@sandyf It took me awhile too. I can't take screen shots from my computer, so I have to open up my amazon app on the phone, take a screen shop of the order, then send it to myself in an email.

My next shop includes alcohol. You have to show ID for an alcohol delivery and the driver has to scan your ID( I deliver for Instacart) so this one should be interesting.

I was told that I can order ground turkey and skim milk instead of whole milk/ground beef.

@calicakes wrote:

@sandyf It took me awhile too. I can't take screen shots from my computer, so I have to open up my amazon app on the phone, take a screen shop of the order, then send it to myself in an email.

My next shop includes alcohol. You have to show ID for an alcohol delivery and the driver has to scan your ID( I deliver for Instacart) so this one should be interesting.

I was told that I can order ground turkey and skim milk instead of whole milk/ground beef.

my next shop doesn't have wine. I'm sad about that. I was looking forward to it.

Also, has anyone been able to order the all purpose cleaning product? Only the large refill open shows available for me. I've checked every day since my first assignment. I don't want to order dish soap every shop.

@ilovetoshop Yes, I was able to order the cleaning spray on my 2nd shop. It leaked into the plastic bag (the spray lid was not on tight), but that is another story ....

How many shops have you been assigned so far and for which months?

@Zek wrote:

@ilovetoshop Yes, I was able to order the cleaning spray on my 2nd shop. It leaked into the plastic bag (the spray lid was not on tight), but that is another story ....

I had no problem ordering the cleaning spray. I have too much dish soap already as i have a costco sized one. I generally browse around grocery stores forever and try to find coupon items so I like that this one is delivery. Saves me a lot of wasted time. And my next shop has alcohol.

@ MSF I am going on my 3rd shop. It gets easier as you go along. Now when i take the temps, I write down the product, temp, weight, price and expiration date so I have it all in front of me when entering. Saves lots of time.

@sandyf wrote:

I did my first order today and unlike Capurato it took me more than 3 hours. Part of the time was figuring out how to do screenshots since I do them so rarely I forget in between and each of my devices has a different method .

Ugh. That’s painful. Sorry you went through that. I made a cheat sheet and just jotted notes as I went to streamline entry. I use a program called snag it on my computer. You can take image or video snags and quickly save/name your photos.

I consider myself tech savvy but this was a bit much for the fee. As another poster mentioned it is an audit versus a shop.

I hope it speeds up for you and you can get it down to a reasonable time.

I got an 8 on my first shop because I left the last four of my Amazon CC in the picture and no identifying items are to be in the screenshot. Oops.

Wow, I thought that was just a caution to cover up your info, not a demand. I got a 9 because I started my order early due to it being delivered early but after I sent the editor a note that it was what the scheduler told me to do it was changed to a 10, They need to clarify what to do if the order arrives between 15 minutes early and 2 hours early.
My snipping tool changed the way it worked half way thru my report. I have no idea if they happened to do an upgrade while I was entering the report
By the way that cleaning spray did a wonderful job on my stove rings. It has not looked so good since my perfectionist husband who used to clean them died 4 years ago.

@Capurato wrote:

@sandyf wrote:

I did my first order today and unlike Capurato it took me more than 3 hours. Part of the time was figuring out how to do screenshots since I do them so rarely I forget in between and each of my devices has a different method .

Ugh. That’s painful. Sorry you went through that. I made a cheat sheet and just jotted notes as I went to streamline entry. I use a program called snag it on my computer. You can take image or video snags and quickly save/name your photos.

I consider myself tech savvy but this was a bit much for the fee. As another poster mentioned it is an audit versus a shop.

I hope it speeds up for you and you can get it down to a reasonable time.

I got an 8 on my first shop because I left the last four of my Amazon CC in the picture and no identifying items are to be in the screenshot. Oops.

I'm so sad I haven't been able to order the cleaning spray. I've been putting off placing my order hoping it comes back in stock.

I tried to order yesterday for delivery today(MON). There was no alcohol in stock and the only delivery time was 6-8am. The first order I chose that time and they were texting me at 4:30am for replacements. I asked for permission to extend the day and I was given that. I just placed the order for today, delivery time was 2-4( attended delivery). My total was 62,00, the wine listed in the requirements was more $ then they said it would be. Half gallon of organic milk was OOS, so I chose a gallon.

When I tried to make my order the day before early in the day there were only two early time periods listed as options for the next day. I did not want such an early delivery so I did not place the order. Several hours later I looked again and there were later times avail. So I think from this one experience that if you want a later delivery time place your order afternoon or evening the day before. My store was out of regular milk 2% so I had to order the organic for more money. That and the larger chicken order they sent me brought my total over $35 with tax.
My questions are: Does the $35 limit include sales tax? Where can I go on the msc website to see how much pay is pending now that my job is completed and approved.?

@calicakes wrote:

I tried to order yesterday for delivery today(MON). There was no alcohol in stock and the only delivery time was 6-8am. The first order I chose that time and they were texting me at 4:30am for replacements. I asked for permission to extend the day and I was given that. I just placed the order for today, delivery time was 2-4( attended delivery). My total was 62,00, the wine listed in the requirements was more $ then they said it would be. Half gallon of organic milk was OOS, so I chose a gallon.

