Where is the bottom?

$30/hr - as I mentioned, was just an example of the change in number value, not in direct numbers.
I don't have a number to hit, I use a combination of factors to decide what's worth it for me...and appreciate reimbursement as well if the work for it is reasonable. There's no formula for me, but I am able to spot the ones I won't do - very quickly lol.

As we always say here, we're each here for different reasons....for income, you have my applause.

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@Okie wrote:

@SteveSoCal wrote:

Solution = Don't accept 'flat fee' dining assignments. Everything should be full reimbursement + fee
Some interesting points. But that's the thing, if another shopper is willing to accept the worse conditions without a second thought, the slope downward continues.

The willingness, often fueled by desperation, of some people to take low-ball offers is what sparked the successful phase of the union movement in the USA. Also, the fast food industry went from being one that hired high schoolers and seniors for part time work to having to hire, as the industry grew, adults who needed a paycheck to pay rent and otherwise support their families. I see MS as having features of both, with lots of unsustainable exploitation that can only be overcome with legislation.

As an advocate of free market economics, I oppose government intervention to solve the situation of shopper exploitation. Unfortunately, I am unable to suggest a solution to the problem.

As to the price of dining in an eatery, that is an easy solution; do not enter. To the best of my recollection, I was 13 when I experienced my first meal in a restaurant.

I'm in somewhat the same world as @sandyf and definitely the same high-tax state, so MS is 100% about reimbursement for me these days, but I also agree that both kinds of shoppers are needed. I'm no longer willing to do purchase/return shops or anything that's strictly fee-based, but I made a living doing that for a short time when I was younger (and in a much lower tax bracket).

Like @shopperbob, I leaned heavily into favoring free market economy in my youth, but at a certain point in my career, was forced to join a union. I was miffed about union dues in my 20's and didn't see what the union was accomplishing for me, but now I am on the other side of that. I am looking into retirement planning, facing a potential demise, or at least reduction, of social security and now really happy that some who where older/wiser back then essentially forced me into a situation where I have a pension that was able to benefit from the boom of the 90's and grow for 30+ years.

I'm not going to be the one advocating for that sort of control in the MS industry, and we have long ago established that any type of collective bargaining on our behalf in near impossible, but would not be opposed to pressure form the government to bring our pay rates in line with other occupations.

I wasn't necessarily proposing unionization. Anyways, good points.

I wanted to add, and maybe this thread is not the right place, but for anyone interested, starting last year I did add several fee only shops where I felt the fee was equal to the work. This was due to a few years ago reading here that we, as schedule C workers, could deduct our health insurance costs. Since my health ins costs are higher than I would like and also mystery shopping is taxed at my not rock bottom tax rate I decided that this was equally a benefit in my favor. So last year I deducted a portion of my health insurance costs. I was happy to see my tax forms were not challenged on this. It did seem like a benefit too good to be true!

I know it's not on the same topic...but how HIGH is the top? I see a car rental shop at an airport that is now $125. I think it started at $75. Requires reveal and pictures afterwards. Wonder if it will get to $200. Might be willing to consider at that point.

I'm not a shopper that likes to pick up 1x assignments and have to learn the rules and study the report for a 1x payday. I would rather do the same things over and over that don't require much thought as it's habitual (the too many guys burger shops when $20 or more, or the stagecoach bank opening shops when at $120 or higher).

@sandyf wrote:

I wanted to add, and maybe this thread is not the right place, but for anyone interested, starting last year I did add several fee only shops where I felt the fee was equal to the work. This was due to a few years ago reading here that we, as schedule C workers, could deduct our health insurance costs. Since my health ins costs are higher than I would like and also mystery shopping is taxed at my not rock bottom tax rate I decided that this was equally a benefit in my favor. So last year I deducted a portion of my health insurance costs. I was happy to see my tax forms were not challenged on this. It did seem like a benefit too good to be true!

Yes, sandyf, I remember reading that, so I was able to deduct health insurance costs too!

Kia shops got to at least $140 last year. I did a bunch of Kias for between 90 and 140 each. (Meant to answer about where is the top - forgot to quote before hitting enter). There's a gym audit near me for $200 right now, . but that's a one off. There's a running shop that starts at 20 but I've grabbed it at 60-80. I'm a runner, so, I use it to subsidize the running shoes I'd buy anyway (no purchase required, but I'm allowed to purchase).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/15/2024 09:22PM by mysterioso412.

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