Do you video shop and do fine dining? Would you share the percentage of your dollars that are in video shopping, the percentage in fine dining reimbursements and fees, and the percentage in all other jobs combined? I am not doing video and fine dining, so my percentage is 100% all other. Will anyone else share the percentage in video, fine dining fees plus reimbursements, and all else? And here's another question: Not counting video or fine dining fees and reimbursements, is $20,000 annually a realistic goal in a location near a metropolitan center, such as Dallas Fort Worth?

I don't do video and while there are a few fine dining opportunities in my area, we only do them occasionally because of either general issues with the company or with the 'fine dining' being pretty awful with a fine dining price tag.

Unless you are really out in the middle of nowhere, there is not going to be a whole lot of difference in availability of work because, after all, metropolitan areas have proportionately high numbers of shoppers as well. So the jobs may be more abundant, but so is the competition.

In a time a few years back when there were more clients having shops done (and done more frequently), $20k including useful reimbursements, was not unachievable even in my market around a small city. It just depends on how far down the fee tree you are willing to travel. Until the past year or so, routes made sense and I could pretty much schedule lower paying work for certain days of the week when I would be in certain areas with the certainty that I would also have good paying jobs that could be scheduled to anchor the route. At this point there is definitely not that certainty any more and there is a whole lot of competition for even the low paying work in my area. With the competition and fewer shops total in the area, the bonuses have also virtually disappeared. That always comprised a hefty part of any year's overall pay.

At this point, I am only doing shops where the reimbursements are useful and/or the fee is enough to cover expenses with something left for my time. I will NOT take an orphan $10 shop, even if it is 5 miles away. In my market, at this time, that limits available shops significantly. I find there are a whole lot of other things I can be doing that are more productive, but for decent shops I will make the time to do them. My business this year, if I extrapolate from where I am now, will save my household budget about $5000 and my Schedule C will show a small net profit for the year (under $400).

I don't do Video at this time...I do 20% fine dining and 30% family lunch style restaurants, not to make money, but enchance my lifestyle. I do 30% upscale retail which is my main income (no reimbursement), and the other 20% is oil changes, hotel, grocery, Banks, mall Kiosk, pretzel, yogart and various other types.

It's such a to-each-his/her-own business. Some shop for lifestyle, others for cash, gas, food or to pay the utility bill.

I do shops that make sense to me. On any given day, depending on my need and schedule, I may take a $300 fine dining assignment, or a $3 phone shop. 100% of my groceries are earned through shops. 100% of eating out ~ fast food, fast casual, casual, and fine dining are shops. Generally speaking, at year's end, my fees and reimbursements are close to 50/50. Every year, my business has shown a profit, albeit modest.

Postscript - I don't video shop.

Flash, Irene, and Mert - thanks for sharing. I had heard so much about video shopping that I thought everyone else is doing it and maybe I need to get involved. It seems that most of the shoppers who post about video shopping mention being away from home for two or three days. It would have to pay really, really well for that to work. Some of the posters who video shop seem enthusiastic about it, and it would be interesting to know how much of their total is in video shopping, and what kind of expenses they incur. I hope someone can share.

I completed my first video assignment in Aug. of 2009. Since that date, I've logged an additional 71 shops, BUT, the majority, 51, have been through my efforts. The remaining 21 were for 2 MSCs, EPMS and Instant-Replay. I have been offered work by 4 other other video companies, but the travel allotments weren't sufficient for me to "hit the road." My shopping motto is the willingness to travel anywhere and at any time, but only if the remuneration's commensurate with the work. The equipment I purchased, $412, has paid for itself several times over and continues to reap me gain; I've not the slightest regret as to entering this phase of the business.

Mary, your inquiry sounds as if you're like me; I'll travel, but only if you meet my price. Last year, the owner of an MSC offered me $50 to drive a round trip of 131 mls., use my DVR and write a full written report. While on the phone with him, I overheard his secretary mention he was charging the client $295. I'm not critical of profit, but I am of hogishness.

Video shopping has been discussed in detail, and by the Atty., that posts now and then. Video shopping and taping conversation, in the state of CA has a twist, the Video is o.k., but the taping has to be accepted by the party you are taping. Search that thread, there is alot of good information on Video shopping...my thoughts are to be succcessful, you do need to travel and do many shops, taking an occasional Video wouldn't justify putting out the $400.00+ required.

About 90% of my income is from video and a few audio only shops. I do not travel unless the travel fees make up for costs and time. I stay with my sister in northern NJ several times per year and heavily video shop along the way and while there. I did about 20 nights on the road in May in a very unusual video road trip between DC and Orlando in order to attend the IMSC conference, where I hosted a workshop for newbies. When I want to construct a video road trip I "market" every video company for assignments along the route and they split the travel costs. In addition, a couple of video MSCs have asked me to tell them about planned trips so that they can market video around my route. so, it's ready a matter of building up a symbiotic relationship with the companies. Video shchedulers are totally unlike most MSC schedulers. Their frequent shoppers have the schedulers' cell and even home phone numbers. Schedulers can usually contact the client on a moment's notice to make mid-course corrections when targets turn out to be "out of place" on a road trip. The care and feeding of video shoppers is very labor intensive because the stakes are high and the timing is often critical. Every good video scheduler has done dozens, if not hundreds of video shops, so they know what the shopper in the field needs in terms of support, and are very likely to go to bat for the shopper if the client raises any questions. As I said, it's a who;e different world. That's why people either love it or just find it's not for them.