@sandyf wrote:

When I tried to make my order the day before early in the day there were only two early time periods listed as options for the next day. I did not want such an early delivery so I did not place the order. Several hours later I looked again and there were later times avail. So I think from this one experience that if you want a later delivery time place your order afternoon or evening the day before. My store was out of regular milk 2% so I had to order the organic for more money. That and the larger chicken order they sent me brought my total over $35 with tax.
My questions are: Does the $35 limit include sales tax? Where can I go on the msc website to see how much pay is pending now that my job is completed and approved.?

@calicakes wrote:

I tried to order yesterday for delivery today(MON). There was no alcohol in stock and the only delivery time was 6-8am. The first order I chose that time and they were texting me at 4:30am for replacements. I asked for permission to extend the day and I was given that. I just placed the order for today, delivery time was 2-4( attended delivery). My total was 62,00, the wine listed in the requirements was more $ then they said it would be. Half gallon of organic milk was OOS, so I chose a gallon.

Yes, the 35 includes tax/delivery. I would email MATT ( scheduler) and tell him about the overage. He approved the extra money for me on the first order.

Just completed my second shop, starting to get the hang of it. Glad that the reimbursement limit in my area is $50. Don't know if that's the case everywhere?. Some things I've noticed (I'm at a pickup location):

- you can have them put it in your car for you,
-english muffins are not a valid bread or bun (sadness)
-i keep a towel, and a travel mug of sanitizing solution in the car cupholder. In between temps, I just plunge the entire temp probe and let it rest in the sanitizer while I get the next item. Pull out the probe, wipe with towel. Temp the raw meats last to avoid cross contamination..
-If you're windows 10 or later, use the snipit tool in the OS to screen grab and edit your photos and save.

Also, thank you for the tip of literally writing out all the temps and expiration dates.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/14/2022 06:28AM by tgooberbutt.

I've been choosing only organic items, and step 3 poultry and grass fed beef without issue. Note, they are still all 365, or butcher counter items.

Second shop down and I haven’t hit my 30 minute goal.

I have the ordering down (just added all the items from the last one to the cart and ordered).

I have the temps and the expiration down.

The snagging of the screen down.

It’s these damn pictures that got me slow. The QR code is easy but down into the bag (lighting) and the overall picture I get hung up on. Weird I know.

I’m hoping to have it down by my next shop.


How many times a month do you think we will be ordering?

My scheduler would love me to take one every week but I told him every three or four weeks. He leaned on me so i accepted one after a little over 2 weeks. Thanks for the tip on english muffins. I sent an inquiry about ordering other breads (sliced or buns pre packaged) not necessarily 365 brand and also a question regarding other cheeses since my location has a different brand chunk same size with provolone, feta, Munster, gouda etc. I have not heard back yet but does anyone know the answer to whether those are ok? I doubt I can get the fresh bakery loaves which I would prefer.
Got an answer to my questions...cheese as long as it is packaged in bulk and same size is okay. Bread OK too as long as it is packaged sliced or buns. By the way my second job took 2 hours just for the report and photos. Lots of photos and screenshots needed.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2022 11:00PM by sandyf.

I still haven't had a wine shop. I took this assignment solely for the wine and ice cream. I'm so sad ????

@sandyf wrote:

I had no problem ordering the cleaning spray. I have too much dish soap already as i have a costco sized one. I generally browse around grocery stores forever and try to find coupon items so I like that this one is delivery. Saves me a lot of wasted time. And my next shop has alcohol.

It looks like the cleaning spray hasn't been restocked in my city for some time now. i changed my delivery address (chose my parents) and the cleaning spray is in stock in their city, boo! I'm going to call WF customer service and flag that product.

I visited a Whole Foods for the first time this past weekend, as it seems the shopper originally chosen had declined to continue. My overall opinion, is the groceries are overpriced; this compared to what I spend at Aldi's. That fact, of course, considerably reduces the benefit to me. In addition, the comments stated in this thread have convinced me to pass on this work. Thanks to all for your candor.

@sandyf wrote:

I did my first order today and unlike Capurato it took me more than 3 hours.

This shop is finicky. Between the before AND after screenshots, so many photos, and working lightning fast to get the temps taken - I am on my 3rd one and I still made mistakes. Unfortunately on this last one I forgot the group photo but H already ate the yogurt and I put the meats in new packaging to freeze. I just hope they dont pull me from the project.

@shopperbob wrote:

I visited a Whole Foods for the first time this past weekend, as it seems the shopper originally chosen had declined to continue. My overall opinion, is the groceries are overpriced; this compared to what I spend at Aldi's. That fact, of course, considerably reduces the benefit to me. In addition, the comments stated in this thread have convinced me to pass on this work. Thanks to all for your candor.

Aldi is not comparable to Wholefoods. If you're used to shopping at Aldi then yes, it will be a sticker shot to see the price differences. Aldi is more like Lidi.

