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> Mert Wrote:
> I also disagree that a reimbursement shop is free.
> A shopper's time is not free.
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dee shops Wrote:
>
> Who said it was? Not me. I love restaurant
> shops, fee or no fee. But it doesn't mean I will
> do one for no pay and a free Happy Meal. But we
> certainly have read here over the years about
> people who will.
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You said it. Dee. Your post:
This will never go away. As long as there is some bored housewife or retiree
who does this for "a way to add form and structure to their day", get them out of the house, etc, eat at bad restaurants free, etc, and not *FOR THE $*, it will continue and worsen.
> I also disagree that a reimbursement shop is free.
> A shopper's time is not free.
-------------------------------------------------------
dee shops Wrote:
>
> Who said it was? Not me. I love restaurant
> shops, fee or no fee. But it doesn't mean I will
> do one for no pay and a free Happy Meal. But we
> certainly have read here over the years about
> people who will.
-------------------------------------------------------
You said it. Dee. Your post:
This will never go away. As long as there is some bored housewife or retiree
who does this for "a way to add form and structure to their day", get them out of the house, etc, eat at bad restaurants free, etc, and not *FOR THE $*, it will continue and worsen.
Yes, I did say that. In context, not out of context.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
SteveSoCal wrote this in the "rant':
The government-assisted shoppers are typically those who are disabled, retired or unemployed. The ‘employed elsewhere’ group represents the remainder of the shoppers out there. All of these three groups above have one thing in common; They derive additional income from an outside source, enabling them to work for reduced wages. No offence meant to any of the above parties. That’s just the facts!
I'm retired and receive Social Security. I am NOT government-assisted. What I receive is something I paid in to for 50 years...Social Security is not an entitlement program! btw..it's offense, not offence.
Also, is spite of what dee shops implies, I do not mystery shop because I'm bored or like to eat bad food for free.
The government-assisted shoppers are typically those who are disabled, retired or unemployed. The ‘employed elsewhere’ group represents the remainder of the shoppers out there. All of these three groups above have one thing in common; They derive additional income from an outside source, enabling them to work for reduced wages. No offence meant to any of the above parties. That’s just the facts!
I'm retired and receive Social Security. I am NOT government-assisted. What I receive is something I paid in to for 50 years...Social Security is not an entitlement program! btw..it's offense, not offence.
Also, is spite of what dee shops implies, I do not mystery shop because I'm bored or like to eat bad food for free.
My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.
Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
Come now. Let's all be friends, and be here to support rather than to tear down one another. 
cpburt Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SteveSoCal wrote this in the "rant':
> The government-assisted shoppers are typically
> those who are disabled, retired or unemployed. The
> ‘employed elsewhere’ group represents the
> remainder of the shoppers out there. All of these
> three groups above have one thing in common; They
> derive additional income from an outside source,
> enabling them to work for reduced wages. No
> offence meant to any of the above parties. That’s
> just the facts!
>
> I'm retired and receive Social Security. I am NOT
> government-assisted. What I receive is something
> I paid in to for 50 years...Social Security is not
> an entitlement program! btw..it's offense, not
> offence.
>
> Also, is spite of what dee shops implies, I do not
> mystery shop because I'm bored or like to eat bad
> food for free.
I never said ALL RETIREEs shop for that reason. Some do. On the other hand, some are savvy shoppers. Most of the people who find their way to a forum such as this are savvier than many of the shoppers out in the world.
-------------------------------------------------------
> SteveSoCal wrote this in the "rant':
> The government-assisted shoppers are typically
> those who are disabled, retired or unemployed. The
> ‘employed elsewhere’ group represents the
> remainder of the shoppers out there. All of these
> three groups above have one thing in common; They
> derive additional income from an outside source,
> enabling them to work for reduced wages. No
> offence meant to any of the above parties. That’s
> just the facts!
>
> I'm retired and receive Social Security. I am NOT
> government-assisted. What I receive is something
> I paid in to for 50 years...Social Security is not
> an entitlement program! btw..it's offense, not
> offence.
>
> Also, is spite of what dee shops implies, I do not
> mystery shop because I'm bored or like to eat bad
> food for free.
