Something to think about while doing that next cheap paying shop
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UnderCover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am new to MS also. What I've been learning is to
> perform shops that pay at least .50 cents per
> minute (e.g. $30/hour) to make it worthwhile. I
> know that is not do-able all the time but it's a
> figure to shoot for.
>
> I am also learning about how important
> MS/SS/Evaluators are to MSC and their clients. So
> it seems logical that MSC should pay to keep
> trusted quality shoppers. MSC and their clients
> are very dependent on the work that MS perform --
> that MS are a valuable part of a company's market
> research. The MS pay scales should reflect such
> important work that MS perform, we are the eyes
> and ears in the field. MS are where management
> cannot be.
>
> Think about the tremendous service MS are
> providing for MSC and their clients. Shopping is,
> or could be, our livelihood if paid a livable
> commission. Maybe they don't pay more because we
> don't ask/demand more for our valuable service.
> There will always be people willing to work for
> less. MS should not be on the bottom of the pay
> scale. That's the same mentality many "employers"
> have and is one reason for high turnover.
> If the elephant will work for peanuts... I'm just
> sayin...
Please do not let this discussion deflate you. You will never get rich doing mystery shops but people have their reasons for doing them.
I can not see any reason for doing a $10 shop unless it is "in route" and the $10 bill is calling to me saying, "pick me up I am in the middle of the road and it will not take much time or effort".
I am less able to take a single shop unless it is within 5 miles and pays $20 (it would have to be bonused to pay $20) plus reimbursement and I am going to grocery shop at the same brand store.
All I have to do is change location and take the car that looks like it belongs in that parking lot. The stars do come together at the end of the month when the store is in a neighborhood less traveled by suburban housewives and they realize too late where they signed up for and flake. I love those last minute shops. It pays about $30 between bonus and reimbursement and the report is easy.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am new to MS also. What I've been learning is to
> perform shops that pay at least .50 cents per
> minute (e.g. $30/hour) to make it worthwhile. I
> know that is not do-able all the time but it's a
> figure to shoot for.
>
> I am also learning about how important
> MS/SS/Evaluators are to MSC and their clients. So
> it seems logical that MSC should pay to keep
> trusted quality shoppers. MSC and their clients
> are very dependent on the work that MS perform --
> that MS are a valuable part of a company's market
> research. The MS pay scales should reflect such
> important work that MS perform, we are the eyes
> and ears in the field. MS are where management
> cannot be.
>
> Think about the tremendous service MS are
> providing for MSC and their clients. Shopping is,
> or could be, our livelihood if paid a livable
> commission. Maybe they don't pay more because we
> don't ask/demand more for our valuable service.
> There will always be people willing to work for
> less. MS should not be on the bottom of the pay
> scale. That's the same mentality many "employers"
> have and is one reason for high turnover.
> If the elephant will work for peanuts... I'm just
> sayin...
Please do not let this discussion deflate you. You will never get rich doing mystery shops but people have their reasons for doing them.
I can not see any reason for doing a $10 shop unless it is "in route" and the $10 bill is calling to me saying, "pick me up I am in the middle of the road and it will not take much time or effort".
I am less able to take a single shop unless it is within 5 miles and pays $20 (it would have to be bonused to pay $20) plus reimbursement and I am going to grocery shop at the same brand store.
All I have to do is change location and take the car that looks like it belongs in that parking lot. The stars do come together at the end of the month when the store is in a neighborhood less traveled by suburban housewives and they realize too late where they signed up for and flake. I love those last minute shops. It pays about $30 between bonus and reimbursement and the report is easy.
As verbose as you are narratives should be your forte
I'm not sure why you say a $20 shop would have to have a bonus. My per shop average has been well above $20 (actually often above $30 and $40) for a long time now and many months it doesn't include a single shop with a bonus.