I also try to work in some hotel shops along my route. Some video shoppers also add in gas station and dining shops, which I have not done.

I would say that about half of my video shops are done on day trips from home and the rest on overnight trips, including those trips to my sister's house for holidays and visits with family. I have also stayed overnight several times with other active video shoppers and offer my guest room to them. There is now even a web site for video shoppers and the top 7 companies, with a thread to announce prospective road trips, so that companies can more easily jump on board a major route.

BTW, the frequent sleeper points for my hotel stays on routes really add up! I use each hotel chain's affilated credit card to maximize points. In the past 12 months I have stayed free on at least 20 occasions and have points to spare.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2011 01:04PM by walesmaven.

Mary,

I realized today you had also inquired of fine dining. After entering the business in 2003, I began accepting such shops as they became available, which wasn't for 3 years. After approximately 1/2 dozen, I asked myself the following questions:

1-Did it really matter to me if I dined at a table upon which linen had been placed or was I content with bare wood?
2-Was the attire of the server important to me?
3-Could I eat with a single fork or did I need 3?
4-Was my water as cold and thirst quenching from plastic as crystal?
5-Was the value of what I received worth reports in excess of 3 hours?
6-Did unusual dishes have an appeal?

I answered a resounding NO to all of the above and haven't accepted such an assignment since 2007. I'm perfectly content with jobs that include a $35 meal for 2, with a 30 minute report, but, to each his/her own.

I do not spend 3 hours on any fine dining report, and yes, it is important for the client to know the quality and service their high paying customers are getting, every bit as a big mac or family restaurant, maybe more. I spend no more than 1 1/2 hours on any given fine dining (I dont do Coyle) which takes more time and is really involved. A Closer Look has excellent restaurants which require perhaps an hours work...I may have done so many, it is second nature, but I would say what a great way to take your hubby out. I think it not fair to talk anyone out of doing anything, try it once and figure out if it works for you. My favorite these days are the ones "Tell us about us" has, easy report, nice fun meal. I say go for it and enjoy.

I realize that this thread is a bit dated, but thought I would add my 2 cents. I did every type of shop known to man when I started. I landed a few jobs in the video shopping world and have never looked back. I do 99% video with the other 1% being an occasional resort stay. The fine dining that I did, was not worth the hassle or the time in my opinion.

The first year that I worked part time solely video shopping (about 10 days out of every month), I netted $29,000. Note, I said "netted" not grossed. My expenses and reimbursements were factored in to that amount, it is what I entered on the taxable income line of my tax forms.

To be a successful video shopper, you do need to be willing to do some travel if you want to make the best money. You can stay local and still up your income significantly by adding video shopping to your arsenal of skills. The owner of Clear Evaluations commented at the last IMSC Conference (on stage in a question and answer session) that her average payment to shoppers who work 2-3 days a week for her make $1800-$2000 per month. These shoppers, who I know personally, are also making money doing shops with other companies, so you can certainly see the income potential. Dallas Texas is a hotbed for shopping, with several video MSCs being based in Texas!

I will admit that video shopping is not for everyone. It takes some special skills and lots of patience and endurance because there are frequent technical issues and scheduling problems. I have learned to let these things roll off my back and move on to the next shop when I have problems. Some shoppers don't like the stress involved, including the fact that you, yourself, are on film and if you screw up, you can't cover it up. It happens to all of us- no one is perfect. If you can take high stress and travel a bit, you might want to just give it a shot!

Thanks for jumping on the thread and providing this information. I had already decided against fine dining because I'm not in this for the lifestyle, but thanks for your input on that.

I decided I had three possible troublesome issues with video shopping. These issues caused me to to back away, but I could change my mind. I hope you will comment on these issues.

(1) I'm pushing 74; therefore, I suspect I'll be aged out of the demographic for many video shops.

(2) I strongly prefer to be home at night. I would be extremely resistant to overnight travel.

(3) I'm not a techhead.

I believe with proper training I could do it, and I can afford the equipment. However, I'm thinking I'm probably not a good fit for it.

Comments?

Mary,

1-I'm pushing 69 and haven't experienced any problems, to my knowledge, with MSCs being uninterested due to my age.

2-Like you, I've little interest in sleeping in a motel and won't become a "road warrior." If though a group of assignments only required 1 night in an inn AND expenses, including my food, were covered, I could live with that scenario.

3-In 1960, I was technologically oriented, but of course this is 2011.

