@Youllneverknow wrote:
I object to the schedulers covering up for the low pay by using works like "Fun and exciting" or "yummy"
@bgriffin wrote:
@roflwofl wrote:
And I think 95% of the MSCs would probably be delighted to have all mystery shoppers who do it as a hobby and don't need the money rather than "professional mystery shoppers."
That's true for a lot, but I don't think it's anything close to 95%. For instance there is a major gas client who used to have a requirement that 50% of their shops were done by dedicated auditors. (full disclosure I don't know that it was 50%, but I'm fairly certain, I do, however, know there was a percentage) My 2 biggest end clients also have dedicated shoppers and they are very picky about who they are.
@cjbstar wrote:
Sobroke - Social Security is not a government entitlement program. The amount of social security a senior collects is based on the amount of their wages withheld by the government over the course of their working career. They are receiving their own money that was withheld. The government kept all the interest earned on their money. Far from entitlement. You might learn something with a little research. We will all be seniors at some point in time if we are fortunate to live that long.
@bgriffin wrote:
I have increased my profit every single year I have been a mystery shopper. Not necessarily by a lot, but by some every year. My after tax profit is roughly what I was making in the IT industry. You wanna talk about fees dropping, that industry is crazy.
If all you're doing is taking base pay shops off the board you're not gonna make any money. I ignore 99% of those and most people should too.
As for the end client knowing how much we're paid. Why should they care? When you hire a lawn care company do you ask them how much they pay their workers? I don't. I couldn't possibly care less. I want the best price for acceptable work. That's what they want too.
@shopperbob wrote:
MFJ shares: MSC's are going to try to maximize their profits. One way of doing so is to minimize expenses. They are going to offer as little compensation as they can in order to get their shops done.
* Every one of us has different financial needs and situations. We are going to take jobs that work for us and help us to meet our needs, whatever they are.
* If somebody's needs are met by doing a job for half what I would do it for, that's good for them and the MSC. I can choose to work for less or seek out better-paying opportunities. Either way, it's not my place to tell the other shopper what do/not to do.
Bob's comment: That says it in a nutshell! Folks, try to think as a self-employed contractor, as opposed to an employee.
@roflwofl wrote:
@jameschicago wrote:
I wish those people who do mystery shopping for fun or whatever would find another means by which to have their fun. Furthermore, one would think that the mystery shopping companies would want their clients to think that mystery shopping is valuable by paying more money to the people who are doing the mystery shopping.
I disagree. I think those who are doing the work they love - not working for the money - may be some of the most detailed and dedicated workers there are. In many cases, I would say they are willing to spend an extra amount of time on preparation and on completing the report that someone who is concerned about how much per hour he is making would not be willing to spend. Not just talking about mystery shopping here, I'm talking about anybody who loves their job. And I think 95% of the MSCs would probably be delighted to have all mystery shoppers who do it as a hobby and don't need the money rather than "professional mystery shoppers." Most companies want "the average customer" who looks at a shop with fresh eyes rather than a pro who has done 20 locations of the same company and the same shop. Let's face it, there are some difficult, detailed shops that require high level performance, but most mystery shops are so easy anybody could do them.
@jameschicago wrote:
@bgriffin wrote:
@roflwofl wrote:
And I think 95% of the MSCs would probably be delighted to have all mystery shoppers who do it as a hobby and don't need the money rather than "professional mystery shoppers."
That's true for a lot, but I don't think it's anything close to 95%. For instance there is a major gas client who used to have a requirement that 50% of their shops were done by dedicated auditors. (full disclosure I don't know that it was 50%, but I'm fairly certain, I do, however, know there was a percentage) My 2 biggest end clients also have dedicated shoppers and they are very picky about who they are.
An evaluation can mean whether the person shopped will keep their job.
If I found out that the people evaluating me were doing it for fun, either has a hobby or for very little pay, I would be really ticked off. I would let my employer know how much I was ticked off. I would hope that my employer would be ticked off too.
You hit the nail right on the head there, Coffee!! As a senior looking to supplement my Soc Sec, I do this on a very part-time basis (~ $200-$300/month), but I do it VERY seriously and with all the integrity I have inside of me!!@CoffeeQueen wrote:
It doesn't matter WHY someone is making observations, I.e. for a hobby or for the money, it matters that they are accurate. That is a function of personal integrity and work ethic.