I'm not sure why you say a $20 shop would have to have a bonus. My per shop average has been well above $20 (actually often above $30 and $40) for a long time now and many months it doesn't include a single shop with a bonus.Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
LisaSTL, if you don't mind me asking, where are you consistently finding shops well above $20? Most of what I find is closer to the $15 mark and when I average that with the $8-10 phone calls, my average even lower. I'm signed up with over 200 companies as well. So far this year I've only had three to pay $25. Everything else was in the lower range.
Lisa - Aren't you consistently doing video shops?
The last several month my percentage of video to traditional has increased substantially. But even taking a quick glance at other jobs there have been a good percentage that were higher paying. I'm finding the jobs the same way everyone else does in that I'm registered with a lot of companies. I'm also old just old enough to qualify for some of the Medicare related insurance jobs.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Maybe it's partly because I have another part time job, but I won't do some of the $15.00 shops if they are too demanding. For example, drive across town, upload a picture, upload brochures,afterwards go to the post office and and mail all of the materials that you have uploaded. There was also many more little instructions on this shop that I have not listed. With gas going up I am even getting more picky about the shops that I do. I enjoy Mystery shopping and I plan to do more shops in the future, therefore I will try to do only shops that I am comfortable with.
I cannot believe that they are paying $4.00. I have complained to the schedulers about this. This is the only company that pays so little. It is terrible.
plmccut Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would not only like to know WHO but would also
> like to see the kind of reports they turn in. If
> they don't have enough common sense to figure out
> how much it's costing to do the shops them vs. how
> much they are making for doing the shops . . ..
I bet that $4 shop gets $4 worth of a report
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would not only like to know WHO but would also
> like to see the kind of reports they turn in. If
> they don't have enough common sense to figure out
> how much it's costing to do the shops them vs. how
> much they are making for doing the shops . . ..
I bet that $4 shop gets $4 worth of a report
Sean the Shopper
avitoots wrote...
cpburt -- Why are you assuming that Market Force's executive suite isn't getting rich off their business while paying the workers the bare minimum?
I did not make that assumption. They may very will be getting rich at employees and shoppers expense...or they may not be making a net profit. I simply indicated that people can't say that they are getting rich, just because they had gross sales of $54 Million. We just don't know one way or the other. I am, however, assuming that you did not understand my post at all.
cpburt -- Why are you assuming that Market Force's executive suite isn't getting rich off their business while paying the workers the bare minimum?
I did not make that assumption. They may very will be getting rich at employees and shoppers expense...or they may not be making a net profit. I simply indicated that people can't say that they are getting rich, just because they had gross sales of $54 Million. We just don't know one way or the other. I am, however, assuming that you did not understand my post at all.
My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.
Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
I beg to differ, when Forbes says an msc grosses 54 million, let's be smart and think they are making a damn good living (at least the higher up). Forbes does not give out or bother to check out the poorest money making companies.
I'd also bet the reason for their doing well, is keeping shoppers and schedulers fee low, very low to help increase their profit. Remember,
their clients are some of the largest in the world, with shops globally,
someone is making money and it's not us.
I'd also bet the reason for their doing well, is keeping shoppers and schedulers fee low, very low to help increase their profit. Remember,
their clients are some of the largest in the world, with shops globally,
someone is making money and it's not us.
Live consciously....
I do quite a few shops for the $4 company. I, too, am amazed every month when someone takes those shops for $4. Crazy!! Even if you lived next door!! I just wait them out and take shops at the end of the month when they are paying up, sometimes very handsomely. I very,very rarely do a shop under $15 for them, lots are in the $20 to $30 range (sometimes higher).
What about the company that has the $2 phone shops! I think that is utterly ridiculous even if you don't have to leave your home, drive your car or wait in line for anything. You still have to read the guidelines, talk to the rep on the phone and then do the report. SMH
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."
plmccut Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Again that's hardly enough to
> pay the gas to run around to all those different
> stores.
>
> The only thing I can think of is that in this
> economy there may be people who are so afraid of
> missing a couple bucks that they'll grab at
> anything which only means they are selling their
> time, energy and vehicle pretty cheaply.