In that you're in Texas, why not give Bob Asher a whistle at EPMS? Use their equipment and then make a final decision. If you don't test the waters, every time you think of video shopping you'll wonder "what if." BUT, if you try and it's not for you, you'll have the satisfaction of not being pestered with wondering. I recommend EPMS, as that's how I determined if video and I were a good fit. They'll send you the gear, you don't need to upload the shop and since it's an apt. assignment, there's no worry about running short on battery time.

I used to run and jump for the written shops. I now do about 75% video shopping. The other 25% is for Groceries, gas and ocassionally a bonused fast food shop. I have been making more than $1,000 a month and that is from one company with video alone. I am in Houston and travel to the outskirts. I drove 62 miles out today for EPMS. My plan is to start traveling in the next 3-5 years when the kids are older and my husband can accompany me. Right now it's a great supplement as I work full time from 8:00 to 3:30.

I do 8-10 video shops a month locally and that is fine with me. I normally only gross about 1200.00 a month. This is because other than my bank shops I will not do shops for less than $25.00. This limits me but I prefer the less money to go with the less stress and the less gas. I have my own video equipment that I am used to so I rarely make a mistake. When I go out to eat I don't want to ruin it with work except for my desert one which is fairly simple for me. If I wanted to persue lesser paying shops like I used to I could easily gross over 20K. I prefer the easier route of less shops but getting paid decently for the ones I do.

Video shopping is definitely where the real money is. I have mixed feelings about it, and even though I know it will pay for itself, am not inclined to lay out the money right now. That said, it's something I would consider in the future.

In terms of fine dining, the percentage is really very low. Fine dining is mostly reimbursement. The most generous fee I've seen is $15.00, and it's usually lower. And, the reports for the company which offers the more generous fee is quite a bit of work. I will probably do more fine dining shops when it's more about enhancing lifestyle, but right now, cash is king to me.

I'd like to comment on the issue of age for video shopping. The most active industries for v-shopping are apartments, new homes, and senior living, including assisted living. As a single, 60-something, I have scenarios that I have developed that make me a viable prospect for purchasing a 4-5 bedroom luxury home. If you don't care to try those shops, all the remaining v-shops are just as suited to over-60 folks as to younger folks. And, of course, the fastest growing housing markets are for "active over 55" communities and for independent and assisted living. We are the preferred shoppers for those of course. As for apartments, I have not observed any bias toward younger shoppers for the MSCs that specialize in apartments. As long as I can readily walk up one flight of stairs to see a second floor apartment when needed, I will continue to enjoy these.

With the new video cam set-ups you don't need any special technical skills. And, if you can send a still photo from your computer, you will have no trouble sending a video.

So, if you are an older shopper "on the fence" about video shopping, I encourage you to try a few shops, with their equipment, for EPMS. Robert Asher will walk you through the equipment part. EPMS is the one video MSC that does not pay for travel, btw.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2011 08:38PM by walesmaven.

how do you find video shops?

Please read the above information...Walesmaven gave you a wealth of information including who to start with, as did the others. You seem to ask one question after another without reading our responses, i can't believe yur are here to learn.....sorry, but I have been reading your questions to every little problem, same ole same old. Rhonlynn Wrote:
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> how do you find video shops?

Wow, sorry.

Rhonlynn Wrote:
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> Wow, sorry.


Wow is right! Irene, you could have suggested what you did without chastising.

Rhonlynn - Go to the forum list, click on "Search", and type in "video shops". You'll get access to all the threads. Ellis would be a company you might look into to start.

MDavisNowell,

I still consider myself new with video shopping so can't comment there. As to the $20,000 a year, here's what I did. I live on the cusp of a major metropolitan area. Besides mystery shopping, I started taking merchandising assignments. I often take the "orphans" that are not part of a regular rep's route. I am signed up with numerous companies. I always put my phone number on emails with schedulers. I often get assignments by phone.

The result has been that I have a fine mix of regular mystery shopping and merchandising assignments in my own town. I have regular small routes to neighboring towns. Some of the mystery shopping companies automatically schedule me.

The drawbacks: Because of your age, make sure that you pay attention to how much physical activity there is with a merchandising assignment before you accept it. I had a part-time job in merchandising that was nice but the same muscles were sore all the time. The applications usually ask how much you can lift, if you can stand on your feet, and whether you can bend repeatedly. There are lots of those assignments that are easy.

The advantage of merchandising over mystery shopping is that you hardly ever lose money. Practically no one calls to ask why you did it that way. It has its own kinds of stress, but they aren't huge.

The other drawback is that in order to accomplish this and make $20,000, I worked constantly. I accepted everything. Now I know how much work I can physically and mentally do. You may not want to get to that stage, but seeing how far you do want to get is a fun part.

I have so many contacts now that I'm not afraid of dropping the nuisance assignments, but I am planning to build up the video work. As Carrie said, it is stressful, at least right now, but I like the work. I will probably still take other work for a while after I get a regular schedule with videos, until the time comes when things are running smoothly enough that I have to drop them.

Thanks, everyone, for posting information on this thread. Love you for your help and concern.

This was great info. Thank you for sharing. I've never done a video shop but looks like I need to be pursuing these more.