There's an audit in my area with a nice bonus that I would like to do.. However it requires that it be done with an iPhone or Android using an app. I keep getting emails offering this audit, but I can't take it because I don't have a data plan. The offering has been going on for weeks, and the bonus keeps increasing, but so far no takers. And I looked at other states, and it seems that people are not taking these audits. I'm thinking it's because of the smartphone and app requirement. Why do MSCs do this?!

If the MSC would just allow the audit to be done the conventional way (go to the location, make observations, take photos, file report online, upload photos), I'm sure most shoppers would take the assignment. Why insist on the app>! Grrr...
I guess I'm just venting... Your opinions?

IMO, an IC should not be told which tool or equipment. He/she is expected to do the best job possible for the lowest pay possible. Therefore he/she should be able to use the tools/equipment that allows him/her to do this.

There are plenty of MS jobs out there which require you to use an app. Audit or not. Many are because the entity who want the job done are paying to see if the app works properly. I don't see the problem. It's like the Harley Davidson shop where you *must* test drive the hog. A motorcycle endorsement is required. No endorsement? No ride. The endorsement is your "tool". I don't see the issue. I would want my heart surgeon to have the appropriate "tool" of a medical license prior to tearing open my chest.

If it's the Best Buy audit, there are reams of threads on this forum about why shoppers won't do them.

If you don't care for the requirements, don't do the job.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2019 12:10PM by nslinhar.

Just to add... some shoppers find that they can more than pay for a data plan and make a profit doing such shops. YMMV

When an assignment offers what I consider a profitable situation, but requires a cell phone, I send an E-letter explaining I do not own such a piece of equipment. To my recollection, on each instance the MSC permitted a variance. For one job, it was Geo-Verify, but I do not recall the term(s) for the other shops. This suggests to me a situation similar to when, a few years back, both Maritz and Trendsource stated a shopper must have an EIN or be deactivated; they both backed down. IF work NEEDS to be completed AND you are the ONLY one available, it seems that rules be damned. Which is as it should be for we who embrace being independent contractors.

I don't really know how all that works since I have always had a data plan as long as I have had a smartphone, but if you have a smartphone without a data plan, can you log into WiFi at home or at stores? If the store has WiFi, can't you use the app when you are at the store?

I don't know how anyone gets anything done without data. The cost has been steadily decreasing and now it's quite reasonable (IMO). Most companies will give you data for around 45-55 per month for unlimited. I can make that with 1-2 shops and the rest of the month make a whole lot more.

Our world changes and the MSC's must change with it or get left behind. Similarly the IC's that the MSC's use must keep up or see fewer and fewer opportunities. That's why you don't see farmers walking behind horses and plows anymore.

@JASFLALMT wrote:

I don't really know how all that works since I have always had a data plan as long as I have had a smartphone, but if you have a smartphone without a data plan, can you log into WiFi at home or at stores? If the store has WiFi, can't you use the app when you are at the store?

I've done a few covert/competition audit/MS where the guidelines state to not use store wifi, and one must use their own data. One stated it was because store wifi can't be counted on. I would assume a covert competition establishment could *possibly* get wind of what you were doing if you were on their wifi, especially an unsecured network. Or it's a no no to send proprietary info over unsecured public wifi. Or...

I use my unlimited data. I can pay for it picking up five random Market Force shops each month.

This is a response to Coffee Queen.

The assignments I complete for money, which, of course, excludes both lifestyle and shops I accept to defray expenses from non-shopping activities, require extensive narrative and pay fees of up to $150. As there were only four such jobs in the past 30 days, one could not live on that money, but it is a nice supplement. The downside is that last March, my tally was lunch and $5.

I have received waivers from MSCs that require use of an app. I e-mail and explain that many of the rural areas I shop do not have cell coverage. Some of the work arounds have been, as one poster said, do the shop, complete the report when I get home. One MSC even let me e-mail them the photos and put the photos in the report for me.

It actually mostly depends on how desperate they are to get the shop done.

It never hurts to ask.

Also, I get 3 whatevers (GB?) of data a month on Verizon for $30, along with unlimited calls and texts.

