I try to look at a job holistically. If I sign up for a job, I may have to wait around until I hear I got it. I need to read the instructions, print them out, plan the trip, and perhaps dress correctly. This can take an hour. If multiples are involved, the initial time can be split out over them all. I must then get there. That may take a half hour, unless i have other business nearby. Jobs have averaged a half hour to an hour. Somer require a second trip. I drive home and can take a half hour up to two hours in writing out narratives, making sure I have long enough sentences for a yes/no question, convert photos in the way the company wants them, and reviews the work. I may get a phone call or email that I need to address.
I need to track my time and mileage and other information for taxes. I need to track payments and to be certain I'm reimbursed.
I have always multitasked and get more done in a day than others. Yet it still takes about 2-3 hours minimum or the job. If I have to certify or get clarification on confusing directions, or even sign up for a new agency, a job could take up to six hours.
I could choose to work as a cashier, or at a fast food joint, dog walker, or dishwasher or street sweeper and get paid the Federal Minimum wage of $7.25 up to $12/hour dependent upon each state. And I would not need to pay 15% Social Security.
I don't have a pHD. I don't perform Neurosurgery. But my time is still worth something. I look at the time that will be involved, an I have decided if I net under $10/hr, it is not worth my time. I'd rather sleep in, read or clean. If I needed the money, I would pick up a part-time job--even Target now pays $13/hour all over.
A job will take a minimum of 2 hours if it's not too far or complicated. $4 with a bonus of a dollar is an insult. I don't say to the agency--I may say I only can squeeze in one or two a week and am selective. Now there are also agencies that have little respect for one's time. I had recently received over one dozen requests to do a job (along with everyone else, I imagine.) I contacted the scheduler to ask more. The scheduler required I register, upload photos of myself, provide a writing sample, and take two certifications. After bank information and social security number and a day of waiting, I was able to sign up for the job. Then the detailed instructions required that I had to own a certain brand of a certain product. I wrote the scheduler asking why that wasn't in the original invitation. The reply was that I could remove my name from the mailing list. I know not every criteria can be placed in the emails, but fewer than 2/100 in the US would own this. Taking up hours of someone's time on a wild goose chase shows complete disregard for those people
I've been in sales. There are a few exceptions, but if I want someone to buy something or do something, I try to understand their needs. Have you noticed that the schedulers are always asking for help and saying, 'I need" or "Help me out."? I would listen to a charity asking for help, but if T-Mobile wants me to buy a new phone so they make more profit, I'd hang up the phone. How can an industry in the business of improving customer service treat their partners like this?
The agencies that would pay more would be able to work with the best shoppers, would be able to plan better, get better reports and reduce editing. Their clients would be happier with superior information.
The only possible reason for this would be to increase market share, and then raise prices again. The owners are making far less money and working much harder because of this myopic view. The business is ripe for disruption, and MSCs will go the way of the big bookstores, realtors, travel agencies, and taxi companies.
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