I never said ALL RETIREEs shop for that reason. Some do. On the other hand, some are savvy shoppers. Most of the people who find their way to a forum such as this are savvier than many of the shoppers out in the world.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
If you guys don't stop fighting, I will have no choice but to retain the insecure little man from Tucson to bring some law and order to this forum.
Being what it is people will read into others post as they will. Mystery shoppers will take jobs for whatever reason. Lets move on.
Flash...I respect your Hubby for wanting to work, even if it's not up to his standards. Some $$ nowadays is better than none. I know jobs are few especially in CA, and it really isn't about folks taking low paying jobs in MSing, we don't want the dollar jobs anyway, let them have. This just isn't a respected industry, so for those of us that still enjoy what we do, can pick up some much wanted income and enrich our lifes...more power to us. Union's are expensive to join, there's nowhere near enough money for a union to be interested in us...so, keep your chin up high and march forward.
Dee's pointing the finger at "bored housewifes and Seniors" was unforunate. I hope Dee apoligizes so we can all move on!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/2010 03:19PM by Irene_L.A..
Dee's pointing the finger at "bored housewifes and Seniors" was unforunate. I hope Dee apoligizes so we can all move on!
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/2010 03:19PM by Irene_L.A..
Irene_L.A. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Dee's pointing the finger at "bored housewifes and
> Seniors" was unforunate. I hope Dee apoligizes
> so we can all move on!
My words have been taken so out of context, and made into something that I never said. I stand by what I said, but not how others have twisted it or misread it. Irene, I am not apologizing. I am not. Move on, or not. It is YOUR choice to do so.
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Dee's pointing the finger at "bored housewifes and
> Seniors" was unforunate. I hope Dee apoligizes
> so we can all move on!
My words have been taken so out of context, and made into something that I never said. I stand by what I said, but not how others have twisted it or misread it. Irene, I am not apologizing. I am not. Move on, or not. It is YOUR choice to do so.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
They way I read it, dee and I are saying about the same thing.
Being retired, unemployed, disabled or a housewife does not mean that you create the problem. The fault is with an industry that utilizes those particular demographics to get assignments completed for less than a fair working wage. The above demographics generally possess a larger amount of 'free time' in their schedules than most, which leads to the concept that Irene offered; "Some $$ nowadays is better than none." Hence...a constant influx of available shoppers.
None of the government programs I mentioned are entitlement based. All workers pay into social security, unemployment and disability. The government simply ASSISTS by collected the $$, operating the programs and the distributing the money. No one is being blamed for taking part in the programs. It was simply pointed out that there was an additional income stream.
A union is not necessarily an outside entity that sees an opportunity for financial gain and steps in. I can be a collective of peers who band together in protecting their interests and helping one another. That's essentially what we already have here, but it comes across as a failure when we dissect each other's syntax and bicker.
I know that the majority of the contributors here visit on their own free time and offer advice for no personal profit. That what drives me to be a part of this forum. It's not sullied by greed. I would hope that with that goal in mind, we can simply discuss the facts amiably and come to a better understanding of how this industry functions.
If apologies are required to continue a business discussion, then we may as well just take this conversation over V, where the discussions are more driven by emotions than facts.
Being retired, unemployed, disabled or a housewife does not mean that you create the problem. The fault is with an industry that utilizes those particular demographics to get assignments completed for less than a fair working wage. The above demographics generally possess a larger amount of 'free time' in their schedules than most, which leads to the concept that Irene offered; "Some $$ nowadays is better than none." Hence...a constant influx of available shoppers.
None of the government programs I mentioned are entitlement based. All workers pay into social security, unemployment and disability. The government simply ASSISTS by collected the $$, operating the programs and the distributing the money. No one is being blamed for taking part in the programs. It was simply pointed out that there was an additional income stream.
A union is not necessarily an outside entity that sees an opportunity for financial gain and steps in. I can be a collective of peers who band together in protecting their interests and helping one another. That's essentially what we already have here, but it comes across as a failure when we dissect each other's syntax and bicker.
I know that the majority of the contributors here visit on their own free time and offer advice for no personal profit. That what drives me to be a part of this forum. It's not sullied by greed. I would hope that with that goal in mind, we can simply discuss the facts amiably and come to a better understanding of how this industry functions.