It's probably newcomers who are doing them to get some experience. I remember driving all over for peanuts when I first started, not anymore.
-------------------------------------------------------
Again that's hardly enough to
> pay the gas to run around to all those different
> stores.
>
> The only thing I can think of is that in this
> economy there may be people who are so afraid of
> missing a couple bucks that they'll grab at
> anything which only means they are selling their
> time, energy and vehicle pretty cheaply.
It's probably newcomers who are doing them to get some experience. I remember driving all over for peanuts when I first started, not anymore.
I'm less concerned about the fees than the lack of overall control. And fairness. I recently did a shop for Remington that was rejected even though I did nothing wrong.. even the scheduler originally told me I was ok and I got a 9 on the shop.(Until it was changed to a 0) I lost a good 3 hours and $35 on that one. I also had a shop rejected by StN due to semantics. And, GfK still owes me a $20 bonus. In all cases, there is no appeal process. I tried emailing the scheduler and owner of Remington and both messages were bounced back to me...they have put me on their spam list. I can vent on this Forum, maybe even complain to the Better Business Bureau. But really, what good does that do? I have read many, many, many posts from shoppers who have had similar experiences. I KNOW some shops are rejected for valid reasons, but even then...we put in the time and effort.
Hey, it is part of doing business. You are at the mercy of the MS companies and have zero chance of getting your money if the client rejects your report (even if you were right). I also got stiffed by Remington because the person on the phone decided to go home after giving me an appointment for a certain time. I was forced to conduct the on-site portion with another person. Somehow it was my fault and initially after saying that it was all good, they decided not to pay me. Similar instances have happened with other companies so I just take it with a grain of salt. Most of the shops are so easy and there are plenty of shops in my area so I just let it go.
Guess I am getting tired of being "at the mercy of the MS companies." I don't mind working hard but would like to be treated fairly.
Seems we're all at the mercy of the MS companies. Does anyone know of a mystery shopper association? Sure would be nice if we all worked together.
Part of the reason ms companies can make the rules that benefit them is because shoppers don't have any sort of association to work together.
Part of the reason ms companies can make the rules that benefit them is because shoppers don't have any sort of association to work together.
MS companies that appear to be using the shopper to get a free or discounted audit, we can identify more or less.
I know I always do the best I can; volunteer work or not is immaterial. However, when I feel my work which is supposed to be paid as per agreement is being used to get a freebie, I bolt out. I let them know I am mystery shopping for the money and I give prompt and quality service. If. for example I am expected to submit the report asap, that means I have to carry my laptop. Ok, but it has to be worth it. If the fee is counter-productive, what for? I do voice out. They are free not to give me the shop or remove me from their database. And not once have they demanded further. It's not a matter of "hand-holding" as someone has commented, but mutual respect is very important to me. It cannot be a one-way street.
Mystery shopping is a huge change of careers/jobs/hobbies, etc for most of us. We have to more or less like it and for a while, accept some terms. But it is possible to make changes in the way we are being treated with fees or actions or even in the way we feel. We can accept a $4 assignment but we don't have to lose our self-respect and integrity. We can hold our head high because this is an honourable and interesting endeavour. We, in our own way, can make some changes for the better, and make this a worthwhile career, as many of the veterans like Lisa and Flash have done.
Look at the improvements not only in the rates but benefits for part-time employees. Many people worked hard to bring about those changes.
I know I always do the best I can; volunteer work or not is immaterial. However, when I feel my work which is supposed to be paid as per agreement is being used to get a freebie, I bolt out. I let them know I am mystery shopping for the money and I give prompt and quality service. If. for example I am expected to submit the report asap, that means I have to carry my laptop. Ok, but it has to be worth it. If the fee is counter-productive, what for? I do voice out. They are free not to give me the shop or remove me from their database. And not once have they demanded further. It's not a matter of "hand-holding" as someone has commented, but mutual respect is very important to me. It cannot be a one-way street.
