Where is the bottom?

June 07, 2024 07:37PM

Today, 06/07, I received a notice of video shops in my area of Ohio. Although there were several details, the fee could only be seen by clicking a link. Upon that page opening, I learned the following: The fee was $30, a cell phone was not acceptable, a test needed to be taken and the written part of the report had a same day submission requirement. Finally, 18 of the 23 shops for Ohio had been snatched up and scheduled.

Folks, 15 yrs. ago, such a shop would have paid me $60 to $90. would not have required a test and I was given at least 24 hrs. to submit the video without a report of questions.

The above is merely a commentary on the fee situation that exists for shoppers. It is NOT a criticism of MSCs, who are faced with a mandate to extract the maximum work for the least pay.

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June 07, 2024 07:50PM

It's all about competition and shopper saturation. The word is out and getting started is as easy as creating a user name and password. I live in a small town, not near any metro areas, so the shops are limited to begin with. Recently though I have noticed a new shopper(s) on my turf snatching up every shop, no matter what it is, as soon as it is released. They must be refreshing email, websites, and apps nonstop!

I think it is going in that direction everywhere, and high opening fees and big bonuses are disappearing. It is becoming an MSC's market, not a shopper's market!

June 07, 2024 08:21PM

From being a shopper for over 20 years, I have seen a lot of ups and downs in the amount of compensation we receive, and this can change even as fast as the seasons change. I have always noticed in this area that shops are taken quickly at a low wage starting in May and continuing through autumn. I've wondered if it's because college students are home for the summer, and maybe pick these up just to make some summer cash. But as Bob mentioned, shops are being posted at a pay rate much less than even 15 years ago, but if the MSCs know their pool of shoppers is larger than ever, and people are taking shops for lower and lower pay, then they will continue to start these shops at a lower fee. Not only that, but if these companies see that certain programs get snatched up in minutes (Kroger, Texas Roadhouse, etc) then they certainly aren't going to raise any pay. It definitely makes it difficult for us shoppers, and it's caused me to fall back on other IC work outside of mystery shopping.

June 08, 2024 03:02AM

Messages boards like this do not help, as information is shared and schedulers get an inside look into what shops shoppers believe are "easy" money.

June 08, 2024 05:30AM

shopperbob has stated numerous times in other threads that he failed miserably at making mystery shopping his full-time career. I feel like I'm almost to that point. Shops are becoming scarce here in Podunk due to both volume (it is Podunk, after all) and competition, and I've grown weary of being out on the road so much. I feel like I'm chasing after a buck that has sprouted wings and taken flight.

I'm now about to take a work-from-home customer service job that will make me absolutely miserable, but between my health taking a dive and needing insurance, and the shopper climate becoming more and more untenable, I feel like I don't have any other choice.

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown

June 08, 2024 02:00PM

I was never cut out to be a career mystery shopper, because I don't have what it takes to scour every job board every day and to be chummy with every scheduler in the country. I think that is what it takes to be a full timer, to get offered plum jobs or to get a heads up from a scheduler buddy. And the ones who can do this for a career, I really do admire, you put a lot of work into it. I've just found it easier to chase after a dozen or so shopping projects that I enjoy and still do my other IC work.

But like drdoggie mentions, the shopper climate is getting tighter (along with less pay) and I've had to do more non-shopper work to make up for the shortfalls in this business.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2024 02:01PM by hamptonroadsva.

June 08, 2024 03:24PM

@hamptonroadsva wrote:

From being a shopper for over 20 years, I have seen a lot of ups and downs in the amount of compensation we receive, and this can change even as fast as the seasons change. I have always noticed in this area that shops are taken quickly at a low wage starting in May and continuing through autumn. I've wondered if it's because college students are home for the summer, and maybe pick these up just to make some summer cash. .

I don’t know about every one else, but, I have a full-time job as a teacher, and a part time job Sunday mornings. so, during the summer is when I ramp up on the mystery shopping. During the year I can really only do weekends and an occasional evening shop. During the summer, I can do all day, every day, if I so choose (which I pretty much did last summer). That opens up a lot of jobs that I can’t easily do during the school year, like anything with typical business hour appointments required (Kia shops, apartment shops) or jobs where I have to get there an hour before closing or during a certain time period. And it pays more than summer school, with more flexibility and a lot less assault.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2024 03:25PM by mysterioso412.

June 08, 2024 04:34PM

I found a phone shop on my boards for $2. Yes, two dollars. I don't care how easy it is, I wouldn't do it.

June 08, 2024 06:58PM

To answer bob’s original question - I don’t know where the bottom is, but I don’t think we’ve reached it yet. That both scares and saddens me.