If apologies are required to continue a business discussion, then we may as well just take this conversation over V, where the discussions are more driven by emotions than facts.
SteveSoCal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > A union is not necessarily an outside entity that
> sees an opportunity for financial gain and steps
> in. I can be a collective of peers who band
> together in protecting their interests and helping
> one another. That's essentially what we already
> have here, but it comes across as a failure when
> we dissect each other's syntax and bicker.
>
>
I was trying to figure out a way to say the above - without causing further emotions/hurt feelings/etc. But Steve said it better than I could have - so I will just quote him.
I tend to be an emotional person and I tend to read things into the written word - so I understand where people are coming from (I too originally read Dee's words as a judgement). However, when I take a step back and re-read it I see that I am putting that judgement in there, when it did not exist in the first place. I urge those of you who have read "value statements" into what Steve and Dee have said to take a step back and ponder if you are adding an overlay of additional meaning onto what they have said or if you are truly reading only what they wrote with no additional or personal interpretation.
I also would encourage Steve and Dee to apologize for any hurt feelings their words have caused - I understand if they do not want to - but I believe there is a difference in apologizing for what you said and apologizing for any unintended hurt that your words caused.
-------------------------------------------------------
> > A union is not necessarily an outside entity that
> sees an opportunity for financial gain and steps
> in. I can be a collective of peers who band
> together in protecting their interests and helping
> one another. That's essentially what we already
> have here, but it comes across as a failure when
> we dissect each other's syntax and bicker.
>
>
I was trying to figure out a way to say the above - without causing further emotions/hurt feelings/etc. But Steve said it better than I could have - so I will just quote him.
I tend to be an emotional person and I tend to read things into the written word - so I understand where people are coming from (I too originally read Dee's words as a judgement). However, when I take a step back and re-read it I see that I am putting that judgement in there, when it did not exist in the first place. I urge those of you who have read "value statements" into what Steve and Dee have said to take a step back and ponder if you are adding an overlay of additional meaning onto what they have said or if you are truly reading only what they wrote with no additional or personal interpretation.
I also would encourage Steve and Dee to apologize for any hurt feelings their words have caused - I understand if they do not want to - but I believe there is a difference in apologizing for what you said and apologizing for any unintended hurt that your words caused.
It's my hope that my contributions to the forum will always be taken in the manner which they are meant; To inform and educate.
I have no problem offering an apology for any shopper that's been hurt by what they read here, since no offense was intended (to shoppers). I'm sorry if my statements came across as offensive to any shoppers.
With that in mind, I would hope that anyone offended could re-read the ideas presented and focus on the true meaning of what was offered. The first rule of the union is sticking together, isn't it?
I have no problem offering an apology for any shopper that's been hurt by what they read here, since no offense was intended (to shoppers). I'm sorry if my statements came across as offensive to any shoppers.
With that in mind, I would hope that anyone offended could re-read the ideas presented and focus on the true meaning of what was offered. The first rule of the union is sticking together, isn't it?
Actually...as a clarification; My comment about the posters on V was meant to be offensive to some, but none who post here!
Steve owes me NO apology, he does not come from an emotional or judgemental place. I know Steve, and believe me he is trying to cover Dee's tracks and make nice....along with that we get the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge about our industry, so, any words from Steve are well received, and well read. Pointing out an entire demographic for the downside of MSing, well, please.....accept you made a mistake, correct and learn from it.
Live consciously....
A = All Mystery Shoppers
B = Housewives/Retirees who Mystery Shop
D = Housewives/Retirees who Mystery Shop who also are Bored
F = Housewives/Retirees who Mystery Shop who also Do Not Need the Income garnered from it.
J = Housewives/Retirees who are Bored who also Mystery Shop who also Do Not Need the Income garnered from doing so.
You will note that Group J is a small subset of the other groups, created at the intersection of Group F and Group D, each of which are subsets of the other group, Group B, which is in itelf a subset of Group A.
If you placed yourself in Group J when you read my posts, you did that; I did not.
If you believe that this places a judgement on those in Group J, then that is baggage you bring to the reading. It was never what I said, nor what I meant.
