Argghhhhh, going to leave the company name out of this until I have completed the shops, not sure if they peruse this site..anyway I signed up for about 5 shops around a month ago and each shop was bonused 10 dollars for each one, I got approved for every single one around a month ago, bonus included..This has never been an issue with other mscs, you just apply and bonus is automatically included with the shop, so I've never emailed the scheduler with other mscs for proof, because it's never been an issue.. Anyway, today I'm prepping my notes etc before making the visit to the locations today,scheduled for 2 of them today (haven't done the visit yet),anyway I log out when I'm done but then it occurs to me, I don't see the 10 dollar bonuses listed on any of the shops I applied for and got approved, unfortunately it's too late in the day to get ahold of the scheduler so have to perform this regardless as the flat fee is decent for what it entails...

Just so odd, and I don't have a way to prove the bonus was there when I applied, lesson learned I will be emailing the schedulers from now on to confirm the bonuses

if the MSC fixes this, I'll continue shopping for them, but if they don't I will be unsubscribing from them and I will let you all know who the msc is, might be awhile though for an update as I want to make sure I'm at least paid the flat fee first and it's in my account just in case they do read this forum...

@dawnhu wrote:

Just so odd, and I don't have a way to prove the bonus was there when I applied, lesson learned I will be emailing the schedulers from now on to confirm the bonuses.

Why don't you have proof?

@SueGraftonFan, because it's never been an issue before, first time it's happened to me.. From now on I will be emailing the schedulers to confirm the bonuses......When I applied they had the fee plus the bonus listed on my shop log and now shops are just showing in my shop log with only the fee listed now, no bonus anywhere, and yes I know it sounds bizarre, but that is what is happening...........bonuses even listed after I confirmed a month ago, but now they aren't there..

I would go ahead an shoot the scheduler an email anyways, just so she/he has a head's up. And you never know, you may get an answer today.

Dawn - every time I see your posts I think of my scheduler, also Dawn whose last name starts with “Hu”. I assume that you are not her tho.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/2018 09:44PM by kenasch.

@kenasch, no not same person..;-), good news is double checked my email, and bonus plus shop fee is listed on the email they send out after you apply and once they approve you and then you have to confirm that email. I did reach out to the scheduler, I know it's a small detail but I like to have the bonus and the shop fee listed in my shop log..wondering what the scheduler will say...

wow, so scheduler is stating bonuses got removed for August,and an email was sent out in July about it, but I never received that email....grrrrr guess I'm stuck doing the shops, like I said flat fee is okay for what it entails. Once that flat fee is in my bank account though I will be removing myself from this msc..maybe it was a situation out of their control but not chancing it on future shops with them...

Oh, that really stinks Dawnhu, I'm sorry

Gosh. Sucks. Frankly, I would refuse to do the shops unless they reinstated the bonus. You accepted the shops WITH the bonus, and the bonus was confirmed in the e-mail (if I read your post correctly).

Earlier this week, a scheduler called me and asked if I'd do a shop for $50. I said sure, I'll head that way right this minute! Five minutes later, she called me back and said, sorry. It was refused, because I had done the same shop before for $40. The next morning, the shop was still there. I called her back and told her I'd do it for $50, and another shop for $125. She said I didn't have a chance. I said, do me a favor, send it in anyway. They're both deadlining today, and I'm the only shopper around who is willing to do them. Both were approved immediately. I absolutely would NOT do the shop for $40 when SHE mentioned $50 right off the bat!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/2018 09:18PM by ceasesmith.

I am guessing that if you saw those shops in July they were end of the month shops and you have the same location for August they’re not bonused for August yet?

I completely agree with ceasesmith; I NEVER head south where fees are concerned, but, I can afford to take that stance. I do understand there are shoppers who must swallow their pride and take what is offered. For those who feel MSCs are unfair, though, understand that business dictates each party seek the most for the least.

@dawnhu wrote:

wow, so scheduler is stating bonuses got removed for August,and an email was sent out in July about it, but I never received that email....grrrrr guess I'm stuck doing the shops, like I said flat fee is okay for what it entails.