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown

June 09, 2024 03:01AM

I mostly do luxury retail and travel shops now. Starting to scale back on the dining shops that are reimbursement only mainly for health reasons. In my area, seeing the reimbursement only dining shops get snatched up regularly as soon as they post, based on the popularity of the client.

The fast food shops I used to do when starting out in mystery shopping five years ago, I looked back at the past couple of months. I was surprised to see the starting job fees now start as low as $3 instead of $5, and some of the new fast food clients are reimbursement only. Along with shopper rotations and rules on the same meal period.

Also, some of the other simple retail shops I used to do are enforcing longer shopper rotations at all of the locations and not getting bonused as frequently. When I think about it from a client perspective in certain industries, I can understand why only certain types of reports would be sought after and only pay a premium for something that would provide deeper and reliable insight.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/09/2024 03:02AM by Okie.

June 09, 2024 01:45PM

@ServiceAward wrote:

Messages boards like this do not help, as information is shared and schedulers get an inside look into what shops shoppers believe are "easy" money.

I have ambivalent feelings about this forum. One the one hand, it helps new entrants and creates more competition in an already overcrowded field. On the other hand, without it, something else would surely take its place, and that something else could easily be a lot worse.

June 10, 2024 11:59PM

Even without this forum, there is Reddit and Facebook. The proliferation of automation has driven fees down. Everyone has the internet literally in their hands, making MSing really accessible for everyone. Before GPS, there were a lot of people who couldn't do this job because they had trouble using the Thomas Guide.

Now, I think it is common for someone to start as an MS, do some shops for low fees and after a few weeks or months realize it isn't lucrative and fall away. In the meantime, they have helped keep fees low.

June 11, 2024 12:22AM

I have found since that new organization is bringing in new shoppers that the amount of work that I find is swindling. They will take the job no matter what and then complain that they can't supplement their income with it. Thanks to the pandemic everyone needs a side gig.

June 11, 2024 04:09AM

@drdoggie00 wrote:

shopperbob has stated numerous times in other threads that he failed miserably at making mystery shopping his full-time career. I feel like I'm almost to that point. Shops are becoming scarce here in Podunk due to both volume (it is Podunk, after all) and competition, and I've grown weary of being out on the road so much. I feel like I'm chasing after a buck that has sprouted wings and taken flight.

I'm now about to take a work-from-home customer service job that will make me absolutely miserable, but between my health taking a dive and needing insurance, and the shopper climate becoming more and more untenable, I feel like I don't have any other choice.

Its one of those things you just have to make the best of it.

I haven't really noticed the drop off in pay. My first job (or at least one of my first jobs) in mystery shopping was going to The Woodlands Mall and visiting the Dell kiosk in 2006. To show you how archaic it was, It was for a MSC that has these three shopping bags at the top of their SASSIE site. If you guys remember that company...you're as old as I am--God help you. LOL. I think I got paid $11 for it. About what a job like that would pay now; electronics visit shops pay like what, $16 now? So that has raised like $5 in 20 years.

What I think has happened is that back in 2006, that $11 would buy (according to this one site) [stacker.com]

- Fresh eggs (1 dozen): $1.31
- White bread (1 pound): $1.08
- Sliced bacon (1 pound): $3.44
- Round steak (1 pound): $4.00
- Potatoes (1 pound): $0.53
- Fresh grocery milk (1 gallon): $3.08

(according to this one site) [stacker.com]

If you were willing to drink water, you could have steak and eggs for breakfast twice or so!!! Today? You maybe could buy the round steak.

What we consider 'good pay' has changed.

June 11, 2024 11:58AM

The real question ShopperBob, is how is this MSC pay "bottom" different from the White House bottom?

You have to be an idiot to invest your time and pick 'em again. The history of poor results are clearly visible for all to see. (Albert Einstein: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.)

But IC's keep picking jobs from MSC's with low pay. Like picking an individual with a poor track record. It's insane.

The latest jobs report shows a decrease in full-time jobs and an increase in part-time jobs.

That's why I find it much easier to invest in equities and bonds which keeps our household flush. I only work for an MSC for fun and a discount. I guess that's why I'm a Maverick.

There is a real increase in mental health cases. For sure.

I'm certain the economy is going to get worse before it gets better.

Find real work you can be proud of. Stop believing lies and misinformation.

Let's end with a Russian song translated to English: [www.youtube.com]

(...fade to black)

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2024 12:17PM by maverick1.