My point was strictly that this population exists, and their existence impacts the ability of shoppers to fight for better treatment, as do those who do not read forums or total newbies who do not yet know that $1 is a not a passable rate for a video store rental or know better than to bother with low-paying shops or MSC's that do not pay per their contract.
I do not apologize for this viewpoint. It is mine, and I own it. If you read my posts and overlaid your own biases, then you did. I am sorry if reading it in that manner ended with my post hurting your feelings, inadvertently. I am not sorry for my post.
B = Housewives/Retirees who Mystery Shop
D = Housewives/Retirees who Mystery Shop who also are Bored
F = Housewives/Retirees who Mystery Shop who also Do Not Need the Income garnered from it.
J = Housewives/Retirees who are Bored who also Mystery Shop who also Do Not Need the Income garnered from doing so.
You will note that Group J is a small subset of the other groups, created at the intersection of Group F and Group D, each of which are subsets of the other group, Group B, which is in itelf a subset of Group A.
If you placed yourself in Group J when you read my posts, you did that; I did not.
If you believe that this places a judgement on those in Group J, then that is baggage you bring to the reading. It was never what I said, nor what I meant.
My point was strictly that this population exists, and their existence impacts the ability of shoppers to fight for better treatment, as do those who do not read forums or total newbies who do not yet know that $1 is a not a passable rate for a video store rental or know better than to bother with low-paying shops or MSC's that do not pay per their contract.
I do not apologize for this viewpoint. It is mine, and I own it. If you read my posts and overlaid your own biases, then you did. I am sorry if reading it in that manner ended with my post hurting your feelings, inadvertently. I am not sorry for my post.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
Irene_L.A. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Steve owes me NO apology, he does not come from an
> emotional or judgemental place. I know Steve, and
> believe me he is trying to cover Dee's tracks and
> make nice....along with that we get the benefit of
> his wisdom and knowledge about our industry, so,
> any words from Steve are well received, and well
> read. Pointing out an entire demographic for the
> downside of MSing, well, please.....accept you
> made a mistake, correct and learn from it.
I doubt Steve is covering my tracks. You can believe what you want. You are reading my posts entirely wrong, and barfing blame all over me.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Steve owes me NO apology, he does not come from an
> emotional or judgemental place. I know Steve, and
> believe me he is trying to cover Dee's tracks and
> make nice....along with that we get the benefit of
> his wisdom and knowledge about our industry, so,
> any words from Steve are well received, and well
> read. Pointing out an entire demographic for the
> downside of MSing, well, please.....accept you
> made a mistake, correct and learn from it.
I doubt Steve is covering my tracks. You can believe what you want. You are reading my posts entirely wrong, and barfing blame all over me.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
Irene_L.A. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> WOW double talking at it's finest!!!!
No double talk, Irene. None at all. Think what you choose.
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> WOW double talking at it's finest!!!!
No double talk, Irene. None at all. Think what you choose.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
I have been shopping since 1981 and have seen a LOT of changes since then. I have done FF shops, and have found recently that was once a simple 6 questionnaire multiple choice is now that AND an essay. Same price however... and I see the scheduler begging for people to fill the jobs. Very few bonuses. I have also done a FF for one company which no longer does that particular client, and refers you to another company to do the shops. That other company pays even less than the first, and these were complicated questionnaires. WAAYYY too much work for the money. And to top it off, it made no sense the way they wanted it done...
I also agree with the above rant .... but if we unionize, would that not compromise the anonymity we are to use? I also don't like the shops stating that we will verify your shop with their security cameras.. no privacy or secrecy here! They will suspect you the next time you walk in that store, shop or no shop.
I would like to add my 2 cents on the $1 shops.... when you are disabled, retired and not really feeling like going out, the phone shops from home are a godsend. at least it is something I can still do!
I'm not sure if I am in group #2, but sometimes that $20.00 in the middle of the month buys gas and pet food in the middle of the month, when SSDI only pays on the third. once a month. So in a way, I find it a necessity to have some income for the next month. I try to do shops where I don't have to buy anything. Just a hour or so of my time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/2010 08:44PM by opinions.
