Just saw some senior living competitor phone shops. I have done many of this type of shop in the past paying $25 for another company. Figured they might be worthwhile possible less work than the $25 one which was really not that bad after all. I signed up and YIKES! The shop requires you provide a screenshot of the call history along with minutes on the phone- they say multiple calls may be needed- yes that is true multiple calls are often needed- and I was surely willing to call a few times for $25 but for $10??? The form literally has pages and pages of questions as to pricing, occupancy rates, amenities, security deposits, pet deposits and monthly fees, what is included in each apartment in terms of amenities. Additionally, they ask for community features as well. Worst of all the communities are often multiple levels of care communities so pricing would be one price for independent living, another for assisted living, another for memory care. I am about to cancel the shop I requested as it will be impossible to do. With a scenario of a one single elderly person why would I ask rates for studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom as well as second occupant fees? The company is out of their skulls with this shop form! I am sure the company is earning a nice fee for this information and to expect the shop to be done for $10 is quite insulting.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/24/2025 02:43PM by Fatlady.

What company is this? You can tell us since the client is unnamed.

It sounds like a $50+ shop to me.

Check post on low paying shops on iss

TL;DR - Don't do phone shops! J/K!

Prior to 2020, the MSCs handling the senior facility clients were paying me up to $150 for visits and $25 for easy phone calls. As the properties were charging up to 10K a month for memory care, the businesses were flush with cash. Then the MSCs adopted the Arab:camel philosophy of business, where more is required for less and less and less. My last such assignment was shortly before the Corona shutdown.

I do not, from a business standpoint, criticize any company establishing rules I am not required to accept. Nor do I have a problem with changes where I am able to walk away. Just today, I received notice of shops that paid me $30 last Nov. There are additional work requirements, with a pay reduction to $15.

A final comment to newer shoppers: In 2007, I was paid an additional $5 to snap an optional pic of a store's exterior. That brought my fee to $20+ reimbursement for the Quiznos sandwich of my choice. Not attempting to covertly snap pics, plural, with no fee AND being informed what I could NOT order.

I just saw one that requires 50 phone calls for $35. As in $0.70 a call......

Some people will take it if they are strapped for cash. If we all just don't do them, the price should go up when they can't find people. Unfortunately, it's difficult to organize for better pay in this business.

Just amazing how much they expect for $10

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2025 05:45PM by Fatlady.

You can get more for the same task elsewhere if you enjoy that kind of thing

There’s another company that posts on iSS that do senior living rate shops and they’re pretty easy but they pay $25 which I think is fair. Plus this company pays very fast. When I saw the $10 posted by the other company I was surprised…

Yes I agree. The other company with the $15 recorded shops as well as $25 non recorded rate sheet shops is a great company to work for. They pay fast and are very nice! The $10 ones are truly an insult. .There were a whole lot of the $10 ones posted again today with shop dates this weekend- I wonder if people took the shops then canceled them realizing what was involved or if shops were done without 100% details and rejected. A friend of mine is a shopper and she is really in need to some cash for unexpected car repairs- She figured she would be able to get some cash with these shops- When she saw what was involved she wrote the scheduler and asked if she cannot get all the many details- pricing, amenities, occupancy rates, etc whether she would still be paid and the answer came back with a rather rude reply that ALL of the shoppers who have done them so far got 100% of the information and if you did not get 100% of the details the shop would be declined. In many cases on these types of shops- My friend cancelled as she really needs money and is not going to do work and then not be paid for her efforts. I have done many of the $25 ones for the other company the person you speak with does not know a detail such as the date of the last rent increase or the percentage occupancy- the $25 report will accept the shop with a note that the person you spoke with did not know- seems for $10 the company expects every one you speak with to be all knowing- I hope no one takes their shops!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/26/2025 02:58PM by Fatlady.