Has anyone noticed that fees are increasing?

I've noticed a slow trend of fees increasing within the past year. Has it to do with with the low unemployment of 4.4%? Perhaps there is not enough mystery shoppers since there is such a high demand for workers atm and MSCs can't pay enough to attract shoppers.

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For example, I see shops that are normally $8 and now they are $10, a 25% increase!!!

I have not seen an increase in fees in my area

MSPA Gold Certified 2003

I have seen a decrease.

Live consciously....

I'm moving to your area!

Decreases here, DavePi.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

Outside of more agressive bonuses for close or expired deadlines, I see lower fees and worse, dropped fees.

My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.

When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson

Dave, are you stirring the pot again?

I've cooked food in a pot today, yes.

LOL. Ahh, Dave, Dave, Dave, what are we going to do with you.

Accept me and let it happen. ;D

Oh, I'd never try to stop you. Too amusing. At times.

You are entertaining Dave, lol. Keep it up.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/17/2017 03:36AM by Madetoshop.

Maybe Dave is seeing that Big Box laptop shop where the starting fee of $25 has had a "HUGE" bonus added of an additional $25....not too bad! A 50% Bonus!! NOT! Not until you read the shop....have to purchase AND RETURN a LAPTOP!!! NO THANKS!! Those types of "fee increases" are there for a reason, Dave!

No, I think Dave was throwing out some bait to see who would bite, LOL.

Wonder if Dave has been hanging around "HAL" lately, and has been given a new perspective on the rates we see for many MS jobs! (Below are quotes from 2001 Space Odyssey)

HAL: By the way, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?
Dave: No not at all.
HAL: Well, forgive me for being so inquisitive but during the past few weeks I've wondered whether you might have some second thoughts about the mission.
Dave: How do you mean?
HAL: Well, it's rather difficult to define. Perhaps I'm just projecting my own concern about it.I know I've never completely freed myself from the suspicion that there are some extremely odd things about this mission. I'm sure you agree there's some truth in what I say.
Dave: Well, I don't know, that's a rather difficult question to answer.
HAL: You don't mind talking about it, do you Dave?
Dave: No, not at all.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/18/2017 02:49AM by guysmom.

Will I dream?

Well, I have noticed that one of my bank shops have increased by a fin on the sales and the platform.

@DavePi wrote:

For example, I see shops that are normally $8 and now they are $10, a 25% increase!!!

That's one way to look at it. Another way would be that a MSC has offered two pathetically low fees to compete a shop neither of which is worth the shopper's consideration.

I have also seen most reimbursement dining shops stay the same for years even though the menu prices have steadily increased.

I have not seen ANY shop fees that have increased. I have seen many that have decreased and many that remained the same price after guidelines increased the number of requirements, pictures, etc.

Same here. I have had MANY shops that I've done for 10 years and they pay the exact same amount today. I have seen NO increases that I can think of. I had one of my favorite shops decrease from a reimbursement of $30 (bought TONS of their products over the years for my grandkids) to a reimbursement of $20 with a $5 fee. The only "increases" are bonuses. I have also gotten a bit bolder in the past year as I am now restricted to being very choosy about what jobs I take due to being my elderly Mom's live in caretaker, so I ask for bonuses and I'm surprised at how often they say yes!!

I was also going to add that I have also seen some businesses (casual dining, furniture, car wash and others) go with another MSC and often their rate drops or the requirements change greatly.

Yeah, and some of MF shop fees have decreased. Most shop fees have not changed, but as the shopper becomes more savvy and proficient, the chances or getting a bonus HAVE increased.

@cjbstar wrote:

I have not seen ANY shop fees that have increased. I have seen many that have decreased and many that remained the same price after guidelines increased the number of requirements, pictures, etc.

Kinesis increased some of their fees, so kudos to them.

Latest fee drop is for the Lego store - they used to be snatched up immediately, but they cut the reimbursement by a third and now they're having to send out emails for recruitment.

"Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree? Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you - and why?” ~Walter Williams

the only "increases" I've seen have been the end of the month or quarter incentive increases.

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