I also agree with the above rant .... but if we unionize, would that not compromise the anonymity we are to use? I also don't like the shops stating that we will verify your shop with their security cameras.. no privacy or secrecy here! They will suspect you the next time you walk in that store, shop or no shop.
I would like to add my 2 cents on the $1 shops.... when you are disabled, retired and not really feeling like going out, the phone shops from home are a godsend. at least it is something I can still do!
I'm not sure if I am in group #2, but sometimes that $20.00 in the middle of the month buys gas and pet food in the middle of the month, when SSDI only pays on the third. once a month. So in a way, I find it a necessity to have some income for the next month. I try to do shops where I don't have to buy anything. Just a hour or so of my time.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/2010 08:44PM by opinions.
We just all should set our own "rules" that we are willing to work within. I am still learning that. One company has consistently started each month with low fees and raises them as the month goes on. That works for them but not for me. To make it worse, newbies snatch up most of the shops lately at the low starting fees. Give them a month or two and they will catch on what they are losing out on. Until then, I have many other options for shops with other companies.
I didn't see it as meaning all bored housewives or retirees...
I do MSing as a hobby, with the added perk of extra dollars to pay for things like boarding my horse, which I'd having a hard time doing otherwise. I won't take the ridiculously low paying jobs, because it doesn't make sense to cost myself money to do a service for a company.
But it is true that SOMEONE snaps up the bottom of the barrel jobs...and I have a hard time believing that it's the people who require MSing dollars to make ends meet. Whomever it is, the fact that shops go for less than they're worth drags down the profit for all.
I do MSing as a hobby, with the added perk of extra dollars to pay for things like boarding my horse, which I'd having a hard time doing otherwise. I won't take the ridiculously low paying jobs, because it doesn't make sense to cost myself money to do a service for a company.
But it is true that SOMEONE snaps up the bottom of the barrel jobs...and I have a hard time believing that it's the people who require MSing dollars to make ends meet. Whomever it is, the fact that shops go for less than they're worth drags down the profit for all.
What I am reading seems a lot of hostility toward those who take the low paying jobs. My point was never to blame the shoppers for taking low pay.
The aforementioned Beisen was upset and blamed housewives for driving down his pay, offending many in the process. He was out of line because he was angry about a phantom job that does not exist. He wanted to get paid big $$ for doing a simple job and expected others to stand aside so that he could claim his rightful wage. That's not how the IC world works, however. If he had focused his energy on finding jobs that paid what he felt he was worth, he may have been a happier camper.
If there is blame to be placed, it's on the MSCs that pay peanuts and then complain about the quality of the work, the lack of ethics and the limitations of their shopper demographics.
Blame the MSPA and the companies that each of it's officers work for, since they are the ones lobbying to be sure MSing never becomes employee-based outside of Nevada. The reality is that employee-based shopping can and does exist, both with and without government intervention. It just pays better with government intervention ;^)
Don't blame folks for taking the $3 jobs from you, because they were not the jobs you wanted to begin with. Spend your time and energy researching good jobs that pay what you feel you are worth. If there were not jobs that netted upward of $20/hour, I would not be a shopper.
The aforementioned Beisen was upset and blamed housewives for driving down his pay, offending many in the process. He was out of line because he was angry about a phantom job that does not exist. He wanted to get paid big $$ for doing a simple job and expected others to stand aside so that he could claim his rightful wage. That's not how the IC world works, however. If he had focused his energy on finding jobs that paid what he felt he was worth, he may have been a happier camper.
If there is blame to be placed, it's on the MSCs that pay peanuts and then complain about the quality of the work, the lack of ethics and the limitations of their shopper demographics.
Blame the MSPA and the companies that each of it's officers work for, since they are the ones lobbying to be sure MSing never becomes employee-based outside of Nevada. The reality is that employee-based shopping can and does exist, both with and without government intervention. It just pays better with government intervention ;^)
Don't blame folks for taking the $3 jobs from you, because they were not the jobs you wanted to begin with. Spend your time and energy researching good jobs that pay what you feel you are worth. If there were not jobs that netted upward of $20/hour, I would not be a shopper.