Ms V I am finally getting my first year pin (like in AA) for having a smart phone. I am also always upset about places requiring you to have a smart phone with or without data. Are there smart phones without data? Jobs however are up to the employer to decide how to do. At restaurants that required an app for their rewards or retail stores that announce a big sale only for people with the app while I am there I look at this as discrimination against those who do not have a smart phone for whatever reason as they are the same level customer as everyone else and their money they spend at that location I feel should entitle them to all the other customers get. . I have emailed companies about this and sometimes they have accommodated me.
That said, I finally got a smart phone last year. For $59.99 for an entire year you can get a Trac phone (on Ebay) which includes the phone and 1500 min, 1500 texts, 1.8 gigs of data. You can refill either for around $10 as needed. I only use the data plan sparingly turning it off and on as needed and at the end of the year had about 80-90% of all three leftover to transfer to my new annual account. This job alone might pay for it. I have an LG phone that came with the plan and just upgraded to the next level phone this year. There are no additional taxes and the phone arrived in just a few days after ordering.
Edited to add that my plan is on the Verizon network so I get similar coverage to anyone else on Verizon.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2019 04:06PM by sandyf.

@AZwolfman wrote:

IMO, an IC should not be told which tool or equipment. He/she is expected to do the best job possible for the lowest pay possible. Therefore he/she should be able to use the tools/equipment that allows him/her to do this.

I disagree, as the IC you're referring to is the Mystery Shopper. The Mystery Shopper is not the consultant. We work for the consultant, which is the Mystery Shopping Company. If their guidelines list specifications for us to follow, such as requiring an smartphone, then the Mystery Shopper should be following this to meet their Scope of Work, if awarded the Work.

@nslinhar wrote:

@JASFLALMT wrote:

I don't really know how all that works since I have always had a data plan as long as I have had a smartphone, but if you have a smartphone without a data plan, can you log into WiFi at home or at stores? If the store has WiFi, can't you use the app when you are at the store?

I've done a few covert/competition audit/MS where the guidelines state to not use store wifi, and one must use their own data. One stated it was because store wifi can't be counted on. I would assume a covert competition establishment could *possibly* get wind of what you were doing if you were on their wifi, especially an unsecured network. Or it's a no no to send proprietary info over unsecured public wifi. Or...

I use my unlimited data. I can pay for it picking up five random Market Force shops each month.

Lol no..... That's a bit extreme.

Lol

Hence the use of the words "could" and "possibly". Wasn't there a point in time when online accounts were considered safe from being hacked? *That* conspiracy theorist was correct. Unless I'm on the inside, I don't know anything for sure, nowadays.

I can pay for my data plan by doing the 2 cell phone shops with PAD I have scheduled that are only 8 miles from my house tomorrow. Yes, those are the infamous ones that normally pay only $6 each, but I have PAD of $19 each on them . Oh, and which both require me using the app to check-in at the store.

But since it's a tax write off, I don't understand the hesitation from those who don't want to pay for a data plan when there are so many MSCs leaning in that direction. And if the PAD or bonuses easily cover the cost, why not just do it?

@nslinhar wrote:

I use my unlimited data. I can pay for it picking up five random Market Force shops each month.

If it is the price audits the app is a MUST. There is no other way to input the information. It would be nearly impossible to do it without it and remain undercover.

Maybe you can get a disposable with a cheap data plan.

Thank you all for your input. Of course, I agree that the MSCs have a right to require whatever they want. And the ICs (we) have a right to do or not to do.
My point is, the shop/audit could be easily done the traditional way, but the MSC insists that it be done on the app. So apparently they can't find shoppers to do it,

No, it's not the BB audit nor the pricing audits (I won't go near either of those). Just doctors' office visits to check on certain equipment. Of course, I don't know what their reason is, but if it were me, I'd drop the app requirement, and get the assignments completed asap. And, yes, I did ask if I could do it the traditional way weeks ago when they were offering half the current price.

Just doesn't make sense to me...

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/26/2019 12:14AM by Ms.V.

This is somewhat similar to the Sprint shop, which is really, really easy to do with the app. You have to have a data plan because it is done outside the store and of course as a mystery shop. No Wifi.

I believe that you would easily pay for a smartphone with a data plan with the additional work you can do. Not only shops that require apps.but the ability to check job descriptions when in doubt, the ability to use GeoVerify, the ability to accept and apply for additional shops. I persisted with my dumb phone for years longer than I should have.

If you use WiFi in the store or some other places or wherever make sure that you are using a VPN. Doing a VPN is not that hard nowadays not like it was 10 years ago. With a VPN no one will know who you are connected to. Or what you are doing. Oh and when Space X launches all of the satellites we will not need to use cell phone coverage we will have VOIP as long as we can see the sky. Might be expensive.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/29/2019 12:25AM by 2stepps.