You usually only get a very small fee at the end of the month if they are having a problem getting all assignments filled.

I agree. I have stopped as of this week. It is too much time and just not worth it. If they gave twenty four hours for the report maybe To go out for a nice 130.00 dinner and come home and do a report for 20.00 is too much work. I can do many shops with small reports for 20 each and do a few a day.

I have had that experience more than once on restaurant shops. Without fail, I have learned that it happens with a brand new editor. They are trying to make a good first impression and the shopper pays the price. Then, they start to realize that it also takes more of their time with the report. Well, most of them are paid by report and not by the hour. So, if they have half a brain......

Lifestyle shopper here..living in a big city with only a few small bonuses. So the point of view I have is that as a lifestyle shopper it makes no sense to me to go and do a shop with a fee of $12 or under that requires a drive through heavy traffic, parking headaches and then the tax man takes away most of it anyway. In the end I have earned much less than minimum wage for those jobs. I have rarely found two jobs that are close enough to each other to walk over except if I take a parking job that I can do any day of the month which I schedule close to some of my regular spots for mystery shopping. Right now I see advertised a job I did a few months back with a $10 bonus. It is being advertised as a very easy shop but that time it turned out to be an "avoid this person" shop where the only one available was the person to be avoided. I drove through heavy traffic and fought for a parking space. All in all it took me over 30 minutes to get to the 4 mile away place and park and then had to wait 45 minutes to speak with someone who would not let me go for another 30 minutes which I had to spend to get the requirements of this easy shop done. The scheduler, when I emailed her about the issues at the time said, yes, that shop can be a problem. And yet it is being advertised as an easy shop. HA.
I used to do fine dining more often when my husband was alive to see the joy in his face when he could eat a dinner of scallops prepared just right with a nice glass of wine. One he did not need to cook himself and then do the dishes. A two hour report earned me a dinner worth over $100 that my hubby relished. For me I could care less about a nice glass of wine or a steak or seafood so I hardly do them anymore unless I want to treat a friend for some reason. A fee of $3 or even $10 was inconsequential compared to the amt the dinner cost which was covered by my 2 hours of work. On the other end fast food or cardboard pizza does not appeal to me no matter the fee. If I could find one with a large bonus tho I would do it. But the large bonuses are hundreds of miles away.
So now I pick and choose what mystery shopping I can do. I enjoy getting something I want for a report in exchange but working an hour or two to earn a few dollars after tax is not enticing.

If your talking ACL, I’ve learned they don’t necessarily want your opinion or even a well written report. If it says 8-10 sentences they want 8-10 sentences and at least a comment on your “no” answers.

I’ve spent time writing well written reports for them, only to have them kicked back to me.

Just going through the motions and doing the 8-10 sentences even disjointed ones has always passed muster for me.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/01/2019 07:39PM by Flyer92122.

I enjoy the newer healthier pizza places and eat on Tuesdays where Rev Pizza has a smaller one for 6 bucks...really good...I had been doing it on my own, but found their shopped, and outside of having to take pic's of everything including the bottom of pizza, and actual pizza making behind counter without getting a customer
or employee in it......I'll do it on my own dime.

Wendy's btw. Where's the beef.

Shop companies want people making a certain level of income to make sure they will blend with the actual diners or shoppers.

how do you get them to give you more than what is stated? For example, you said you won’t do five guys unless you get $16-$18. How do you get that?

Only food/reimbursement only shops that I will take are Texas Roadhouse. Both reports are simple: copy of your full, itemized receipt and hardly any narrative (just answer the questions again in 2-3 sentences). I prefer a bonus to do the ones a little farther from me, but fortunately, I live near about 4-5 TR's and I really enjoy their food.

Five Guys? Love their food, but I'll pay out of pocket anyday... Despite one being just around the corner from me, the shop for them just isn't worth my time, especially considering which company has their shops.

@Lorilovesgreys wrote:

how do you get them to give you more than what is stated? For example, you said you won’t do five guys unless you get $16-$18. How do you get that?

First and foremost do a good job and do it on time. If you're doing that they will happily pay a little more when they can. If you're not doing that, then work on improving your product before trying to get them to pay more for it.

After that the simple answer is to ask for it. That means letting it sit there if the price is low. Maybe somebody who works cheaper than you will take it this week and you won't eat five guys this time around. But by next week that person will be barred by the rotation. Their pool of people to ask is smaller by one. Be patient and only do it at a price that is profitable for you.

Make an offer is also your friend. Remember that you can always make an offer by writing to the helpdesk. Don't be discouraged if they turn it down. Just wait until next week and try again.

Of course, none of that works if you aren't doing good reports.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2019 06:22AM by JustForFun.

@sandyf wrote:

On the other end fast food or cardboard pizza does not appeal to me no matter the fee. If I could find one with a large bonus tho I would do it.

I don't mind fast food or "cardboard pizza" every now and then, esp. with fees. Those fees add up. Shop & report times are often short too. They are good route fillers for my grocery shops. ...err...or used to be...