I don't hold any hostility to those who do take the low paying shops. Again, they exist. They shop. They do impact the rest of us, but I don't feel anger toward them. They set their boundaries, I set mine. I am never going to take those low paying shops. MSC's are not going to stop trying to get them filled for that. It just is what it is.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2010 04:59AM by dee shops.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2010 04:59AM by dee shops.
ShopUntilYouDrop Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you guys don't stop fighting, I will have no
> choice but to retain the insecure little man from
> Tucson to bring some law and order to this forum.
>
It took me this long to figure out that you meant the "V-God." How dumb am I? I did not know where he is from.
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you guys don't stop fighting, I will have no
> choice but to retain the insecure little man from
> Tucson to bring some law and order to this forum.
>
It took me this long to figure out that you meant the "V-God." How dumb am I? I did not know where he is from.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
I have never had the pleasure of meeting "the man from Tucson" but I really am curioius. You know who else is from Tucson - Lori Kern. I have had the "pleasure" of meeting her.
Totally off-topic I know.
I have said it before, others have said it before (in this thread here) - as a shopper it is up to US to decide what we are worth and to only work for that price. What I get frustrated with is people that do not take the time to figure out the cost of doing a shop, the price they will be paid - and the difference. Simple accounting here folks - but it seems to escape some people (not necessarily the people here - please do not take offense!)
It is not up to me to tell Sally Shopper how much she is worth. If she has done the math and determines that the $1 shop makes financial sense to her - than great. All I ask is that she do the math. Obviously those of us living in higher dollar areas are often going to need a higher per hour compensation, so there is no way for us to set "fixed prices" - too many variables.
I have said many times before - my per hour wage is $50 per hour. I will not shop unless I get a fee or a reimbursement in a product that I value worth $50 per hour. Others may have a lower or higher threshold, that is not my business... Like Steve said, I would not shop at all if there were not shops out there that netted me my necessary wage per hour.
Totally off-topic I know.
I have said it before, others have said it before (in this thread here) - as a shopper it is up to US to decide what we are worth and to only work for that price. What I get frustrated with is people that do not take the time to figure out the cost of doing a shop, the price they will be paid - and the difference. Simple accounting here folks - but it seems to escape some people (not necessarily the people here - please do not take offense!)
It is not up to me to tell Sally Shopper how much she is worth. If she has done the math and determines that the $1 shop makes financial sense to her - than great. All I ask is that she do the math. Obviously those of us living in higher dollar areas are often going to need a higher per hour compensation, so there is no way for us to set "fixed prices" - too many variables.
I have said many times before - my per hour wage is $50 per hour. I will not shop unless I get a fee or a reimbursement in a product that I value worth $50 per hour. Others may have a lower or higher threshold, that is not my business... Like Steve said, I would not shop at all if there were not shops out there that netted me my necessary wage per hour.
opinions Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would like to add my 2 cents on the $1 shops....
> when you are disabled, retired and not really
> feeling like going out, the phone shops from home
> are a godsend. at least it is something I can
> still do!
>
> I'm not sure if I am in group #2, but sometimes
> that $20.00 in the middle of the month buys gas
> and pet food in the middle of the month, when SSDI
> only pays on the third. once a month. So in a
> way, I find it a necessity to have some income for
> the next month. I try to do shops where I don't
> have to buy anything. Just a hour or so of my
> time.
There is nothing wrong with this, despite how others have misinterpretted what I stated in my posts. I might do the same in your shoes. I am not there. I work teaching as a college adjunct, have huge loans to pay off, and I get paid CRAP. I NEED the money I make MSing as much as you do. I do not put you in "group 2." If you are here, reading, and doing what you need to do as you need the money, you do NOT fit the demographic I referenced, which specifically was bored folks who do not need the money they earn. You apparently need the $, even if only one. I am lucky enough to not have to do those shops, but not lucky enough to be able to not shop, as making ends meet in HI is a huge task, and gaining anything close to the lifestyle I used to have when I worked for "real money" in the Silicon Valley, before returning to college and becoming a teacher, means I want the lifestyle enhancements that high end dining assignments afford me.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would like to add my 2 cents on the $1 shops....
> when you are disabled, retired and not really
> feeling like going out, the phone shops from home
> are a godsend. at least it is something I can
> still do!