Dawn, you accepted these shops under the agreement -- in writing -- that they paid a $10 bonus for the dates on which you were assigned. That constituted a bi-lateral contract. Once the bonuses were removed unilaterally by the MSC, without your agreement to still do the shops, the contract is no longer valid. Regardless of whether or not they sent an e-mail or you got it, you really don't have to do them. If you're going to deactivate yourself anyway, if it were me, I'd cancel any remaining ones you have left. But if the base fee is acceptable and you honestly don't mind doing them, then that's different. But I'd be very jaded going into one of these shops under these circumstances.

thanks so much for the replies everyone...although I'm super irritated about this whole situation, I've decided to go ahead and complete my remaining shops; the actual shop itself isn't that bad and the flat fee is reasonable in my opinion for what is required...unfortunately I pulled a rookie mistake, applying for a bunch of shops when you are brand new to the company to test the waters first, so at this point instead of losing a a small amount of money if I refuse to do this job, (If I had signed up for just one) at this point If I pull out now I'm out over 100 dollars.

@SoCalMama-actually no, when I applied in late June, early July-time frame job was listed for August 2018, and fee and bonuses were included with the posting.

@BirdyC-thanks for that point, believe me, I'm extremely jaded with this company now, looks like I will have to start using my attitude towards mechanics with the msc's. If I use a mechanic and I figure out later, they charged me too much, etc. I refuse to your services again and I will tell anyone who will listen to stay far away from your company..

@shopperbob-I will keep it in mind moving forward,thanks for the input...I just hope they aren't doing this to other shoppers...once the dust settles and at least the flat fee is in my bank account, I will share who the company is so other people know to avoid this msc if they choose to of course..

@Lauraphx-appreciate it thanks...

@ceasesmith-unfortunately there just isn't enough time for me to renegotiate with the scheduler, Since I signed up for so many at once I had planned to knock these out over a 2 day time span, today and Friday, and took time off work to make that happen (although they are paid days off thankfully)..also there is one additional one very close to my apartment I will knock out on Saturday, but the ones for Friday are about an hour from my apartment, on top of that time is limited because it requires a pre recorded phone call that has limited hours, and very short time span for a morning visit.They also have afternoon times allowed but trying to knock these out so I can be done with them and this company Aargh!!!!

I do appreciate all the feedback though and I will remember it when shopping other companies, on a good note I went to go see Mission Impossible today and really loved it, it was in a new theater and in a huge mall I wasn't aware of before and very close to where I live which means more shopping opportunities, definitely adding this city to my list when I'm searching for shops..

Good luck with them, Dawn, and it sounds like you are making lemonade out of lemons!

I wonder if you sent a very polite email informing them of your disappointment and that you will follow through with your commitment but will be deactivating after the shops are completed, maybe they would throw you a bone and at least give some sort of additional compensation (even if it's not the total bonus amount)? It's worth a try.

Yes, just because you've completed the shops doesn't mean you can't escalate to a higher authority.

Just copy and paste the e-mail stating that you were scheduled the shops WITH the bonus included, and respectfully and politely request your well deserved bonus!

I have been known to phrase it as "so the shopper has to follow all the rules, but the MSC does not?"

To echo a posting from above, this was a CONTRACT. You fulfilled your part, they need to fulfill their part.

Good luck.

" bonuses got removed for August,and an email was sent out in" WTH?!?

I hate to sound distrustful (LOL), but I wonder if these "bonuses" were added simply to get the shops filled, with the knowledge aforehand that those bonuses would get pulled once the shops were scheduled. Is that possible? The assumption on the part of the MSC being that shoppers would still feel obligated to do them.

Am I too much of an skeptic?

No - that can't be. If your shop ticket shows the bonused amount, that's what you should be paid for - no take backs. I would contest that up one side and down the other. I know you didn't want to name the MSC, but can I have a hint - shop job, sounds like, anything? This company will be going on the naughty list.

@Monk-N-Nut-in complete agreement here, I will be sending off an email etc to the higher ups, so let's see if they do anything before going on a naughty list and exactly I was in disbelief too, I just wish I would have noticed that they were removed the bonuses sooner.

@ceasesmith and @JASFLALMT really good idea, definitely worth a shot..how do I figure out who the higher up's are? I tried looking at the contact us page and my shop log and all it provides is the scheduler's email?

@BirdyC, honestly this is where my brain first went too, (Did they plan this all along?), even though it is a contract, one of the only reason's I'm completing the shops is I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and maybe they did send out an email and it just never got to me for some reason...on the other hand, things that probably should have sent out warning bells to me..if this company had this planned all along...