I love Whole Foods. Unfortunately, none close by. I used to lug home some food while at work. One time, a beautiful Orchid plant.

My last job I ordered Rasp Cheesecake Gelato which was quite a bit less expensive than the ice cream. Gave me a few extra $$ to spend on an upgrade of bread or cheese. Wish they would expand the "meat" to include alternatives like veggie based meats. Also, when I do temps I just puncture the package with my thermometer thru the plastic wrap and then just seal up the small whole with a piece of tape. It seems to work well and not much air gets into the packaging so I am thinking the food inside will last a lot longer.

@sandyf wrote:

I applied but so far, even tho the job is due today thru the 25th I am still pending.

I applied and still pending as well

Stay far away from this one. I did it twice (Jan. and Feb). The second time, the scheduler said he would prefer if I completed my shop early so everyone wasn't submitting the same day. It was scheduled for Mon, so I asked if I could complete it on Sunday. He emailed back that was fine. Fast forward to Sunday afternoon when I get my delivery. I spend an hour entering the report only to get to the bottom and realize I can't submit it because it won't let me do so until the following day. I figured if I needed to submit it that night, the scheduler would have changed the due date, so I copy/paste all my responses in a word doc and submit the report the next day. The scheduler rejects it and emails me saying I missed the dame-day deadline for submitting the report, and I won't get paid. He refuses to take responsibility for forgetting to change the shop deadline. Even worse, he has the gall to reassign it to me to complete again, even though I had to eat the cost of the last delivery and I don't even want/use the brands/products they require you to purchase - when I signed up months ago, they were much more cryptic and basically promoted it as "buy $50 of any groceries you want."

It took hours and at least a dozen emails back and forth until I finally forwarded him the email where he said completing the shop Sunday was fine and I was going to file a complaint with the BBB, and then he relented. Then several weeks later, he made up some excuse about how my zip code was 'not in the delivery zone' so they couldn't be sure the targeted store was doing the delivery, even though the Whole Foods is 6 minutes from my place and the next closest one is 3x that far. Even though it was a lame excuse, I'm glad it was an out, because otherwise I would have removed myself from the program.

Initially the shop will take a while because you have to get used to the requirements and photos this is what I do.
I’ll take a picture of the first QR code and then I’ll take the picture of the inside and when it’s time to do the temp I’ll go ahead and sit it in front of the bag that it came out of, take a picture of the expiration date as well as the product with the thermometer in the photo. I kinda group it together.
That way I know what came out of what bag, the expiration date and the temperature all together. It seems like a lot but you get used to it. I’m on my third shop my second one was graded a point lower because I forgot to crop out my identifying information in a screenshot. Also be prepared to provide proof if a product did not meet the criteria as far as temperature. For me it seems like these shops are in my rotation twice a month

@Blkstorm wrote:

Initially the shop will take a while because you have to get used to the requirements and photos this is what I do.
I’ll take a picture of the first QR code and then I’ll take the picture of the inside and when it’s time to do the temp I’ll go ahead and sit it in front of the bag that it came out of, take a picture of the expiration date as well as the product with the thermometer in the photo. I kinda group it together.
That way I know what came out of what bag, the expiration date and the temperature all together. It seems like a lot but you get used to it. I’m on my third shop my second one was graded a point lower because I forgot to crop out my identifying information in a screenshot. Also be prepared to provide proof if a product did not meet the criteria as far as temperature. For me it seems like these shops are in my rotation twice a month

You're not supposed to open the bag to take the inside pictures until 15 minutes before your delivery tis your delivery time has ended.

I took all my qr code pics but then did not do the open bag pics on the frozen and cold stuff until the time for testing came. One bag just had one frozen item and all the rest were in the other bag. The two ambient bags I was done with as far as pics. I also made sure i snapped not only the qr code but also the sticker on my bag that said bag 1 or 4 etc on it so i knew which went with which and all of that was accepted.
As far as applying and pending, when you first apply even though it looks as though you are applying for an actual job at an actual location you are only applying to apply. When they finally send you a message then it is time to take the qualifying exam and if you pass that and also find out there is an actual store they need in your area then you can start getting jobs assigned to you. That first "apply" does pay you the fee stated on the job app for taking the qualifying exam.
Depending on what they need in your area they may need you immediately, I have about 4 stores in my delivery area so they are anxious to have me do them weekly. If there is only one store where you live they may be looking for a backup shopper for that one store or if not and the original shopper quits you will hear from them.
When I did my jobs they cautioned in the guidelines to check the yellow sticky before starting a job to make sure your zip was on it. This has been a featured request on all jobs I have done.

I've gotten these down to a science and actually enjoy them now.

The first two shops? Not so much, felt like cancelling.

I give the cleaning supplies to my housekeeper and use the other items during the week.

I got replaced because I was not able to do one of these every week. Are all of you who do these scheduling them every week? I was under the impression we were allowed to accept them a minimum of once a month. I was willing to do them every three weeks or so but perhaps every other week.