>
> I'm not sure if I am in group #2, but sometimes
> that $20.00 in the middle of the month buys gas
> and pet food in the middle of the month, when SSDI
> only pays on the third. once a month. So in a
> way, I find it a necessity to have some income for
> the next month. I try to do shops where I don't
> have to buy anything. Just a hour or so of my
> time.
There is nothing wrong with this, despite how others have misinterpretted what I stated in my posts. I might do the same in your shoes. I am not there. I work teaching as a college adjunct, have huge loans to pay off, and I get paid CRAP. I NEED the money I make MSing as much as you do. I do not put you in "group 2." If you are here, reading, and doing what you need to do as you need the money, you do NOT fit the demographic I referenced, which specifically was bored folks who do not need the money they earn. You apparently need the $, even if only one. I am lucky enough to not have to do those shops, but not lucky enough to be able to not shop, as making ends meet in HI is a huge task, and gaining anything close to the lifestyle I used to have when I worked for "real money" in the Silicon Valley, before returning to college and becoming a teacher, means I want the lifestyle enhancements that high end dining assignments afford me.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
Ok, I'm new to mystery shopping and I am one of those retirees. However, I do see the sense in setting a standard, below which one will not do the shop. I have started this already. Yes, I have done some of the, "mouse droppings" type shops, but as time goes on I eliminate more and more companies who consistently pay little or nothing fees. Already when they try and slip one by like I agreed to the shop, I stand firm and refuse to do it. I have started setting categories, ie Near Home, 30 miles and Fees $30.00 and above. Want to guess which one gets the most attention? I agree, the low fee game is one that needs to change. I don't do shops for food and I don't work for points. Like the main said, "Show me the money!" I often wonder if the MSCs often operate on the cusp of bankruptcy, here today and gone tomorrow. I do not negotiate fees, I set my standard and stick to it. I have found if I do so, most times the MSC finally realizes the fee has to be bumped or the job "ain't" gonna get done. If they want to run around looking for someone who will work for nothing, so be it. I don't have the time to waste in working with companies that want to cheat the ones who help them stay alive. Yes, even at this early stage, I have started to boycott the cheap skates and concentrate on the ones who are willing to pay a fair fee. Can it change overall? I don't know. I do know what I'm willing to work for however or not work for. I won't work for anyone unless it's as an independent contractor, at least that way I maintain some control. If you want to jump on board as an employee, go to work for Walmart, they pay slave wages but at least you know you will have a paycheck at the end of the month. Not for me. I will not sale my sole to a second rate, cheap out operation just so I can see a check stub at the end of the month. Unions almost always tend to reap more than they sow and wind up costing members far more than they get for for their followers in return. No thank you, I'll negotiate my own terms or sit at home and watch soap operas. Just for the record, I'm not in this as a side game I need the money also, but I'm not going to take on a project just to say I did it. It has to put money in my pocket not take it out. As are the companies, I am in a business also and I don't work for crumbs when a fair fee can be had. No, I'm sure I don't get as many jobs as the low end rat, but at least I can justify my time and effort at the end of the day or I'll go get my pole and catch a few fish instead.
Wes229 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok, I'm new to mystery shopping and I am one of
> those retirees. However, I do see the sense in
> setting a standard, below which one will not do
> the shop. I have started this already. Yes, I
> have done some of the, "mouse droppings" type
> shops, but as time goes on I eliminate more and
> more companies who consistently pay little or
> nothing fees. Already when they try and slip one
> by like I agreed to the shop, I stand firm and
> refuse to do it. I have started setting
> categories, ie Near Home, 30 miles and Fees $30.00
> and above. Want to guess which one gets the most
> attention? I agree, the low fee game is one that
> needs to change. I don't do shops for food and I
> don't work for points. Like the main said, "Show
> me the money!" I often wonder if the MSCs often
> operate on the cusp of bankruptcy, here today and
> gone tomorrow. I do not negotiate fees, I set my
> standard and stick to it. I have found if I do
> so, most times the MSC finally realizes the fee
> has to be bumped or the job "ain't" gonna get
> done. If they want to run around looking for
> someone who will work for nothing, so be it. I
> don't have the time to waste in working with
> companies that want to cheat the ones who help
> them stay alive. Yes, even at this early stage, I
> have started to boycott the cheap skates and
> concentrate on the ones who are willing to pay a
> fair fee. Can it change overall? I don't know.