Too bad someone is freaking take them all lately. Seriously, it's like someone copied my style here and all the shops I used to route together are being take as "packages" by someone else. I hope my forum posts on routing grocery shops + fast food fillers didn't give away my bread and butter routes to my local competition. So frustrating. *but I digress*

One other thing is whether I've eaten lately. You'd be surprised how tasty a Sonic meal can sound when you have eaten just crackers, peanuts, and water all day. That nasty Sonic burger/hogdot starts to sound pretty good!

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2019 02:04PM by shoptastic.

I have had too many burnt burgers at Sonic to want to go back to them as a daily or every other day shop.

I love the O’Charley’s shops. Complete one shop for less than $20, get $55 gift card. Use that card on next 2-3 lunch visits while saving the new cards to give as Christmas gifts. Got my gift shopping done while enjoying a meal and it saved a ton of money....

deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2019 07:56PM by CureMS.

@johnb974 wrote:

You're not working for the FBI, CIA or NSA. It's not a secret.

No it is not a "secret", but it is proprietary information. It is probably in your ICA never to use any of the MSC's materials for purposes other than the mutually agreed-upon project, which does not include sharing guidelines with friends. All forms & materials provided by the MSC are copyright protected and remain the exclusive property of the MSC and/or its clients. If you choose not to follow your ICA, it is indeed your prerogative. However, your choice to break rules does not imply that it is ok for everyone to break the rules. Breaking rules have consequences, such as being blacklisted from an MSC. You may not even know you are blacklisted! The MSC just saw your posting on this forum and decided to either cancel or not accept you as a mystery shopper, and definitely not accept requests for shops.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2019 04:25PM by CureMS.

I love simple lunch shops when I am able to do them. They have to be a short report with minimal requirements. There's no such thing as a "FREE" dinner shop in my opinion. Those are the bulk of my MS'ing efforts. Yes, the narratives are a novel and sometimes may qualify as a best seller regarding the events that occur. I do not like when things go "WRONG" but it's part of the job. Those reports take me longer and I don't like them. The ones that I do that have a fee is not important to me. Yes, a nice extra but that is always spent as well as cash out of pocket. As for Texas Roadhouse which many of you seem to love? I am astounded that the food is great according to your posts/sharing.

@CureMS wrote:

@johnb974 wrote:

You're not working for the FBI, CIA or NSA. It's not a secret.

No it is not a "secret", but it is proprietary information. It is probably in your ICA never to use any of the MSC's materials for purposes other than the mutually agreed-upon project, which does not include sharing guidelines with friends. All forms & materials provided by the MSC are copyright protected and remain the exclusive property of the MSC and/or its clients. If you choose not to follow your ICA, it is indeed your prerogative. However, your choice to break rules does not imply that it is ok for everyone to break the rules. Breaking rules have consequences, such as being blacklisted from an MSC. You may not even know you are blacklisted! The MSC just saw your posting on this forum and decided to either cancel or not accept you as an MSC, and definitely not accept requests for shops.

Your definition of the rules is extremely narrow. Such things are not repeating what clients are listed on the MSC web sites, is extreme.

@johnb974 wrote:

@CureMS wrote:

@johnb974 wrote:

You're not working for the FBI, CIA or NSA. It's not a secret.

No it is not a "secret", but it is proprietary information. It is probably in your ICA never to use any of the MSC's materials for purposes other than the mutually agreed-upon project, which does not include sharing guidelines with friends. All forms & materials provided by the MSC are copyright protected and remain the exclusive property of the MSC and/or its clients. If you choose not to follow your ICA, it is indeed your prerogative. However, your choice to break rules does not imply that it is ok for everyone to break the rules. Breaking rules have consequences, such as being blacklisted from an MSC. You may not even know you are blacklisted! The MSC just saw your posting on this forum and decided to either cancel or not accept you as an MSC, and definitely not accept requests for shops.

Your definition of the rules is extremely narrow. Such things are not repeating what clients are listed on the MSC web sites, is extreme.

johnb974 - What is your problem? I have kept quiet as you have posted incorrect information, advising others to cheat, lie or disregard client guidelines. YOU are one of the reasons why mystery shoppers have to jump thru so many hoops. Why don't you just keep quiet?? What are you trying to accomplish by posting all the nonsense you do? Any new shoppers out there - DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM OR TAKE HIS ADVISE! If you are so dissatisfied with this line of work, find another!

You're the one getting upset. Just ignore what I say and let shoppers do their shops. As I have said before, you're not working for the FBI, CIA or NSA. By your own interpretation of the ICA, you've gone against it by being on here. It's no secret on here, we're doing mystery shopping and who we work for. We've all named the companies we work for.

