Come to think of it (and it HAS been a while) my report--the one they rejected because I said something was a shelf, not a kiosk--was negative, as well.

Still....can someone PLEASE explain why a company would reject a shop because it was negative. I have read many posts in which this was the suspected reason for the rejection. It just doesn't make sense. Aren't we SUPPOSED to report what we find?

Just asking.

Happy Passover and Happy Easter and Happy
whatever else you are doing this weekend.

Were you specifically told that your shop was rejected because the report was negative? I have done a number of reports over the years that were negative - and I hate the negative ones because they are so much more difficult and time-consuming to write than the positive reports - and I have never had a report rejected because it was negative.

AustinMom

I was told my report was rejected because I called a kiosk a shelf. I am really just pondering. I've read a number of posts re: shops being rejected because they were negative. I just don't see the logic in that. What would their motive be for rejecting the shop just because it is negative.

Happy Passover and Happy Easter and Happy whatever else you are doing this weekend

I agree, I can't imagine any MSC rejecting a report because it is negative as long as it is well-written and objective. If all reports that a MSC sends to a client are positive, after receiving a couple of positive reports on each location, there would be no incentive for the client to continue to pay the MSC to shop their locations. If you are already doing a good job (as shown by positive mystery shop reports), why continue to pay for additional reports? So it actually is in the MSC's interest to have reports that do not show perfect performance on the client's part.

Have you tried e-mailing the scheduler to discuss the rejection if your only sin was using the wrong word to describe the client's location?

Austin Mom

My incident with StN occurred almost 3 years ago, when I was a newby shopper. I was only using it as an example. I did try to argue my case. The scheduler became down right insulting. I was building my tutoring business--still am--and told her to deactivate me. I actually had to ask twice. No one cared. And now I know better than to deactivate, no matter how hurt/insulted I feel. However, I have absolutely nothing good to say about StN based on this experience. The shop was a grocery store and I think TS has that client now. Not sure.

I agree with everything you said about negative shops. I would be more concerned about always sending positive reports. But...really, I report what I experience, positive or negative. That way, I don't have to remember my lies (smile). If questioned/challenged I can simply go back to my hard copy of the report and/or notes to freshen my memory and provide the answers.

With that StN shop--the one that was rejected...I had to wait for someone behind the deli counter to greet me, offer me a sample of something, and do something else I don't remember at this point. I recall--only because I went through hell with the kiosk/shelf BS--the deli clerk was extremely busy and did not offer me a slice. I think I was supposed to stand there, sucking my thumb or something so he would offer me a sample. He did not offer. He said, "when you're ready, let me know." And then helped the next customer. I reported this and the editor wasn't happy with this, but I don't remember why. Again, the shop was rejected because of the shelf/kiosk BS.

I just completed a truly negative shop for STN and it was already accepted, so I don't think that's the reasoning behind their rejections,at least if the negative aspects are well documented in the report.

In my case, the technical dude could not locate the desired ink cartridge I needed and told me to call home to find out the number on the cartridge. WTF?? Meanwhile, as I waited the required 10 minutes in the aisle, (obvious I know, but no one noticed me) I found the info myself in the little guide book. I didn't mention that to him. This techie couldn't find it there or on his computer. Talk about not wanting to shop at that store!!LOL

I'm thinking of a shop I did (for another MSC) at a big box office supply store. I stood around forEVER waiting for help, as per the guidelines. I thought I must be SOOOOOOOOOOOO obvious, but no one noticed me at all. AND, I wonder about these requirements to wait for such long periods. When I am shopping for myself, I wait maybe two minutes. If I don't have help in five, I am O.U.T.! Seriously.

My shop was rejected and I am not feeling good about myself.

I went back and read the guidelines and yes it was in the requirements.

Three times the requirements said that I needed to order a drink and a bake good. But only on the third time, near the bottom of the page, did it say that I needed to order the drink first.

I ordered the bake good first and my shop was rejected.

I did not find this on my review just before completing the shop.

Sorry that happened gaict. I really think that is one of the stupidest reasons for rejecting a shop.

What f---ing difference could it possibly make what you order first. Unless they want to determine if the clerk/associate asks if you want a beverage with your baked good or something like that. Otherwise I can't imagine what their logic would/could be.

Of course, they don't need logic. Do they?

Jersey

I had a shop rejected once for something that it was never rejected for before. Shopped the same company, same location, same everything. I suspected it was because the report was negative. It was a gray area and I felt like they nitpicked it that one time just so they didn't have to turn in a bad report to their "boss". I have only had two shops rejected in years of shopping, so you know how careful I am about my shops. I chalked it up to a learning experience and was thankful I was only out a small amount of money. It did reduce the amount of trust I had in that MSC, but everything has been hunky dory since then.

