Freeman Group Update -- The MSPA Has Acted.
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JacobJ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dear Forum Members, and the MSPA,
>
> just twenty minutes ago, the MSPA announced that
> they suspended a member company for not paying
> mystery shoppers. That company is the Freeman
> Group. This means the Freeman Group will no longer
> be listed as an MSPA member until they meet their
> obligations and pay shoppers.
>
how about franchise compliance? have they yet suspended franchise compliance?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dear Forum Members, and the MSPA,
>
> just twenty minutes ago, the MSPA announced that
> they suspended a member company for not paying
> mystery shoppers. That company is the Freeman
> Group. This means the Freeman Group will no longer
> be listed as an MSPA member until they meet their
> obligations and pay shoppers.
>
how about franchise compliance? have they yet suspended franchise compliance?
vince Wrote:
> how about franchise compliance? have they yet
> suspended franchise compliance?
I don't think they ever were member of MSPA
> how about franchise compliance? have they yet
> suspended franchise compliance?
I don't think they ever were member of MSPA
Wow! That is great...at least they are off the list. I hope they pay up for everyone. It stinks to be shafted when you have done the work.
Well I sent the following to the BBB in Dallas, with a copy to all the email addresses I had at Freeman, plus copies to [company] corporate and local and to the Seminole Indian Tribe that owns [company].Not sure if it will do any good but it's a start.
"Good day, I'm D.M. and I work as an independant contractor for Freeman Group and over 30 other companies performing mystery shopping for them. Today, I filed a complaint with the BBB of Dallas against the Freeman Group. This email is to let you know that Freeman Group is scheduling and having performed mystery shops at your establishments but never pays their contractors. Their excuse is they have not been paid by you.... I am not alone in this problem. There are over 200 other independant contractors with the same problem extending at least over the last 18 months. Here is a copy of my BBB complaint. Not sure if you can help in resolving this problem but felt your company should be aware of one of your contractors and their business practie. BTW have sent them emails weekly since I was told payment would be delayed. Always get one excuse or another but bottom line is I haven't been paid nor have many others performing work for Freeman Group at your establishments. Although no litigation has occurred yet, a group is forming on the mystery shoppers forum with over 20 signups todate to sue Freeman Group in a class action lawsuit. This is just for your information but as you can see I have forwarded this also to Freeman Group personnel that have sent me emails so at least one of us is upfront and honest about their intentions.
Thank you,
D.M. 850-xxx-xxxx
"Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau's Online Complaint System.
Your complaint has been assigned case # 91224913.
Correspondence regarding this complaint will be emailed to :
Please print a copy of this for your records.
Filed on : July 29 2012
Filed by :
D.M.
Filed against :
FreemanGroup
3501 Token Drive, Suite 100
Richardson TX 75082
Complaint Description:
I performed mystery shops for Freeman Group on xx/xx &xx?xx?xxxx with pay plus reimbursement of expenses. Payment due within 60 days. Never been paid. Work as independant contractor performing mystery shops for over 30 different companies. Have performed in excess of 500 shops this year. Contracted with Freeman Group to perform two mystery shops at [company], xxxxxx, FL for them. xx/xx/xx $xxx.xx due. xx/xx12 $xxx.xx due. Contract specifies money due to be paid within 60 days. Never paid and get excuses as to their cash flow problems and I will be paid. On mystery shoppers forum there are over 200 complaints detailing the same problem. Send emails weekly and get various excuses from them but bottom line is they contract to have work done and never pay.
Your Desired Resolution:
I expect to be paid what contract specifies, no more, no less and now.
This case will be reviewed by a complaint specialist at the Better Business Bureau, and then forwarded to the business for their response. It is our policy to allow the business 30 working days to respond to your complaint. You will be notified when the business has responded."
"Good day, I'm D.M. and I work as an independant contractor for Freeman Group and over 30 other companies performing mystery shopping for them. Today, I filed a complaint with the BBB of Dallas against the Freeman Group. This email is to let you know that Freeman Group is scheduling and having performed mystery shops at your establishments but never pays their contractors. Their excuse is they have not been paid by you.... I am not alone in this problem. There are over 200 other independant contractors with the same problem extending at least over the last 18 months. Here is a copy of my BBB complaint. Not sure if you can help in resolving this problem but felt your company should be aware of one of your contractors and their business practie. BTW have sent them emails weekly since I was told payment would be delayed. Always get one excuse or another but bottom line is I haven't been paid nor have many others performing work for Freeman Group at your establishments. Although no litigation has occurred yet, a group is forming on the mystery shoppers forum with over 20 signups todate to sue Freeman Group in a class action lawsuit. This is just for your information but as you can see I have forwarded this also to Freeman Group personnel that have sent me emails so at least one of us is upfront and honest about their intentions.
Thank you,
D.M. 850-xxx-xxxx
"Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau's Online Complaint System.
Your complaint has been assigned case # 91224913.
Correspondence regarding this complaint will be emailed to :
Please print a copy of this for your records.
Filed on : July 29 2012
Filed by :
D.M.
Filed against :
FreemanGroup
3501 Token Drive, Suite 100
Richardson TX 75082
Complaint Description:
I performed mystery shops for Freeman Group on xx/xx &xx?xx?xxxx with pay plus reimbursement of expenses. Payment due within 60 days. Never been paid. Work as independant contractor performing mystery shops for over 30 different companies. Have performed in excess of 500 shops this year. Contracted with Freeman Group to perform two mystery shops at [company], xxxxxx, FL for them. xx/xx/xx $xxx.xx due. xx/xx12 $xxx.xx due. Contract specifies money due to be paid within 60 days. Never paid and get excuses as to their cash flow problems and I will be paid. On mystery shoppers forum there are over 200 complaints detailing the same problem. Send emails weekly and get various excuses from them but bottom line is they contract to have work done and never pay.
