What kind of shops do you tend to avoid?
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I avoid shops that don't pay enough for the amount of time involved...usually. I will do some very detailed hotel shops for $100 fee with only reimbursement, but that's because I really enjoy them and I'm working towards future cruises and resorts with that MSC.
I like cell phone shops but they have to pay $15 or more if within 10 miles of my home, price goes up the further I have to drive. Bank shops same thing. I avoid bed, bath and beyond shops because they don't pay enough for everything you have to do on the shop. I won't do 5 guys at base rate, either...seems like there are a lot of shops I just won't do for the pittance offered!
I like cell phone shops but they have to pay $15 or more if within 10 miles of my home, price goes up the further I have to drive. Bank shops same thing. I avoid bed, bath and beyond shops because they don't pay enough for everything you have to do on the shop. I won't do 5 guys at base rate, either...seems like there are a lot of shops I just won't do for the pittance offered!
Any shop from Maritz that isn't bonused as I find their antiquated website and business model to be highly aggravating. Almost any shop from Intellishop as both their editors and their fees are insulting.
I don't mind detailed narratives as long as I am free to tell the story from beginning to end. But I despise reports that are one-size-fits-all and require answering a bunch of questions in narrative format that really don't apply to the situation in the shop. Maritz' big box store is a perfect example. Having the same questions for replacing a roof as buying a sander makes no sense. There has to be a $50 incentive before I will touch one of those shops.
I also won't do purchase and return shops except in rare circumstances where they are well bonused and you can make the return immediately.
I did several of the Flame Broiler shops this month. Not sure I will do them again as I really disliked the food.
And no to that same MSCs fast food photo audits--way too involved for the money in most instances although the lemonade audits were a breeze.
I don't mind detailed narratives as long as I am free to tell the story from beginning to end. But I despise reports that are one-size-fits-all and require answering a bunch of questions in narrative format that really don't apply to the situation in the shop. Maritz' big box store is a perfect example. Having the same questions for replacing a roof as buying a sander makes no sense. There has to be a $50 incentive before I will touch one of those shops.
I also won't do purchase and return shops except in rare circumstances where they are well bonused and you can make the return immediately.
I did several of the Flame Broiler shops this month. Not sure I will do them again as I really disliked the food.
And no to that same MSCs fast food photo audits--way too involved for the money in most instances although the lemonade audits were a breeze.
I won't shop certain restaurants because I don't like their food or atmosphere. I don't do reveal shops or for-profit colleges.
Purchase and return shops where I have to wait more than 30 minutes to make the return. Even then, they had better pay at least $25 and be near another shops or a place where I love to have lunch! Anything with split second timing requirements. (Yes, I know how to use the tech stuff to do the timings, but I still hate those shops.) Shops where pay and reimbursement and location do not combine to make them a real advantage for me. Generous amounts of frozen yogurt with toppings of choice, for me and a guest, with a $5 fee, is fine if it is on my route to the grocery store and I want lunch and it is an easy report. Unless all those terms are met, it is a no go. Lots of other similar examples.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I typically avoid reveal shops, unless it's a theater shop and I only reveal if they win.
I avoid car dealerships and apartment shops at all costs. I've tried both, and they are not for me. The fee is not worth the hassle and stress. I don't do well with pushy car salespeople. I also avoid video shops, as I don't own any equipment and Trendsource grocery store assignments, since the pay does not justify the work involved.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 04:17PM by DareWright.
I avoid car dealerships and apartment shops at all costs. I've tried both, and they are not for me. The fee is not worth the hassle and stress. I don't do well with pushy car salespeople. I also avoid video shops, as I don't own any equipment and Trendsource grocery store assignments, since the pay does not justify the work involved.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 04:17PM by DareWright.
@JASFLALMT wrote:
I avoid shops that don't pay enough for the amount of time involved...usually. I will do some very detailed hotel shops for $100 fee with only reimbursement, but that's because I really enjoy them and I'm working towards future cruises and resorts with that MSC.
I like cell phone shops but they have to pay $15 or more if within 10 miles of my home, price goes up the further I have to drive. Bank shops same thing. I avoid bed, bath and beyond shops because they don't pay enough for everything you have to do on the shop. I won't do 5 guys at base rate, either...seems like there are a lot of shops I just won't do for the pittance offered!