For those doing the office supply do not use the points card when you do the shop but you CAN add the points via missing receipt on the office supply web page and still get credit.

My problem with this msc is that their reporting software is horrible. 100 questions and about half of them require me to type "N/A" because they don't apply.

@Canadamommy...how long is that good for? I do a lot of STN shops at an office supply and have never done that. I could use those points too!

I have also had a shop rej by them never realized it until I was going over my unpaid shops and seen they had a rejected shop button... but I have done many others for them too.

Cindy0614
Pretty sure every 90 days limit but may be wrong
Just gather your receipts and go to their site.
A little hidden but there...I think I start with review purchases and then find the button add missing receipt, really fast to enter.
And all those dollars do add up.

I did a report and put"N/A" in so many sections. It would not let me submit the report because it had to be "NA" (no foward slash). I had to go through and change all the "N/A"s to "NA". It wasn't a big deal, but you just reminded me of it. I don't know why they can't just make it so you don't have to enter anything in those sections.


Phoebe70 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My problem with this msc is that their reporting
> software is horrible. 100 questions and about half
> of them require me to type "N/A" because they
> don't apply.

I was rejected because I did not ask what comes on a particular Sub sandwich. There was a large menu board directly above and behind the counter which contained the ingredients for this sub. I felt it ridiculous to ask what comes on it when it is clearly obvious. Now I am out of the cost for the sandwich, gas to travel 30miles and the fee. GOODBYE Second to None, I just deactivated my account!!!!

thomasso even though it was listed on the board why not ask like instructions require?


homasso Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was rejected because I did not ask what comes on
> a particular Sub sandwich. There was a large menu
> board directly above and behind the counter which
> contained the ingredients for this sub. I felt it
> ridiculous to ask what comes on it when it is
> clearly obvious. Now I am out of the cost for the
> sandwich, gas to travel 30miles and the fee.
> GOODBYE Second to None, I just deactivated my
> account!!!!

I just squint a little and act like I can't see it. LOL

I am very reluctant to lay out money up front and expect that the company will pay. Come to think of it, when I lay out money, which is a small amount, I get something useful.
I'm not playing their games.
They do not pay enough in the first place.

At a sandwich shop the employee saw me looking at the menu and when I asked the question, she pointed to the menu board right next to me. Yes the report was a bit negative, you think?

plmccut Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I just squint a little and act like I can't see
> it. LOL


I use this stunt myself. And if the employee turns around and points to the menu board on the wall behind them, I note that in my comments and my reports have always been accepted.

As for the low pay, this is a shop that I go to on my own in my "normal" life anyway so why not get reimbursed for my purchase with a couple of extra bucks leftover. If there are locations far away from where I live or work, I wait until they are bonused and then I search for other shops in the area and make a route out of it.

Hi,

I had one problem, when I first starting working for STN, I called and straighten it out and found they were fair. I still do shops for them.

Savana23

I just act like I've never been to the location before, sort of looking around, taking the whole place in (it really helps with other details, as well, taking in the pepper-bar or whatever it is). Anyway, I can see why the MSC (or client) might want that information. Say the employee is new, a trainee, or just plain lazy. Say the employee only puts lettuce on your sandwich when it's supposed to have tomato and mayo. Say the employee points to the board instead of actually answering your question, thus not really giving you good customer service. That's all information a client might really want to know.

I like the squinting idea. I wear glasses, though, so I just pretend I've never been to the location. Sometimes I'll even say as much. It's a great way to get employees to open up. =)

I've worked with Second-to-None for quite a while now. I can honestly say they don't reject shops out of hand. There's always a reason and it's usually linked to the instructions. I know it sucks... I feel for you, but if you follow the guidelines to the letter, you might have a very lucrative relationship with S-2-N. =D

Sending the best,

Jen

Hi,

I looked on the job board for STN and saw the same exact job assignment that paid $20 (Medicare Presentation) is now paying $15 for the same type of assignment. I have a question: I noticed the scheduler is new - Does the scheduler have pay parameter discretion? If not, guess they will lose some regulars huh?

I am starting to question integrity with some of the companies.

Enjoy!

Savana23

Hey Savana,

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'does the scheduler have pay parameter discretion', but I think what you mean is does the scheduler have any leeway when it comes to the rate? Firstly, while the other assignment might have said $20 (and now only says $15), it might have been bonused if you saw it near the end of the month. Secondly, yes, all schedulers for S-2-N have some discretion over the rate, but if they're new, they need to work through their supervisors to get them approved.