Mystery shopping is a huge change of careers/jobs/hobbies, etc for most of us. We have to more or less like it and for a while, accept some terms. But it is possible to make changes in the way we are being treated with fees or actions or even in the way we feel. We can accept a $4 assignment but we don't have to lose our self-respect and integrity. We can hold our head high because this is an honourable and interesting endeavour. We, in our own way, can make some changes for the better, and make this a worthwhile career, as many of the veterans like Lisa and Flash have done.
Look at the improvements not only in the rates but benefits for part-time employees. Many people worked hard to bring about those changes.
We used to have some decent paying shops($20+) around central Texas, but some people moved in and started taking them when they were really low, and now they never get up past $10 on a good day. Texas is a big state and to go most places, you have to drive to get there, so I don't see how anybody can make any profit at all taking these low paying shops.
Guess they haven't figured out that if you let them set there, they will go up, but they are always gone before they have a chance to be increased. People, your time is worth more than that!!!
Guess they haven't figured out that if you let them set there, they will go up, but they are always gone before they have a chance to be increased. People, your time is worth more than that!!!
I really find it insulting when people say I don't understand their posts. I am well educated and can understand complex concepts. Doesn't take much to believe someone is defending an MS's stingy rates when they mention the story quoted gross income and then mentions all of the business deductions.
I am thinking of starting one. Wanna help?
qpone Wrote:
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> Seems we're all at the mercy of the MS companies.
> Does anyone know of a mystery shopper association?
> Sure would be nice if we all worked together.
>
> Part of the reason ms companies can make the rules
> that benefit them is because shoppers don't have
> any sort of association to work together.
qpone Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Seems we're all at the mercy of the MS companies.
> Does anyone know of a mystery shopper association?
> Sure would be nice if we all worked together.
>
> Part of the reason ms companies can make the rules
> that benefit them is because shoppers don't have
> any sort of association to work together.
We are not at the mercy of the mystery shopping companies. We don't have to do this. Times are hard, a lot of people are out of work, and they're willing to do whatever they can. There are plenty of mystery shoppers, and there will be even more tomorrow and even more the day after tomorrow. Apparently this is not nearly as good as it used to be, and I wouldn't know about that. I started in 2009, when this had already gone downhill. The companies aren't going to pay more, because they don't have to pay more. Someone is doing all the shops at the rates that are currently being paid. More shoppers are signing up day after day after day. This is not going to be any different. I see this as a take it or leave it deal. I've decided to take it. It works well enough for me to stay with it at the current rates. I think you have to work hard to do well with this, and I don't believe it will ever be big bucks. What does this have to do with cheap shops? If they fall on my route, they're about to be mine.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
That's what I meant. If MS are such important and valuable "research tools" (with families) for a company, it would make more sense to reflect that in MS commissions/pay.
Do MSC take a large percentage from the contract and trickle down what's left to the MS, or do clients pay low from the start? Do MSC bid for clients?
Do companies recognize and reward high caliber MS for doing a quasi-manager's job? OSCARS for MS....
qpone Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's always been amazing to me, Lisa, is that
> companies talk so much about customers service
> being the number one priority. Companies like
> Nordstrom and Ritz Carlton hotels have build
> brands based on customer service.
>
> Others say that customer service is number one,
> and then they pay such a small amount to have it
> evaluated.
>
> I've never been able to square those two concepts
> in my mind.
>
>
>
> LisaSTL Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It would not be hard to figure out which
> companies
> > have that mentality, such as Market Force,
> > Trendsource, GFK, CORI and Second to None. The
> > reports for Market Force show how little they
> > think of their shoppers and how low their
> > expectations are since many are not much more
> > comprehensive than the survey on the back of
> > receipt. Luckily, not all companies fit that
> mold
> > and there are many which put a high value on
> their
> > shoppers. Those companies do not expect
> shoppers
> > to settle for minimum wage.
> >
> > qpone Wrote:
> > > As to your being paid fifty cents per
> minute...
