@shoptastic wrote:
Any tips on routing everyone?
Any tips on how to manage job alerts and listings?
...
Anyhow, I'd love to hear people's strategies for routing and managing job alerts/listings. I feel I'm spending too much time going to each site manually several times a day. But maybe that's normal and I just don't know it.
I have done route shopping for the past few years and have found it is the main way I make my monthly average of $1500 (not including reimbursements). Living in a more rural area with some larger cities not far away has been helpful. I first select one to two higher paying shops (typically rentals, banks, or another bonused shop) and then branch out from there. Knowing which shops are quick and higher paying, makes a big difference. A quick $8-$10 gas station is better than a large home improvement store for the same amount where you walk around and can't find any help. More time parking, more time walking, more time in the store, means less $$ per hour. Also, fees are more important than reimbursements to me. A $6 FF shop may be your lunch, but don't pick up these for cash as they're not worth it if you want to make a real living.
I also use the calendar option on my email to post my shops for the month and keep tallies on my fees for each week so I know what I'm making. I can also set alerts through this if needed but typically I have a good idea of jobs coming ahead as I'm always checking. As soon as I get a job accepted, I post it to my calendar. To keep costs down, I use 'used paper' for my printer and print in draft with my printer I've had for over 20 years as I put four pages on one side. Old rental applications/bank disclosures work nicely since one side is typically clean. Doing quick gas shops are great to as you typically have to purchase reimbursed gas as you travel.
I check the boards maybe 3-4 times a week and also get emails for jobs. I check my email at least 2-3 times a day. If this is your job, you gotta stay on it. Also, build rapport with schedulers as your reputation is everything when it comes to shopping.
Love mystery shopping and the perks as well as seeing customer service being improved. It's a win win!