> I do know what I'm willing to work for however or
> not work for. I won't work for anyone unless it's
> as an independent contractor, at least that way I
> maintain some control. If you want to jump on
> board as an employee, go to work for Walmart, they
> pay slave wages but at least you know you will
> have a paycheck at the end of the month. Not for
> me. I will not sale my sole to a second rate,
> cheap out operation just so I can see a check stub
> at the end of the month. Unions almost always
> tend to reap more than they sow and wind up
> costing members far more than they get for for
> their followers in return. No thank you, I'll
> negotiate my own terms or sit at home and watch
> soap operas. Just for the record, I'm not in this
> as a side game I need the money also, but I'm not
> going to take on a project just to say I did it.
> It has to put money in my pocket not take it out.
> As are the companies, I am in a business also and
> I don't work for crumbs when a fair fee can be
> had. No, I'm sure I don't get as many jobs as the
> low end rat, but at least I can justify my time
> and effort at the end of the day or I'll go get my
> pole and catch a few fish instead.
If you are new to this game, you are also smart to the game.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok, I'm new to mystery shopping and I am one of
> those retirees. However, I do see the sense in
> setting a standard, below which one will not do
> the shop. I have started this already. Yes, I
> have done some of the, "mouse droppings" type
> shops, but as time goes on I eliminate more and
> more companies who consistently pay little or
> nothing fees. Already when they try and slip one
> by like I agreed to the shop, I stand firm and
> refuse to do it. I have started setting
> categories, ie Near Home, 30 miles and Fees $30.00
> and above. Want to guess which one gets the most
> attention? I agree, the low fee game is one that
> needs to change. I don't do shops for food and I
> don't work for points. Like the main said, "Show
> me the money!" I often wonder if the MSCs often
> operate on the cusp of bankruptcy, here today and
> gone tomorrow. I do not negotiate fees, I set my
> standard and stick to it. I have found if I do
> so, most times the MSC finally realizes the fee
> has to be bumped or the job "ain't" gonna get
> done. If they want to run around looking for
> someone who will work for nothing, so be it. I
> don't have the time to waste in working with
> companies that want to cheat the ones who help
> them stay alive. Yes, even at this early stage, I
> have started to boycott the cheap skates and
> concentrate on the ones who are willing to pay a
> fair fee. Can it change overall? I don't know.
> I do know what I'm willing to work for however or
> not work for. I won't work for anyone unless it's
> as an independent contractor, at least that way I
> maintain some control. If you want to jump on
> board as an employee, go to work for Walmart, they
> pay slave wages but at least you know you will
> have a paycheck at the end of the month. Not for
> me. I will not sale my sole to a second rate,
> cheap out operation just so I can see a check stub
> at the end of the month. Unions almost always
> tend to reap more than they sow and wind up
> costing members far more than they get for for
> their followers in return. No thank you, I'll
> negotiate my own terms or sit at home and watch
> soap operas. Just for the record, I'm not in this
> as a side game I need the money also, but I'm not
> going to take on a project just to say I did it.
> It has to put money in my pocket not take it out.
> As are the companies, I am in a business also and
> I don't work for crumbs when a fair fee can be
> had. No, I'm sure I don't get as many jobs as the
> low end rat, but at least I can justify my time
> and effort at the end of the day or I'll go get my
> pole and catch a few fish instead.
If you are new to this game, you are also smart to the game.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
"It took me this long to figure out that you meant the "V-God." How dumb am I? I did not know where he is from."
Yes, Dee, he is easily found on FaceBook, neatly trimmed little beard and all. And I refuse to refer to him as V-God because he has some sort of problem with a reference to his site. Volition, Volition, Volition.......
I kinda sound like a kid who just learned a new naughty word, huh?
Yes, Dee, he is easily found on FaceBook, neatly trimmed little beard and all. And I refuse to refer to him as V-God because he has some sort of problem with a reference to his site. Volition, Volition, Volition.......
I kinda sound like a kid who just learned a new naughty word, huh?
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