> > > good luck with that. While some shops do pay
> > well
> > > (and fairly), as one MS employee told me
> once,
> > > they base pay on what would be considered
> > minimum
> > > wage. (It seems any more that "minimum wage"
> > would
> > > be an increase.)
Do MSC take a large percentage from the contract and trickle down what's left to the MS, or do clients pay low from the start? Do MSC bid for clients?
Do companies recognize and reward high caliber MS for doing a quasi-manager's job? OSCARS for MS....
qpone Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's always been amazing to me, Lisa, is that
> companies talk so much about customers service
> being the number one priority. Companies like
> Nordstrom and Ritz Carlton hotels have build
> brands based on customer service.
>
> Others say that customer service is number one,
> and then they pay such a small amount to have it
> evaluated.
>
> I've never been able to square those two concepts
> in my mind.
>
>
>
> LisaSTL Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It would not be hard to figure out which
> companies
> > have that mentality, such as Market Force,
> > Trendsource, GFK, CORI and Second to None. The
> > reports for Market Force show how little they
> > think of their shoppers and how low their
> > expectations are since many are not much more
> > comprehensive than the survey on the back of
> > receipt. Luckily, not all companies fit that
> mold
> > and there are many which put a high value on
> their
> > shoppers. Those companies do not expect
> shoppers
> > to settle for minimum wage.
> >
> > qpone Wrote:
> > > As to your being paid fifty cents per
> minute...
> > > good luck with that. While some shops do pay
> > well
> > > (and fairly), as one MS employee told me
> once,
> > > they base pay on what would be considered
> > minimum
> > > wage. (It seems any more that "minimum wage"
> > would
> > > be an increase.)
inquire Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> no surprises there!!!!
Let's define cheap shops. I believe a shop less than $15.00 fee and reimbursement is a cheap shop. Let's assume my route goes through that cheap shop and I'd have to kick it out of the way to get on down the road. I'm already there, no extra gas. I can get it by stopping for a few minutes. Being a cheap shop, it won't be a complicated or complex report. Let's pretend I have a chance to pick up two of them at $10.00 each. That's $20 more for the day. If I go out 16 days a month and I can pick up two extra shops on eight of those days that will be $160 more per month, or $1920 in revenue added on for the year with no additional expense. I won't leave that money on the side of the road. No surprises here, for sure.
-------------------------------------------------------
> no surprises there!!!!
Let's define cheap shops. I believe a shop less than $15.00 fee and reimbursement is a cheap shop. Let's assume my route goes through that cheap shop and I'd have to kick it out of the way to get on down the road. I'm already there, no extra gas. I can get it by stopping for a few minutes. Being a cheap shop, it won't be a complicated or complex report. Let's pretend I have a chance to pick up two of them at $10.00 each. That's $20 more for the day. If I go out 16 days a month and I can pick up two extra shops on eight of those days that will be $160 more per month, or $1920 in revenue added on for the year with no additional expense. I won't leave that money on the side of the road. No surprises here, for sure.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
Undercover:
Yes, companies bid for clients. The businesses who are looking for mystery shopping generally contact multiple ms companies to get pitches. That is one of the reasons a company moves from one ms company to another.
As an example, one of the ms companies had a fast food client and the jobs paid about $8.50, plus reimbursment. The ms company lost the contract supposedly because the fast food place was shifting marketing strategy. The ms company said that when the ff company was ready to add mystery shopping back into the mix that they would be back with the ms company.
Several months later, the ff company was back with another ms company and the pay was $8.00 including the food purchase. Seems pretty clear that the new ms company came in with a lower bid.
You can be sure that the ms companies make significantly more than what they are paying shoppers. One ms company once told me that they were being paid over $60 per shop and they paid shoppers $17.
It's all about the dollars... unfortunately, the shoppers are the last in line on that front.
UnderCover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That's what I meant. If MS are such important and
> valuable "research tools" (with families) for a
> company, it would make more sense to reflect that
> in MS commissions/pay.