1.Shops are bonused at 10 dollars a pop for August when I applied to them in late June

2. Instructions are very contradictory..(maybe giving them the option to invalidate the shop if you decide to follow the wrong ones..just for an example the scenario listed on the shop itself do not match the scenario listed when you click on the guidelines where it specifies for August scenario

Just ask Google. I just typed in "Who is the CEO of Marketforce, Inc?" and it came right up. With e-mail address and everything.

For the MSC you're dealing with, of course; I just used MF 'cause....well, just 'cause.

And, of course, if you post the name here, one of the helpful members might already know.

You haven't mentioned the client by name, so I think you're A-OK to post the MSC.

And that MSC might be active here, and reach out directly.

You just never know!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2018 06:58PM by ceasesmith.

It almost sounds like the bonuses were put on by mistake and then they realized it and removed them. That is not good.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2018 07:50PM by pegleg2000.

If bonuses were put on August jobs in June, it sounds like a mistake to me. If you name the MSC, somebody here will surely know if this is a pattern with them.

Arrgh more headache with this one, got stuck in extremely heavy traffic on my way to one of these shops that is approximately an hour away from where I live, on a good note, the person wasn't there-all they had on the door was on the premises be back at 4p.m-in the guidelines all it says its wait for at least 15 minutes and if no one shows up, take a picture of the store hours and any mention of when they will return and the store name-so this one should be very easy just have to answer the questions about the pre recorded phone call. The bad thing is due to the heavy traffic, there was another one of these shops I was going to knock out today, but it was an hour drive even though it was 11 miles away, so that put me past 5p.m getting there and these have to be done before 5p.m, so have drive there again, grr to knock this one out on Saturday, thankfully the deadline is flexible on these, crossing fingers that the traffic on Saturday won't be as atrocious...

@SoCalMama and @pegleg2000-Actually this is what make the most sense, as soon as I have the money in my bank account from this company, I'll share who it is...

@ceasesmith-I'll try that and lol, no it isn't market force but the flat fee for these shops is much higher than what marketforce typically offers...

So pretty aggravated with this company. Admittedly part of this was my fault too. On the form it does say take a very clear picture of the front of store.It isn't like a big box store where employees can't see you. They are extremely small offices where employees can see you, and would see me taking a picture and know immediately that I was the shopper. On top of this all of the location are heavily recorded. So I made a judgement call and decided to take most of my shots pretty far away and in most of them you can see the front of the location. I decided to do it this way to make sure I don't give away that I'm a shopper. I have done this with other msc's in the past with no issues. I explained in great detail in my report of how the employees were situated and if I took the photos very close that I would give myself away as the shopper. So in addition to this they have stated that no business card was obtained. Nowhere in the guidelines does it state to obtain a business card; I reminded them of this also. We will see how it goes, but pretty sure none of these will be paid and just have to chalk it up to a learning lesson to only shop one shop when you are shopping a new company. I was going to try and email the CEO like some of you have stated but the CEO is the person who looked over my reports...which is a bit weird I know, very odd set up for this msc..

For those wondering, the msc is JMRidgway.

if you are a newbie or new to this company; I wouldn't immediately disregard them. I have heard other shoppers have had okay experiences with them. The only caution I would say is for them to email you they guidelines they expect of the shop, and if they refuse to do that, DO NOT DO THE SHOP!!!!

For me personally, I felt like the instructions for the scenario and the report were extremely contradictory; so make sure you know 100 percent exactly which set of instructions they want you to follow if they are contradictory before performing the shop.

Make sure to obtain a business card; even if they guidelines don't specify it.

Take pictures exactly as asked for; even if it will out you as the mystery shopper. In my case there was one store that only specified they wanted the store front, which I had a picture of, but one of the comments back was they need a clearer picture of the door; which wasn't specified in the guidelines.

@dawnhu wrote:

I signed up for about 5 shops around a month ago and each shop was bonused 10 dollars for each one, I got approved for every single one around a month ago, bonus included..This has never been an issue with other mscs, you just apply and bonus is automatically included with the shop, so I've never emailed the scheduler with other mscs for proof, because it's never been an issue.. Anyway, today I'm prepping my notes etc before making the visit to the locations today,scheduled for 2 of them today (haven't done the visit yet),anyway I log out when I'm done but then it occurs to me, I don't see the 10 dollar bonuses listed on any of the shops I applied for ..

