@MFJohnston wrote:

@SoCalMama
We are definitely different people.

True.

I'm within about 20 places that I could shop on my one hour lunch break though. I'd rather have somebody else pay for lunch and do a 10 minute write-up when I get home.

90% of my commute is at 85 MPH, so not too bad. It's the reason that I bought out my new car from the lease. It drives really nice at high speed on a flat open road. I'm going against traffic both ways to work.

@MFJohnston

I know this is the wrong thread but I was curious if you had an update on the student you posted about.

I urge you to shop your area for a while and see if the numbers work for you before making any decisions. I can usually pull in $400 a month with mostly small bonused jobs (I've been shopping 3 years and haven't built any relationships with schedules that reward me with big $ no matter how many favors I've done or times I've helped them when in a bind). Our accountant regularly points out that my work is not cost effective and he's perplexed why I continue. I used to do a ton of the $12 postal shops in nice compact routes of 4 or 5 jobs that worked out to decent money. Recently I'm only getting picked for about one or two out of 10 jobs requested. This means driving 30+ min. each way for $12 or $24. When you consider the time to prep the package, do the shop, submit the report/input into my database as well as gas, my accountant is right, I'm making money and losing it.

Hi there, it is definitely possible to earn $500, I started out only making 7-40 a month early last year now almost a year later now that I got more serious I'm making about 350-600 a month. I would love to make 1000 a month however I don't have a car. If you have a car the car shops pay generally well $25-50 or the Home price checks (that no one in my area EVER wants to do lol)

Also be prepared to do a variety of shops: yes even phone, email and in person. Plus price checks but the pay is so low but I saw one going for about $322 but you needed to scan 1000 items O_o plus the glaring eye as you price check for their competitors prices. They said 100 items in 1 hour so, this would take about 10 hours and approximately $32 a hour and red eyes.

Route shopping and video recording shows are where the big money remains so if you can get some camera equipment or rent some that would help significantly.

My only problem is that alot of shops are reimbursement shops and I HATE credit card shops, they always want you to force you to buy something as "proof". Don't they make enough money on top of that they will take 2 months to get anything. I need money now lol I need money at least every month. The only one I found that doesn't require a 'small purchase' was IPSOS! Love them. You do one, you get good and get the others. The Editors are so kind, I was sick one time and they extended my shop NO problems or questions!

It is realistic because I stay at home with small child and don’t take on many shops and I average age more than that. You will get some $8 shops or even less. Like you said, they may be necessary to establish the relationship with the scheduler and the company. I think your attitude, realistic expectations and willingness to do $8 shops will help you along the way. Good luck!

Yes, being in your face and assertive is important. Closed mouths DO NOT get fed lol If you want to be shy, this is NOT the job for you. Build rapport, you will be working with these people closely, shouldn't you take the time to know them and ask them questions pertaining to your shops?

I find I have the most success when I build rapport and then request several shops at once. I have gotten assigned 4, 5, 6, 8 shops at a time because I asked. If you want to be serious, you sorta have to be greedy lol

Helps prevent shop f*ck ups at least they give you a chance, know you BY name and know how reliable you are.

I email my schedulers alot (but not to the point of irritation) and because they know I'm actively looking for jobs and I've proven myself to their company, they are more likely to choose you. Also if your really detailed to the point of exhaustion it helps. Again I find mystery shopping companies, like opinionated people! You cannot sit on the 'fence', choose a side...lukewarm attitude is often a sign of indecisiveness. Even if the shop went terribly wrong, I tell the truth.

Since this one of my main jobs, I take it upon myself to do the best I can in the time period. I rarely do reimbursement shops unless it is from a PROVEN and RELIABLE company. I have been burned by sketchy companies. Unless it is a food shop or a return clothing shop. I do not even bother.

If you grocery shop a few times a week, I suggest Field agent (though I have mixed feelings) you can pick up a few picture shops for 3.50. I use it as something extra to do if in the area or close to my home. I never would drive out to get only 3.50? You probably spend more on gas sheesh.

When you're first starting out, do what you need to to build rapport with schedulers. They have hundreds of shoppers -- make yourself stand out. Include a silly (non-offensive) joke with your emails, or a dumb cat picture. Better yet, do them a favor. "Hey, I know it's the end of the month and you really need to get this done. It's not really going to be a moneymaker for me, but I'm happy to help you out." Then REMIND THEM next time you apply. "I'm the one who took Timbuktu last month; these four shops are closer to me. Do you think I could get assigned a route?" etc.

Some short-sighted schedulers have no people skills and won't care. Others understand the value of relationships and will eventually start contacting you instead of the other way around. Keep a list. I'll bend over backward for a few of them because I know they'll catch me up with the great shops when they can.