Are the BBB shops super detailed? I was eyeballing one that has been left sitting in my area. $15 reimbursement, $20 pay. I was debating on picking it up if it stays on the board three more days... The dates keep extending each day so I had been holding out.
MegglesKat
Car dealerships! I avoid them like the plague.
I avoid any reveal shops and gas stations where you have to take pictures of all the pumps. I really avoid purchase and return of any type. They just don't feel right for me, so I won't do it. I love the acting part of mystery shopping.
Shopping up and down the Colorado Rocky Mountain front range.
My list of don't do's are: P/R unless like Ross i can return within minutes (no second trips), Nothing under $15.00 and must be in my town, gas stations, reveal shops, restaurants where I don't like the food (FF),
Amusement parks, bowling and such. Beyond that, I don't work for Martiz or MarketForce, low paying companies like Intellishop that offer dealerships for 17.00.
edited to add: dislike audits......
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 04:30PM by Irene_L.A..
Amusement parks, bowling and such. Beyond that, I don't work for Martiz or MarketForce, low paying companies like Intellishop that offer dealerships for 17.00.
edited to add: dislike audits......
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 04:30PM by Irene_L.A..
@clinen11 wrote:
Are the BBB shops super detailed? I was eyeballing one that has been left sitting in my area. $15 reimbursement, $20 pay. I was debating on picking it up if it stays on the board three more days... The dates keep extending each day so I had been holding out.
I used to do BBB shops years ago and they were unpleasant. You had to walk around carrying a large item to see if offered a cart (no one ever did at my location). You had to walk around the entire store a couple times. You had to write down a name and very detailed description of every single employee in the store, as well as detail what they were doing (stocking shelves, helping customer, standing around). You had a specific scenario such as asking about a juicer. Sometimes you had to return the purchase you made, 30 minutes later. It was so not worth it for me. BBB has switched msc since then, but I doubt they've changed much.
I avoid shops where you are expected to do two shops for the price of one ie. purchase and return. Will never do a car dealership, way too much stress for me for the pay.
I will do video car dealerships for $100 and up. I want proof of how badly women are treated throughout that marketplace. But I am not willing to be dissed for less than $100 and the satisfaction of capturing disgusting behavior in sound and color.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
There is no return requirement with the current MSC.
I enjoyed the shop. It gave me a reason to take my time and walk around leisurely. I just cant stand the MSC.
I enjoyed the shop. It gave me a reason to take my time and walk around leisurely. I just cant stand the MSC.
@DareWright wrote:
@clinen11 wrote:
Are the BBB shops super detailed? I was eyeballing one that has been left sitting in my area. $15 reimbursement, $20 pay. I was debating on picking it up if it stays on the board three more days... The dates keep extending each day so I had been holding out.
I used to do BBB shops years ago and they were unpleasant. You had to walk around carrying a large item to see if offered a cart (no one ever did at my location). You had to walk around the entire store a couple times. You had to write down a name and very detailed description of every single employee in the store, as well as detail what they were doing (stocking shelves, helping customer, standing around). You had a specific scenario such as asking about a juicer. Sometimes you had to return the purchase you made, 30 minutes later. It was so not worth it for me. BBB has switched msc since then, but I doubt they've changed much.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
I won't shop the sales departments in car dealerships. I'll do the service department if my vehicle is allowed.
I won't do the bank shops for Bare anymore, after my last report was unusable. Not because I think I should be paid, but because I don't think I can pull off the scenarios satisfactorily.
I won't do the big box hardware store, other than for a large bonus. Same with Five Guys, though I'm little more lenient with that one.
I have one P&R shop that I will do, because there is a 30 minute wait, and it is downtown, so I can arrange other shops at the same time. I will also do the other location if I have a vehicle, so I can still fill the time with something else.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 06:19PM by Kakita987.
I won't do the bank shops for Bare anymore, after my last report was unusable. Not because I think I should be paid, but because I don't think I can pull off the scenarios satisfactorily.