Sadly, I have had something similar happen, though the original bonus arrangement was made in emails with
the scheduler, so I do have proof of the bonus offered. And it was a large amount because I was making a solo run to take care of an overdue assignment that hadn't been filled and due to its rural location, I couldn't pick up anything else to offset my expenses. LSS - later I see that I was not paid the agreed amount and when I asked the scheduler about it, I got a note back saying "Why didn't you ask me? I could have fixed it before it was through editing. Now there is nothing I can do." Hmmmnn - me thinking, "but you are the one that agreed to assign the shop with $X amount total pay, so why didn't you just set it up that way or fix it once you realized you hadn't?"

That was a very costly lesson - just have to keep an eye on everything, even the stuff others are supposed to do or say they will do.

@Pro Evals-Audits wrote:

@dawnhu wrote:

I signed up for about 5 shops around a month ago and each shop was bonused 10 dollars for each one, I got approved for every single one around a month ago, bonus included..This has never been an issue with other mscs, you just apply and bonus is automatically included with the shop, so I've never emailed the scheduler with other mscs for proof, because it's never been an issue.. Anyway, today I'm prepping my notes etc before making the visit to the locations today,scheduled for 2 of them today (haven't done the visit yet),anyway I log out when I'm done but then it occurs to me, I don't see the 10 dollar bonuses listed on any of the shops I applied for ..

Sadly, I have had something similar happen, though the original bonus arrangement was made in emails with
the scheduler, so I do have proof of the bonus offered. And it was a large amount because I was making a solo run to take care of an overdue assignment that hadn't been filled and due to its rural location, I couldn't pick up anything else to offset my expenses. LSS - later I see that I was not paid the agreed amount and when I asked the scheduler about it, I got a note back saying "Why didn't you ask me? I could have fixed it before it was through editing. Now there is nothing I can do." Hmmmnn - me thinking, "but you are the one that agreed to assign the shop with $X amount total pay, so why didn't you just set it up that way or fix it once you realized you hadn't?"

That was a very costly lesson - just have to keep an eye on everything, even the stuff others are supposed to do or say they will do.

That was unacceptable. The nerve of that scheduler.

Did you just leave it at that, or did you try to resolve the matter with a higher up?

@dawnhu wrote:

For those wondering, the msc is JMRidgway..

In my experience, Frank (boss) is blunt but fair. He also tends to stick to what has been agreed to literally. Many of their shops have poorly designed forms and unclear/contradictory guidelines. As for their schedulers, I find one of them to be very nice but tends to make mistakes, and another to be unreasonable and not very helpful.

Good luck.

@SueGraftonFan wrote:

That was unacceptable. The nerve of that scheduler.

Did you just leave it at that, or did you try to resolve the matter with a higher up?

I did not push it.

I do like the scheduler - very responsive, answers emails within a reasonable amount of time and one of the few that doesn't try to make me feel like I am stabbing them in the heart to ask for a bonus when I've been asked to drive 60+ miles out of my way.

However, when I was asked to do the same remote location again, and asked if I could do it without a large bonus, I said I would do it, but only for the amount agreed (but never received) the first time I handled it.

@dawnhu wrote:

So pretty aggravated with this company. Admittedly part of this was my fault too. On the form it does say take a very clear picture of the front of store.It isn't like a big box store where employees can't see you. They are extremely small offices where employees can see you, and would see me taking a picture and know immediately that I was the shopper. On top of this all of the location are heavily recorded. So I made a judgement call and decided to take most of my shots pretty far away and in most of them you can see the front of the location. I decided to do it this way to make sure I don't give away that I'm a shopper. I have done this with other msc's in the past with no issues. I explained in great detail in my report of how the employees were situated and if I took the photos very close that I would give myself away as the shopper.

Dawn, did you try cropping the photos in so that the front of the store was sized up so they could see it better? I've had to take storefront photos in a couple of cases from across the street so the employees wouldn't see me take them, so I totally "get" that situation. But with my cropping them in tight so that the front of the store is big and clear, and there's enough of what's to each side so that the MSC can I.D. the store as the right one, I've never had a problem. It depends on your phone's camera, too, but even before I got a phone with a better camera, I was able to do this.