I did not know that the O'Charley's shop gave you a $55 gift card even if you only spent 20! interesting idea... As for the guidelines being proprietary, yes it is but you are not his boss!
You really want to keep what you do to yourself. I've stopped telling people what I do because I like having limited competition. Yes, I get $18 for a Five Guys but you have to be willing to leave it sitting on the board. This is how it works. When you first start you take a couple for base pay. Then stop. Make sure you allow them to CALL you. When they call you tell them you are really busy. You just aren't sure if you can work it in. Eventually, the scheduler will come off of more money
My bread and butter is my gas stations. But as for ms-ing, I break a guideline myself. I record even if it says do not record. I don't tell them I recorded. The recording is completely inadmissible, it's pure for my records only. I type an accurate report and then delete the recording.
If I don't get a five guys for a while oh well, it's not that healthy anyway. And don't worry too much about newbies doing them for base pay, most will either wise up or quit. In my neighborhood, the only thing that goes right away for base pay is Panda Express.

oh, and it depends on your area what they are willing to pay. I can get 14-18 for Five Guys, but your area you might be lucky to get 7. You have to monitor the shops you like and watch at what price they disappear so you know when to grab them. That stupid bookstore shop for a cup of tea usually goes for about $10 in my area so I leave it sitting till it gets to ten then I grab it.

I went to a 5 Guys close to Disneyland. I won't do that again. The fee didn't even cover the cost of a Grilled Cheese sandwich. I'll take Panda Express and El Pollo Loco for base pay. I love their food.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2019 01:52AM by johnb974.

A Five Guys near me decently had a Shake Shack open up right by them. They LOWERED their prices. They are now under reimbursement. Crazy. I did another today, and the prices were almost a dollar higher for each item.

I've noticed that restaurant shops request I bring someone. They often tell me exactly what to order. And when I look at the menus online, the reimbursement always seems to be less unless I find the least expensive item on the menus. The day and time is provided as well, which is not always convenient. I love to eat out, but this is not a pleasurable meal.

As for the responses, there are questions such as, did the waiter greet you within x minutes. The answer must be 20 words. There are many closed-ended questions that have an essay that should be optional, but requires you answer it. It reminds me of writing essays in Elementary School, where I would say this was very, very, very, very good. The word, "yes." is a perfectly good response to many questions. I may choose to add some more, but it's unclear what else may be needed. If I said "no," I would normally add information. These are the sorts of questions that waste the time of shoppers and almost feel like they are setting shoppers up so they don't need to pay them. I'm certain there is the ability to make the follow up conditioned on the first response.

@johnb974 wrote:

You're the one getting upset. Just ignore what I say and let shoppers do their shops. As I have said before, you're not working for the FBI, CIA or NSA. By your own interpretation of the ICA, you've gone against it by being on here. It's no secret on here, we're doing mystery shopping and who we work for. We've all named the companies we work for.

Not sure if you are referring to me when you say "By your own interpretation of the ICA, you've gone against it by being on here". Also not sure what you mean by that. As far as I know, most anyone who "follows" the rules is allowed on here, whether a mystery shopper, scheduler, MSC, or even clients as far as I know. So help me to understand your comment. Also, I agree that forum members have in some fashion named the companies we work for, i.e. "I do travel shops for SQM". That is not against forum guidelines as long as I do not include the Clients names in the same thread. Is that what you are speaking to?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2019 03:52PM by CureMS.

I'm on the road most days and eat most of my meals on the road. So, I don't mind reimbursement or small fee shops if:

1. I would eat there anyway and can order something I want.

2. The MSC has an easy-to-use phone app that works well with said shop.

3. The report is quick and straightforward. I get really irritated with MSCs that ask the same question ten different ways or questions that have no relevance to the shop.

4. The MSC pays quickly and without hassle. I hate chasing payments and get highly annoyed when they don't pay on time but expect timely reports.

There are three different establishments I will do for the MSC that has the BJs Brewery account even though they are reimbursement only. You have to remember that in many cases, they also represent tax free money.

Yesterday I did a BJs Brewery. The bill came to a little over $45. I was able to use the $10off$40 coupon, which brought the bill down to $35 and change. I will be reimbursed $35.

So, tax free I received a full rack of ribs, a baked potato, a bowl of chicken tortilla soup, a dinner salad, potstickers, and a glass of Peach Fushion. I am out about $0.65 and 20 minutes for an easy report. I was on the road. Sure beat McD's, which would have cost me $6-8 out of pocket. To me it was worth it. And it was curbside service. I could have opted for the dine-in but really prefer curbside.

You've gotta eat so you might as well get someone else to pay for it if you can find a shop with food you like.

These can be hard to justify. If it is a restaurant thai I really like or want to try, maybe. It has to be full reimbursement, and at least $100. There is one high end steakhouse near me that they offer $100 reimbursement but the meal for 2 is going to be around $150. The restaurant cost is about 25% for the food, so my $50 covers their cost and they even make a profit on me writing a report for them. No thanks.

My pet peeve is when people un this industry say “free food”. No, sir. It’s not free, you work for it by going there and evaluating and then writing the report. You give them your time and effort to write the report, and get the food in return. It’s a fair transaction and don’t think the company does you a “favor” because you surely earned that meal!

Basically if I don't pay for a 40.00 lunch/dinner going alone, it's pretty much free food, with a decent report fee.
I can eat for two days, no dishes, with very good food for a chain...last night I had a double boned Pork chop over mashed potato's and a nice salad, including a Pizooki and a beer, I'll take it and enjoy it...call it whatever you want, just let me do it.