>
> Do MSC take a large percentage from the contract
> and trickle down what's left to the MS, or do
> clients pay low from the start? Do MSC bid for
> clients?
>
> Do companies recognize and reward high caliber MS
> for doing a quasi-manager's job? OSCARS for MS....
>
>
> qpone Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What's always been amazing to me, Lisa, is that
> > companies talk so much about customers service
> > being the number one priority. Companies like
> > Nordstrom and Ritz Carlton hotels have build
> > brands based on customer service.
> >
> > Others say that customer service is number one,
> > and then they pay such a small amount to have
> it
> > evaluated.
> >
> > I've never been able to square those two
> concepts
> > in my mind.
> >
> >
> >
> > LisaSTL Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > It would not be hard to figure out which
> > companies
> > > have that mentality, such as Market Force,
> > > Trendsource, GFK, CORI and Second to None.
> The
> > > reports for Market Force show how little they
> > > think of their shoppers and how low their
> > > expectations are since many are not much more
> > > comprehensive than the survey on the back of
> > > receipt. Luckily, not all companies fit that
> > mold
> > > and there are many which put a high value on
> > their
> > > shoppers. Those companies do not expect
> > shoppers
> > > to settle for minimum wage.
> > >
> > > qpone Wrote:
> > > > As to your being paid fifty cents per
> > minute...
> > > > good luck with that. While some shops do
> pay
> > > well
> > > > (and fairly), as one MS employee told me
> > once,
> > > > they base pay on what would be considered
> > > minimum
> > > > wage. (It seems any more that "minimum
> wage"
> > > would
> > > > be an increase.)
Yes, companies bid for clients. The businesses who are looking for mystery shopping generally contact multiple ms companies to get pitches. That is one of the reasons a company moves from one ms company to another.
As an example, one of the ms companies had a fast food client and the jobs paid about $8.50, plus reimbursment. The ms company lost the contract supposedly because the fast food place was shifting marketing strategy. The ms company said that when the ff company was ready to add mystery shopping back into the mix that they would be back with the ms company.
Several months later, the ff company was back with another ms company and the pay was $8.00 including the food purchase. Seems pretty clear that the new ms company came in with a lower bid.
You can be sure that the ms companies make significantly more than what they are paying shoppers. One ms company once told me that they were being paid over $60 per shop and they paid shoppers $17.
It's all about the dollars... unfortunately, the shoppers are the last in line on that front.
UnderCover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That's what I meant. If MS are such important and
> valuable "research tools" (with families) for a
> company, it would make more sense to reflect that
> in MS commissions/pay.
>
> Do MSC take a large percentage from the contract
> and trickle down what's left to the MS, or do
> clients pay low from the start? Do MSC bid for
> clients?
>
> Do companies recognize and reward high caliber MS
> for doing a quasi-manager's job? OSCARS for MS....
>
>
> qpone Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What's always been amazing to me, Lisa, is that
> > companies talk so much about customers service
> > being the number one priority. Companies like
> > Nordstrom and Ritz Carlton hotels have build
> > brands based on customer service.
> >
> > Others say that customer service is number one,
> > and then they pay such a small amount to have
> it
> > evaluated.
> >
> > I've never been able to square those two
> concepts
> > in my mind.
> >
> >
> >
> > LisaSTL Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > It would not be hard to figure out which
> > companies
> > > have that mentality, such as Market Force,
> > > Trendsource, GFK, CORI and Second to None.
> The
> > > reports for Market Force show how little they
> > > think of their shoppers and how low their
> > > expectations are since many are not much more
> > > comprehensive than the survey on the back of
> > > receipt. Luckily, not all companies fit that
> > mold
> > > and there are many which put a high value on
> > their
> > > shoppers. Those companies do not expect
> > shoppers
> > > to settle for minimum wage.
> > >
> > > qpone Wrote:
> > > > As to your being paid fifty cents per
> > minute...
