I don't know if what I'm seeing is a pattern for all, something unique to me, or I am imagining something--the jobs I see are offering $5-$10. Though these jobs may be quick, the time to find, sign up, wait, accept, get to the location and back, write the report, wait, and respond to questions means each job takes 2-3 hours. Some jobs require reaching a certain person on the phone, first, tours of an apartment complex that can take over an hour, or a second visit to return something.
Out of this, subtract 15% or more in taxes, provide an interest-free loan to the MSC and pay or gas, parking an toll, and pay for parking, gas, or public transportation. Of course, some jobs may give the shopper a free meal, as long as one happens to want a meal that exactly meets the requirement of the job. I have found some jobs with a perk that made it worth my time, but these are few and far between.
I will leave out other issues and just talk about hours and pay.
A year and a half ago, I could have taken four or more jobs a day. Now, a job paying more than $20 is a rare event, and they are for apartment shops.
I believe my work has been good. I've been asked to revise a few answers using full sentences such as one asking, "Was the employee wearing a belt?" and I have been a few hours late (assigned to me at 5pm PST, completed at 8pm, and still finished before opening hours the next morning.) I was also chastised for not getting a business card from an employee on her first day at a bank branch (though I had receipts and other proof of completion.) I have done multiple jobs as a favor to different schedulers that weren't worth my time thinking that would help.
So a reality check? I am now logging onto platforms t once a week, but I'm getting a dozen emails each day, almost all $10 and under. I would think if they were having trouble filling certain jobs, they would be offering more.
Has this been a trend for all? If not, is it my imagination or have I somehow been singled out? Did everyone move to a different platform I missed? Is there a scarlet letter on my permanent record? Are there so many people out there willing to work for $3/hour and some which one will lose money? Something unique in the Pacific Northwest? Are there that many people who are happy with a $5 job, or who think rates will improve? Is the competition between the MSCs so high, they have engaged in a price war for clients and cutting expenses to survive?
What am I missing?