I have been a shopper for many years. I am not desperate, I am retired. I find myself doing fewer and fewer shops. because I would like to "break even" and on some shops I actually get a prifit for my time.
I have been SERVING customers for over 50 years. I never asked for feedback but I got a lot of feedback.I do shops to give back information that could benefit the client.
When I do a mystery shop I try not to mentor, I just answer the questions. Imagine if I were a consultant and the client was paying me for advice and to negotiate to restore a business relationship that was damaged. I did that for a few years and was paid very well.
I am doing fewer shops every year because Mystery shopping has turned into attempts to drum up business. The casual shops that offer a free dinner in return for a report, for example, usually end up PROFITING the client. The want you to bring a guest and order a "hearty steak". .
When you figure it out the amount can be considered a "discount" as you can bring up to 3 guests with you and when you start adding the drinks and the appetizers and side dishes, etc the company is making profit. When a shop is really poor and the experience was comped you were abused and made NOTHING. The client should give you a gift certificate to go back on a different day and enjoy the experience.
to compensate you for your time and expense.
The car dealers get you in there to see their cars. The banks want you to open accounts, If you "bite" and become a customer the $10 or $15 was worth it. They write it off in their advertising budget.
Now if you were a company employee and used your vehicle and were paid ONLY minimum wage and company benefits, It would cost the clients a lot more for your time and effort
Still, those seniors who go to the mall and drink the coffee and get the baked goods and meet with other seniors would be there anyway for the companionship, just to be with another person.
You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want ..Zig Zigler