I see these on a particular MSCs job board, and I'm curious....what does it entail. Is a purchase required? Is the fee shown on the web page partially used for any purchase?? What would be tested?? The web site only allows you to check if you are interested, but gives no details about the job whatsoever, as far as I can see or find. Any info appreciated! TIA!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2018 12:50AM by guysmom.

I LOVE THESE!! I did a ton of them and would love to do them again.

Yes I’d love to know what the job entails as well... they asked me to do them but they said a route of 50 and I didn’t want to commit to anything with that many because I mainly just shop on weekends due to my full time job M-F... were they relatively quick and easy?

It depends on whether you get the test card part or not, but if you’re only doing the signage, it is primarily quick and easy. 3 minutes on the easiest ones, 15 on the ones that need a sales pitch, basically. Then the report is a total breeze.

I liked them so much that I’d be willing to drive to neighboring states and do them.

@Rhondabryant wrote:

It depends on whether you get the test card part or not, but if you’re only doing the signage, it is primarily quick and easy. 3 minutes on the easiest ones, 15 on the ones that need a sales pitch, basically. Then the report is a total breeze.

When you say "sales pitch", what does that entail?? I ask because several years ago I worked for a company where we had to go check and see if Discover signage was up, and if not, ask if they were interested in accepting Discover cards. The pay was pitiful and I quit doing those. The pay looks pretty reasonable for these, though. But I don't understand about the "test card" portion....does the MSC send you a Discover card to use??? How does that work? TIA

I did the signage, and I agree -- easy peasy.

For the testing cards, they send them to you. I wasted 6 hours on printing/studying the guidelines, taking the test, e-mailing the scheduler and trying to map a route. Because you can't plan a route until you pass the test!

Then I figured with the distance I had to drive, not being able to use the app to immediately report (the shops were where I KNOW my cell phone won't work!), I would end up basically paying them for the privilege of working my you-know-what off for perhaps a week (they say a shopper can do 20-40 of these a day. Heck, I couldn't DRIVE to 20 of them a day!). There is a small reimbursement for the required purchase, depending on the location (you're required to buy the "cheapest" item available. Good grief. I could spend all of a day just looking for what's cheapest for 20 shops, LOL!).

Yes, I realize 50-75 of these shops are in one city. But it's a city I've never been in, they won't pay for parking (or maybe they will, with a receipt; I'm not sure I remember), I HATE cities, especially the ones I've never been to (just traffic, you understand; I have no other objection to cities).

Just wouldn't pay if you only get 20 done in a day, and spend the entire pittance you earn on a reasonable hotel. Then gas and eats, too.

And if you do them this week, you'll have a looooong wait for your pay -- first week in November.

That's just my experience; YMMV.

I've heard this MSC offers bonuses; I asked about that, and got a resounding "NO!"

Thanks for so much info, Cease! That's kind of what my impression was, based on info about this MSC and this particular job under the Mystery Shopping Company Discussion part of the Forum. I don't want to get saddled with 50 of these. 5 or 10 would be OK, as long as they were in my area. For now, I think I'll pass.

On the Rivera, I only did the signage part. It really was simple. I only had 10 to do, so it's quite possible you could pick up a local route.

The test card one was an entirely different program. That's the one I wasted all the time on. That one would be assigned in routes of 50, with the option to pick up more routes when you complete the first one. I think that particular program is done.

I can recommend the Rivera -- as long as it's not the testing cards one.

The test card program is still around but has a new name. I just picked up about 65 and hope more come up that I can group together for a nice route.
They send you cards, you go into a store and take an item to the register. Attempt to purchase with the cards, which will decline and note the specific decline message the terminal gives.
It's easy once you do a few.

I am doing a few of these shops this week. Any suggestions for what to say when I use the “Test” Card since it has the words a ”Test Card” printed on it? ....thanks in advance.

YIKES!! It has "test card" printed on it?

Well, if you swipe the card yourself, the cashier/clerk will never even see your card. But if you hand it to them, they'll see that.

Ask the company that you're working with.

I did 5 shops today and not one of the bartenders asked abut it!!! I just asked if they could try both cards, I wasn’t sure if there was any funds left on either of them, they were all nice and didn’t mind at all. It was a little akward but quick and easy after I got through the first one. I’d do more of these for sure.

Thanks for the update.