June 11, 2024 01:06PM

Those websites are tough as prices of things can fluctuate. For example, eggs were expensive last year and prices decreased. There also can be big differences in prices of generic vs. brand, different kinds of stores, types and quality of product, etc. Today at my local walmart a generic regularly price gallon of milk is $2.75. A generic dozen large eggs is $1.54. Bacon is pretty expensive these days, but I was able to stock up on some on sale at a local grocery store for $2.99/lb recently. But the prices of bacon are definitely way up.

2006 $3.08 = 2024 $4.87.
2006 $1.31 = 2024 $2.07.

But are prices of items way up from where they were a couple of years ago? Absolutely. Restaurant prices are much higher, and most grocery store items are too. I was able to get two meals and two margaritas within the $50 reimbursement at Texas Roadhouse not long ago. Now, that is not possible, unless maybe with the early bird deals.

@metro25782 wrote:

What I think has happened is that back in 2006, that $11 would buy (according to this one site) [stacker.com]

- Fresh eggs (1 dozen): $1.31
- White bread (1 pound): $1.08
- Sliced bacon (1 pound): $3.44
- Round steak (1 pound): $4.00
- Potatoes (1 pound): $0.53
- Fresh grocery milk (1 gallon): $3.08

What we consider 'good pay' has changed.

June 18, 2024 05:31PM

Yesterday, 06/17, I received an E-offer to work an identical shop I had completed in 2018 @ $65; the pay was $45. Today, 06/18, an offer came through for a shop from 2021 that paid $100; it is now $45.

To paraphrase Smokey the Bear, shoppers, only you can bring a halt to this fee carnage.

I do not criticize MSCs for paying as little as possible.

June 18, 2024 09:38PM

It happens less often these days, but I do recall MSCs calling you directly with shops needing to be filled by tight deadlines. If I reasonably stated that it would be difficult to complete due to the distance or inconvenience of having to shuffle things around, they were more often than not accommodating. I wish I received more of these calls and had these types of open conversations, rather than having to go through a different means of communication.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/2024 09:39PM by Okie.

June 19, 2024 03:42PM

@shopperbob wrote:

Yesterday, 06/17, I received an E-offer to work an identical shop I had completed in 2018 @ $65; the pay was $45. Today, 06/18, an offer came through for a shop from 2021 that paid $100; it is now $45.

To paraphrase Smokey the Bear, shoppers, only you can bring a halt to this fee carnage.

I do not criticize MSCs for paying as little as possible.

I had some spare time, so I entered your figures into an inflation calculator just to see exactly how much fees have gone down. The 2018 shop paying $65 at that time equals $81 in todays dollars. The 2021 shop at $100 is $115 in todays dollars. Accounting for inflation, fees are a lot less these days than just face value.

June 19, 2024 04:18PM

I can think of the See's Candy msc that still pays the same fee as it did 10 years ago. I bet the people employed with the msc for 10+ years are not making what they were paid 10 years ago. Also with Haagen Dazs too. Those are 2 that pop out at me that have not changed over time. I'm sure there are many others. I ignore most shops and won't bother with apartments or watch shops. I have become super-picky after 20 years.

Interesting with Raising Canes that they start at $0 pay and reimbursement that does not cover the required purchase, but then Five guys with the same MSC has shops that begin with $9 pay. Why the discrepancy within the same MSC? Either both should start at $0 or both should start with a fee.

June 19, 2024 07:26PM

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

Interesting with Raising Canes that they start at $0 pay and reimbursement that does not cover the required purchase, but then Five guys with the same MSC has shops that begin with $9 pay. Why the discrepancy within the same MSC? Either both should start at $0 or both should start with a fee.

My guess is this is dictated by the client. At least I hope that's what it is - let's not give that MSC any ideas.

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown

June 19, 2024 08:49PM

Doesn't really matter what the MSC does. Not very many are taken for $9. At least not in my area. I see like 10 on the board at $13 right now for this period (20-23rd). They will only go up.

June 19, 2024 11:47PM

If you follow any of the financial news channels, a few common themes have emerged - one is that the US has increasingly become divided and no, we're not talking along political lines. We're talking income....while the stock market booms and showers investors with blessings, wage earners aren't getting any relief yet at the cash register....read the WSJ, watch CNBC commentary - it's all there - none of this is a surprise.
It would kill me to have to depend on MSing for an income....I am grateful whenever I find easy jobs that give me spare money for iced coffee....one of my splurges and again, grateful....if people need an income, I seriously suggest other venues, not this one. Thankfully jobs are hiring and gig work is always there when MSing dries up - for those who are looking.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/19/2024 11:48PM by BarefootBliss.

June 20, 2024 12:34AM

I wonder if the market for Mystery Shopping has changed because of online shopping. When fewer purchases are made at brick & mortar, maybe stores don't spend as much ensuring the service?

