I was using Field Agent and there was a hardware retail location close to where I live. I thought, I would try my luck...I did the shop close to where I live with NO problems (all got approved and credited). I did get some stares at the first location but everyone generally LEFT me alone

However today at the second hardware retail location, I selected 3 shops and thought this should be easy. I saw the shops yesterday disappear and reappear (I should have gotten the clue DO NOT bother---someone probably HAD to cancel). Anyways I started taking my "audit" pictures and then of course a NOSEY employee was like "you can't take pictures in here, this is private property unless you have a badge". For someone making minimum wage and clearly underpaid, he sure was making a fuss. Anyways I decided to cancel all 3 shops (how painful) since I usually complete 99% of shops I select. I had to cancel it because the employee was working in the location of ALL 3 shops lol just my luck! I could not even salvage 1. Damn. I wish FA had a way for shoppers/"auditors" that a location is difficult and not worth trying. I am guessing these audits were for the competition because they did not have an authorization form.

Anyways, anyone had this experience or know a way of finding out about a difficult location. I ended up googling the location and they had about 3 stars (with about 700 google reviews) LOL For a major hardware retail store? Unheard of! REALLY 3 stars.

Even worse on Yelp, they are rated 2* for terrible service. The area is a bit low budget but was expecting it to be a bit better.

In terms of amount offered for this job? It was only 12 bucks but still I am having a mini financial emergency so I am ready to work most jobs $10-15 bucks as long as they pay fast cash (1 day to 5 days)

Please advise if you have any tips how to check a location, or should I be on alert and watch for the Google reviews. I rarely get confronted when taking pictures (only happened 2 times in a year). Alot of people ask, can I help you but generally leave me alone only on a rare occasion was I asked to stop.

Anyways ended up picking a shop elsewhere an another app that made up for the lost cash,

thanks in advance

Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 06/09/2019 12:10AM by Mysteriousways.

I think you did the right thing.

I have come to NOT trust the reviews given on Google, Yelp, etc. because either they are written by close friends, bitter enemies or the clueless. Worst service, product and prices at places highly rated, just awful especially with restaurants, but bad with other retail settings as well. You really learn by your own experience.

As you discovered, the shop was feasible at one location and not at others. That is pretty standard. I remember a cell phone shop I did that was easy and paid reasonably. When I saw a bunch of them bonused I grabbed them, not being aware enough that the bonused locations were in heavily Hispanic areas where my lack of Spanish made me very obvious and the minimal English of the associates made it virtually impossible to get the sales pitch and explanations expected.

What was the purpose of looking up the reviews for the store?

OP:
1. I don't work with Field Agent, so I don't know what "normally" has to be done for their shops, so... How many pictures are needed on these shops? I've taken quite a few clandestine pics on my visits and (aside from some fast food menu boards when I first started out), have never had issues. Are these pictures you can take without being caught? Or, can you use some excuse if you are: "I am doing a price check." "I checking with my partner to make sure it's the right item." Etc.

2. To a large degree, MSC's that pay very quickly pay peanuts, at best. I do understand the need for "cash now," however. Two MSC's that might have better compensation for you than Field Agent and still pay pretty quickly:

1. TrendSource (The Source). Pay is every two weeks (longer than you desire), but if you do their grocery stores, you will get reimbursed for expenses - things you likely have to purchase anyhow.

2. JMRidgway: This MSC is offering "expedited pay" with regularity. You just need to email Frank (owner) the details of your shop and he will have payment in your PayPal account within about three days. Note that this is not available for all of their shops.

I trust reviews generally and see it a more accurate portryal of a stores overall vibe. Especially if the experience is negative, I find that when alot of people are saying similar things, they typically are the case for me in experiences. I have gone to stores without seeing the reviews and experienced different things: overzealous employees, poor service, employees treating the customers as criminals etc

I do not depend on reviews solely but in my experience I generally have similar experiences to others and when I went in 90% of the time the reviews are close to my experience. True, there are exceptions but all 700+ people people cannot be wrong. I do not base my opinions on exceptions good or bad.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/09/2019 12:39PM by Mysteriousways.

I am signed up with Trendsource but nothing in my area as of yesterday. I don't know too much about JR but they have few shops in my city too. Last I saw for JR was a storage shop but was a bit far (paid well) but I heard payment is hard to get. Who knows? It can't be worse than Cirrus lol I will eventually try them anyway.

Thanks for the reply and I am aware that fast pay MSC do not pay great but I need the money now

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 06/09/2019 12:52PM by Mysteriousways.

Maybe check field agent before responding..l it is a different ball game.....

@MFJohnston wrote:

OP:
1. I don't work with Field Agent, so I don't know what "normally" has to be done for their shops, so... How many pictures are needed on these shops? I've taken quite a few clandestine pics on my visits and (aside from some fast food menu boards when I first started out), have never had issues. Are these pictures you can take without being caught? Or, can you use some excuse if you are: "I am doing a price check." "I checking with my partner to make sure it's the right item." Etc.

2. To a large degree, MSC's that pay very quickly pay peanuts, at best. I do understand the need for "cash now," however. Two MSC's that might have better compensation for you than Field Agent and still pay pretty quickly:

1. TrendSource (The Source). Pay is every two weeks (longer than you desire), but if you do their grocery stores, you will get reimbursed for expenses - things you likely have to purchase anyhow.

2. JMRidgway: This MSC is offering "expedited pay" with regularity. You just need to email Frank (owner) the details of your shop and he will have payment in your PayPal account within about three days. Note that this is not available for all of their shops.

Observa pays within hours and has better pay usually. Their gas audits are plentiful, a d although they take a little longer than a regular gas audit, they do pay $8.50 within 24 hours or (usually) less. Gigwalk pays in a few days, but selection can be limited. Both are miles better than FA.