life and in ms'ing life. Since the products I buy do not have preservatives in them, their shelf life is very short. Why should I buy large amounts of deli meats or cheese to just throw them away in three days?
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June 27, 2016 06:18PM
I like the grocery shop that pays $19 with up to $26 reimbursement. I shop there occasionally, anyway, so I know what's on sale, what coupons I have, and how to ask about the fish at the counter. Used to get the shop every month, but now it's sporadic.

As to replying, I agree it's a mass email. But, if I got a personal email from a scheduler I knew, or a phone call, I would tell them why. I've told callers because I don't enjoy the shop, and because it's too far, and because it doesn't pay enough for me to do it again, and it's just not my cup of tea. Honestly, I'm an IC, and they are not "entitled" to an explanation, so if I really don't want that assignment, I'll keep it pretty vague. However, if they know these things and I speak them nicely, they can either offer me more (which has happened), or note not to call me about it again (which has happened). HTH
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