> > > > good luck with that. While some shops do
> pay
> > > well
> > > > (and fairly), as one MS employee told me
> > once,
> > > > they base pay on what would be considered
> > > minimum
> > > > wage. (It seems any more that "minimum
> wage"
> > > would
> > > > be an increase.)
jersey07032 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm less concerned about the fees than the lack of
> overall control. And fairness. I recently did a
> shop for Remington that was rejected even though I
> did nothing wrong.. even the scheduler originally
> told me I was ok and I got a 9 on the shop.(Until
> it was changed to a 0) I lost a good 3 hours and
> $35 on that one. I also had a shop rejected by StN
> due to semantics. And, GfK still owes me a $20
> bonus. In all cases, there is no appeal process. I
> tried emailing the scheduler and owner of
> Remington and both messages were bounced back to
> me...they have put me on their spam list. I can
> vent on this Forum, maybe even complain to the
> Better Business Bureau. But really, what good
> does that do? I have read many, many, many posts
> from shoppers who have had similar experiences. I
> KNOW some shops are rejected for valid reasons,
> but even then...we put in the time and effort.
Sending an e-mail to the MSC "Will you, without the necessity of sending a summons and complaint to your client and yourself, explain to me why I am not getting paid?
The MSC already broke the contract by not paying you and they are not giving you the opportunity to discuss the issue because they think they are out of state and you can not touch them. You can sue in your local area in small claims court.
Most MSC's to respond and explain and you pat yourself on your forehead with the palm of your had and you realize you did not perform properly. Those who do not respond and ignore your request for an explanation deserve to have their client inconvenienced locally so you can sue them out of state.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm less concerned about the fees than the lack of
> overall control. And fairness. I recently did a
> shop for Remington that was rejected even though I
> did nothing wrong.. even the scheduler originally
> told me I was ok and I got a 9 on the shop.(Until
> it was changed to a 0) I lost a good 3 hours and
> $35 on that one. I also had a shop rejected by StN
> due to semantics. And, GfK still owes me a $20
> bonus. In all cases, there is no appeal process. I
> tried emailing the scheduler and owner of
> Remington and both messages were bounced back to
> me...they have put me on their spam list. I can
> vent on this Forum, maybe even complain to the
> Better Business Bureau. But really, what good
> does that do? I have read many, many, many posts
> from shoppers who have had similar experiences. I
> KNOW some shops are rejected for valid reasons,
> but even then...we put in the time and effort.
Sending an e-mail to the MSC "Will you, without the necessity of sending a summons and complaint to your client and yourself, explain to me why I am not getting paid?
The MSC already broke the contract by not paying you and they are not giving you the opportunity to discuss the issue because they think they are out of state and you can not touch them. You can sue in your local area in small claims court.
Most MSC's to respond and explain and you pat yourself on your forehead with the palm of your had and you realize you did not perform properly. Those who do not respond and ignore your request for an explanation deserve to have their client inconvenienced locally so you can sue them out of state.
PHD Are we talking about Remington stiffing me the entire fee or GfK stiffing me the bonus (or both)?????
jersey07032 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm less concerned about the fees than the lack of
> overall control. And fairness. I recently did a
> shop for Remington that was rejected even though I
> did nothing wrong.. even the scheduler originally
> told me I was ok and I got a 9 on the shop.(Until
> it was changed to a 0) I lost a good 3 hours and
> $35 on that one. I also had a shop rejected by StN
> due to semantics. And, GfK still owes me a $20
> bonus. In all cases, there is no appeal process. I
> tried emailing the scheduler and owner of
> Remington and both messages were bounced back to
> me...they have put me on their spam list. I can
> vent on this Forum, maybe even complain to the
> Better Business Bureau. But really, what good
> does that do? I have read many, many, many posts
> from shoppers who have had similar experiences. I
> KNOW some shops are rejected for valid reasons,
> but even then...we put in the time and effort.
Oh, no! This really makes me very angry. I cannot stand MS companies who ignore shoppers and do not provide any explanation. Remember that the contract obligates them too. It is a commitment between the company and the shopper. You are entitled to a valid explanation as to why they are reneging on their obligation to pay you if you have fulfilled your part of the terms of the agreement and can prove it! Being Independent Contractors does not mean the shoppers are the only ones obligated by that contract.