June 20, 2024 01:39AM

@BarefootBliss wrote:

If you follow any of the financial news channels, a few common themes have emerged - one is that the US has increasingly become divided and no, we're not talking along political lines. We're talking income....while the stock market booms and showers investors with blessings, wage earners aren't getting any relief yet at the cash register....read the WSJ, watch CNBC commentary - it's all there - none of this is a surprise.
It would kill me to have to depend on MSing for an income....I am grateful whenever I find easy jobs that give me spare money for iced coffee....one of my splurges and again, grateful....if people need an income, I seriously suggest other venues, not this one. Thankfully jobs are hiring and gig work is always there when MSing dries up - for those who are looking.

Overall, all good observations that I agree with in general. I'd also add that the main stream media is very left-biased leaning today including the publications you mentioned. It pays to read a variety of viewpoints from differing perspectives.

Yes, investment income is the place to be. I receive more income / appreciation in assets from investments now than I did during my W2 earning years. It was the renowned scientist and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein who said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn't … pays it.” These words are reflected by investor Warren Buffett, who is most associated with the basic wealth building strategy.

June 20, 2024 01:47AM

are we going to drag politics into another thread? Seriously? Why?

June 20, 2024 02:12AM

Sorry to get off topic. Stock market is top heavy as well with Magnificent 7 and chip sector with an emphasis on AI. I trade actively. The past couple of months have been good with large swings, starting when there was a small dip when there was a consensus that a lot of the chip stocks were overvalued. I got out a little too early, and it's just continuing to go up. With more companies showing profit and positive outlooks, not sure how much more room there is to grow at this pace.

June 20, 2024 02:56AM

@Okie you are going to lose long term by trying to time the market. You cannot lose if you just put in a SP500 fund and leave it alone. It's the gold-standard to which all these money managers try to beat every year. Some do. Most do not.

Warren Buffet accepted a bet from a hedge fund manager on this topic. The hedge fund manager quit before the 10 years were up. [www.investopedia.com]

I love how my COST (costco) and CMG (chipotle) are doing.

@maverick1 is definitely correct. I earn more annually in dividends/appreciation than I do from my 6 figure salary. Yes, there will be bad years, but the market has always rebounded so far. Even with Covid in 2020, it came flying back. If you can't handle the ride, just put the $ in and close your eyes. You will be fine long term.

June 20, 2024 03:47AM

@mystery2me wrote:

@ServiceAward wrote:

Messages boards like this do not help, as information is shared and schedulers get an inside look into what shops shoppers believe are "easy" money.

I have ambivalent feelings about this forum. One the one hand, it helps new entrants and creates more competition in an already overcrowded field. On the other hand, without it, something else would surely take its place, and that something else could easily be a lot worse.

I think we met the something else a few weeks ago. It is what boggles my mind as to why people gave a flying flip about what someone else had going on. I'll just say it, if you are trying to make money doing mystery shopping, then I would rather a bunch of people spend a 1k trying to learn about the business, even if they get scammed, then to come here and learn legit about the business, and take up more jobs. But, for some reason, this board wanted to save a bunch a people from spending a bunch of money and send them over here. Why people want to shoot themselves in the foot is beyond my ability to comprehend, and I am a smart guy! Yeet!

June 20, 2024 03:48AM

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

@Okie you are going to lose long term by trying to time the market. You cannot lose if you just put in a SP500 fund and leave it alone. It's the gold-standard to which all these money managers try to beat every year. Some do. Most do not.

Warren Buffet accepted a bet from a hedge fund manager on this topic. The hedge fund manager quit before the 10 years were up. [www.investopedia.com]

I love how my COST (costco) and CMG (chipotle) are doing.

Didn't Warren Buffet also say all you need to do is invest in 4-6 quality companies run by strong leadership teams and hang onto them for the rest of your life? If you think of it as you only have 10 picks in life, but are extremely selective and meticulous, you have nothing to worry about. - Yes, not exactly the same, where you're looking to hold.

I do agree with you though that is the recommended and tried and true path. I was good in my younger years and planted the seeds. Invested early in retirement accounts with low expense mutual funds and followed the recommended diversification allocation. It's a large part of my retirement and investment portfolio.

But after paying off major expenses, this is investing remaining cash after I address everything else. I'm still fairly young and am comfortable with taking on more risk. I do have the time to recover from any setbacks. The past five years especially has been good to me. I do reinvest earnings in other conservative areas and look to dollar-cost average other accounts.

Regarding COST, I bought a good amount when it dipped on the last quarter's earnings report. I sold at $800. Seeing it where it is now, I do regret not holding onto some of it.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/20/2024 03:58AM by Okie.

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