I won't do the big box hardware store, other than for a large bonus. Same with Five Guys, though I'm little more lenient with that one.
I have one P&R shop that I will do, because there is a 30 minute wait, and it is downtown, so I can arrange other shops at the same time. I will also do the other location if I have a vehicle, so I can still fill the time with something else.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 06:19PM by Kakita987.
I avoid shops that don't "give" me anything. I almost exclusively do food or hotel shops these days because you can't do a purchase-and-return with a steak, now can you?
Car dealership shops, just not my cup of tea.
I've never done a phone shop, and I am reluctant to do any shop that requires a recorded phone call as part of the shop.
Also, I'm more likely to avoid a certain scheduler than I am to avoid a particular type of shop -- except for the aforementioned phone shops.
I do not know why I freeze on phone shops.
Incomprehensible.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 07:04PM by ceasesmith.
Also, I'm more likely to avoid a certain scheduler than I am to avoid a particular type of shop -- except for the aforementioned phone shops.
I do not know why I freeze on phone shops.
Incomprehensible.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 07:04PM by ceasesmith.
I don't care for reveal shops, and I refuse to take more than about one picture for too low a fee. If I'm doing an audit, I'd better get paid audit fees. I don't mind a car dealership, but I don't do it for less than $50. I won't take a hardware store shop at the initial asking price because it's just a matter of time before I can get good money for one. And there is zero chance I will go digging around in someone's fast food kitchen.
It's not so much about shop types for me as it is about shop pay. I was adamant that I wasn't going to do reimbursement only shops, but then I snagged up a few that let me spend $50 on things I could use and that attitude changed quickly. I have realized that I don't like car dealership shops too much but I will do them, depending on the company and the price being offered.The revealed audits aren't always bad, but if I gotta take a lot of photos, it can get frustrating as people are staring or trying to jump in and out of pics. I've found that ten of the same shops may yield ten different experiences.
MegglesKat
BBB--I did one and did not find it all that difficult. Got a shop rate of 9 on it, but it took me 3 months to get paid for it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 09:31PM by alygildap.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/27/2017 09:31PM by alygildap.
I dislike phone shops. I have done over a dozen, but I have realized that I don't like calling companies for my own personal needs. So it shouldn't be shocking that I really really dislike it when I am making two bucks with no other reason to call.
Reveal shops.
Most shops that require taking a photo of food in my car (I'll do them, just not my favorite)
Any shop that requires extended time outdoors during the summer.
Most shops that require taking a photo of food in my car (I'll do them, just not my favorite)
Any shop that requires extended time outdoors during the summer.
I have not done one in a long time but they made my no shop list because not only were they over the top with the scenario they wanted you to play out -- their management was obnoxious with rebuttal questions 4-5 weeks after the shop was submitted. I have been a shopper for many years and I have never had an issue with any other shop expecting recall from over a month past.
Car shops--did a bunch when I first started mystery shopping and the MSC wanted too much detail for $17 payout. Noooooo! I don't like buy and return shops, especially if there is only one poor salesperson. I feel too guilty. Phone shops are fine, but must pay at least $10. Shops that expect sooooo much that reading their 20 plus page requirements give me ajita. Nothing pays me enough for those shops, nothing!
I will not to a target apartment shop , If I can shop anyone I like them but I do not like trying to get a hold of that one person. I will not do a Buy and return shop unless I can do it the same day because most of my shops are to far away to make it profitable for me to do so. I also will not do a gas station shop because my hubby is worried about the store putting a 50 dollar freeze on our card for a few days which would not be good for us.
I won't do apartment shops and car shops. I've done car shops in the past and I hated them.
Btw, I like the bed, bath and beyond shops. I find them pretty easy.
Btw, I like the bed, bath and beyond shops. I find them pretty easy.
I love, love, LOVE both of those... wireless and banks hehe. No out of pocket expense...pure PAY! I love those hehe.
TinaMarie
I am doing my first "Flame Broiler" shops rtomorrow with my Big Brother to celebrate birthday.. Hey... we hafta have a "reason."
TinaMarie
Yeah thoswe TS grocery shops are like six jobs in one...for peanuts. I did my first and last all at the same time!
TinaMarie
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