Twice, it happened to me and the accounting department ignored my message or the scheduler denied I did the shops and did not pay me for more than 120 days, violating the contract agreement, I wrote them and asked them if they preferred that I contact their client or the Better Business Bureau. I said in a very stern but professional manner that I did not appreciate the silent treatment and they could remove me from their database asap as I was awaiting their long overdue payment so I could delete my name from their database. However, if I did not receive any word in two weeks as to when I would be paid for the service I have provided them (It was not a small amount.), I was prepared to send all my documents to the proper channels. I wrote them that I conduct a very legitimate business and have documented every aspect of my dealings with them. I told them that I expected that both parties would honour the binding contract. It took less than a week (two weeks from the other) and I received an apology as well as a check from both companies. By that time I was exhausted.
This is my opinion and practice....It is very important to keep records of everything. This is afterall a business endeavour. In my previous job I was trained to document everything so when I started being a shopper, I became more diligent in documenting my shops. You will thank yourself later on for being organized. It pays to be congenial but my policy is as usual, mutual respect. I am normally not a fighter but I learned that one cannot be altogether docile at all times or one becomes open to abuse. There is a time when we have to fight for something worth fighting for. And time to cut our losses. Knowing the difference is something else. Good luck!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2012 07:25AM by risinghorizon.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm less concerned about the fees than the lack of
> overall control. And fairness. I recently did a
> shop for Remington that was rejected even though I
> did nothing wrong.. even the scheduler originally
> told me I was ok and I got a 9 on the shop.(Until
> it was changed to a 0) I lost a good 3 hours and
> $35 on that one. I also had a shop rejected by StN
> due to semantics. And, GfK still owes me a $20
> bonus. In all cases, there is no appeal process. I
> tried emailing the scheduler and owner of
> Remington and both messages were bounced back to
> me...they have put me on their spam list. I can
> vent on this Forum, maybe even complain to the
> Better Business Bureau. But really, what good
> does that do? I have read many, many, many posts
> from shoppers who have had similar experiences. I
> KNOW some shops are rejected for valid reasons,
> but even then...we put in the time and effort.
Oh, no! This really makes me very angry. I cannot stand MS companies who ignore shoppers and do not provide any explanation. Remember that the contract obligates them too. It is a commitment between the company and the shopper. You are entitled to a valid explanation as to why they are reneging on their obligation to pay you if you have fulfilled your part of the terms of the agreement and can prove it! Being Independent Contractors does not mean the shoppers are the only ones obligated by that contract.
Twice, it happened to me and the accounting department ignored my message or the scheduler denied I did the shops and did not pay me for more than 120 days, violating the contract agreement, I wrote them and asked them if they preferred that I contact their client or the Better Business Bureau. I said in a very stern but professional manner that I did not appreciate the silent treatment and they could remove me from their database asap as I was awaiting their long overdue payment so I could delete my name from their database. However, if I did not receive any word in two weeks as to when I would be paid for the service I have provided them (It was not a small amount.), I was prepared to send all my documents to the proper channels. I wrote them that I conduct a very legitimate business and have documented every aspect of my dealings with them. I told them that I expected that both parties would honour the binding contract. It took less than a week (two weeks from the other) and I received an apology as well as a check from both companies. By that time I was exhausted.
This is my opinion and practice....It is very important to keep records of everything. This is afterall a business endeavour. In my previous job I was trained to document everything so when I started being a shopper, I became more diligent in documenting my shops. You will thank yourself later on for being organized. It pays to be congenial but my policy is as usual, mutual respect. I am normally not a fighter but I learned that one cannot be altogether docile at all times or one becomes open to abuse. There is a time when we have to fight for something worth fighting for. And time to cut our losses. Knowing the difference is something else. Good luck!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2012 07:25AM by risinghorizon.
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