When it comes to working with S-2-N, I have always found them exceedingly fair when dealing with things like distance pay, or bonus pay (for things like added risk or extra time that's needed to complete the project). If you feel the $15 is unfair, but you feel like $20 is doable, you can always make them an offer. Explain to them the circumstances about why you feel the job is worth the extra $5 (or just wait until the project gets a little longer in the tooth). They'll do what they can (if they can) to work with you.

Sending the best,

Jen

I just checked my September invoices on their web site. There was one "problem child" on a university campus inside a food court so the set-up was quite different than a "normal" store. I had a lot of N/A answers but I explained everything in detail.

They have accepted my report without a hitch. And they are reimbursing me the dollar that I had to pay for metered parking since I was not a student or faulty with a parking sticker. I did contact my scheduler immediately after performing the shop to let her know about the issues. And I included a photo of my metered parking receipt. They are very fair and easy to work with as long as you COMMUNICATE. :-)

jentodd, Savana is right. Those shops were paying $20 for the regular rate as recently as last month. I'm guessing the lower fee is because they have lowered the required age thereby increasing the pool of shoppers.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/05/2012 03:01PM by LisaSTL.

jentodd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey Savana,
>
> I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'does the
> scheduler have pay parameter discretion', but I
> think what you mean is does the scheduler have any
> leeway when it comes to the rate? Firstly, while
> the other assignment might have said $20 (and now
> only says $15), it might have been bonused if you
> saw it near the end of the month. Secondly, yes,
> all schedulers for S-2-N have some discretion over
> the rate, but if they're new, they need to work
> through their supervisors to get them approved.
>
> When it comes to working with S-2-N, I have always
> found them exceedingly fair when dealing with
> things like distance pay, or bonus pay (for things
> like added risk or extra time that's needed to
> complete the project). If you feel the $15 is
> unfair, but you feel like $20 is doable, you can
> always make them an offer. Explain to them the
> circumstances about why you feel the job is worth
> the extra $5 (or just wait until the project gets
> a little longer in the tooth). They'll do what
> they can (if they can) to work with you.
>
> Sending the best,
>
> Jen

Thanks Jen,

Yes, that is what I meant exactly - I was wondering if the scheduler had the option to increase or decrease pay rates.

I did notify them and the answer was:

"We have adjusted our fee based on the influx of shoppers in the area. If the shop is not claimed for this fee, we will increase it."

So I guess they are saying there are so many shoppers in Roanoke, VA (Population 96,719)- and surrounding areas (say 30-40 miles) is much less.

Savana23
Silver Certificated

jentodd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey Savana,
>
> I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'does the
> scheduler have pay parameter discretion', but I
> think what you mean is does the scheduler have any
> leeway when it comes to the rate? Firstly, while
> the other assignment might have said $20 (and now
> only says $15), it might have been bonused if you
> saw it near the end of the month. Secondly, yes,
> all schedulers for S-2-N have some discretion over
> the rate, but if they're new, they need to work
> through their supervisors to get them approved.
>
> When it comes to working with S-2-N, I have always
> found them exceedingly fair when dealing with
> things like distance pay, or bonus pay (for things
> like added risk or extra time that's needed to
> complete the project). If you feel the $15 is
> unfair, but you feel like $20 is doable, you can
> always make them an offer. Explain to them the
> circumstances about why you feel the job is worth
> the extra $5 (or just wait until the project gets
> a little longer in the tooth). They'll do what
> they can (if they can) to work with you.
>
> Sending the best,
>
> Jen

Thanks Jen,

Yes, that is what I meant exactly - I was wondering if the scheduler had the option to increase or decrease pay rates.

I did notify them and the answer was:

"We have adjusted our fee based on the influx of shoppers in the area. If the shop is not claimed for this fee, we will increase it."

So I guess they are saying there are so many shoppers in Roanoke, VA (Population 96,719)- and surrounding areas (say 30-40 miles) is much less.

BTW, I do like STN and have no other complains. :+)

Savana23
Silver Certificated

Lisa wrote:

jentodd, Savana is right. Those shops were paying $20 for the regular rate as recently as last month. I'm guessing the lower fee is because they have lowered the required age thereby increasing the pool of shoppers.

"I am LisaSTL and I approved this message."

-- Cool. Sounds like it was something like that. And seriously, I think I've said this, you guys can all feel free to call me Jen. Man, I'm really regretting my nickname choice! (;

Savana wrote:

So I guess they are saying there are so many shoppers in Roanoke, VA (Population 96,719)- and surrounding areas (say 30-40 miles) is much less.

-- I think you're right! Probably like Lisa was saying just above. We could also start a catch-release program in the places where shoppers are too plentiful... -stokes chin manically- I hear Nova Scotia is nice this time of year!

Jen