Your Desired Resolution:
I expect to be paid what contract specifies, no more, no less and now.
This case will be reviewed by a complaint specialist at the Better Business Bureau, and then forwarded to the business for their response. It is our policy to allow the business 30 working days to respond to your complaint. You will be notified when the business has responded."
Darn...I just accepted a job to shop bar/dinner/gift shop for a really rockin' cafe. Should I flake?
I sent this to them yesterday and was paid today with the following but no apology, oh well, got paid anyhow, also my two other shops I had scheduled with them were canceled by them today, amazing..... their note reads:
You are paid now so please stop sending me this information.
Thanks,
Kim Scarcia // FreemanGroup
Measurement Accounting Specialist
T : (972) 479-1345 | F : (972) 479-1366
3501 Token Dr. Suite 100
Richardson, TX 75082
www.freemangroupsolutions.com
kscarcia@freemangroup.org
donmax Wrote yesterday:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well I sent the following to the BBB in Dallas,
> with a copy to all the email addresses I had at
> Freeman, plus copies to [company] corporate
> and local and to the Seminole Indian Tribe that
> owns [company].Not sure if it will do any good but
> it's a start.
> "Good day, I'm D.M. and I work as an independant
> contractor for Freeman Group and over 30 other
> companies performing mystery shopping for them.
> Today, I filed a complaint with the BBB of Dallas
> against the Freeman Group. This email is to let
> you know that Freeman Group is scheduling and
> having performed mystery shops at your
> establishments but never pays their contractors.
> Their excuse is they have not been paid by you....
> I am not alone in this problem. There are over 200
> other independant contractors with the same
> problem extending at least over the last 18
> months. Here is a copy of my BBB complaint. Not
> sure if you can help in resolving this problem but
> felt your company should be aware of one of your
> contractors and their business practie. BTW have
> sent them emails weekly since I was told payment
> would be delayed. Always get one excuse or another
> but bottom line is I haven't been paid nor have
> many others performing work for Freeman Group at
> your establishments. Although no litigation has
> occurred yet, a group is forming on the mystery
> shoppers forum with over 20 signups todate to sue
> Freeman Group in a class action lawsuit. This is
> just for your information but as you can see I
> have forwarded this also to Freeman Group
> personnel that have sent me emails so at least one
> of us is upfront and honest about their
> intentions.
>
> Thank you,
>
> D.M. 850-xxx-xxxx
>
> "Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau's
> Online Complaint System.
> Your complaint has been assigned case # 91224913.
>
> Correspondence regarding this complaint will be
> emailed to :
>
> Please print a copy of this for your records.
>
> Filed on : July 29 2012
>
> Filed by :
> D.M.
>
> Filed against :
> FreemanGroup
> 3501 Token Drive, Suite 100
> Richardson TX 75082
>
> Complaint Description:
> I performed mystery shops for Freeman Group on
> xx/xx &xx?xx?xxxx with pay plus reimbursement of
> expenses. Payment due within 60 days. Never been
> paid. Work as independant contractor performing
> mystery shops for over 30 different companies.
> Have performed in excess of 500 shops this year.
> Contracted with Freeman Group to perform two
> mystery shops at [company], xxxxxx, FL for
> them. xx/xx/xx $xxx.xx due. xx/xx12 $xxx.xx due.
> Contract specifies money due to be paid within 60
> days. Never paid and get excuses as to their cash
> flow problems and I will be paid. On mystery
> shoppers forum there are over 200 complaints
> detailing the same problem. Send emails weekly and
> get various excuses from them but bottom line is
> they contract to have work done and never pay.
>
> Your Desired Resolution:
> I expect to be paid what contract specifies, no
> more, no less and now.
>
> This case will be reviewed by a complaint
> specialist at the Better Business Bureau, and then
> forwarded to the business for their response. It
> is our policy to allow the business 30 working
> days to respond to your complaint. You will be
> notified when the business has responded."
You are paid now so please stop sending me this information.
Thanks,
Kim Scarcia // FreemanGroup
Measurement Accounting Specialist
T : (972) 479-1345 | F : (972) 479-1366
3501 Token Dr. Suite 100
Richardson, TX 75082
www.freemangroupsolutions.com
kscarcia@freemangroup.org
donmax Wrote yesterday:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well I sent the following to the BBB in Dallas,
> with a copy to all the email addresses I had at
> Freeman, plus copies to [company] corporate
> and local and to the Seminole Indian Tribe that
> owns [company].Not sure if it will do any good but
> it's a start.
> "Good day, I'm D.M. and I work as an independant
> contractor for Freeman Group and over 30 other
> companies performing mystery shopping for them.
> Today, I filed a complaint with the BBB of Dallas
> against the Freeman Group. This email is to let
> you know that Freeman Group is scheduling and
> having performed mystery shops at your
> establishments but never pays their contractors.
> Their excuse is they have not been paid by you....
> I am not alone in this problem. There are over 200
> other independant contractors with the same
> problem extending at least over the last 18
> months. Here is a copy of my BBB complaint. Not
> sure if you can help in resolving this problem but
> felt your company should be aware of one of your
> contractors and their business practie. BTW have
> sent them emails weekly since I was told payment
> would be delayed. Always get one excuse or another
> but bottom line is I haven't been paid nor have
> many others performing work for Freeman Group at
> your establishments. Although no litigation has
> occurred yet, a group is forming on the mystery
> shoppers forum with over 20 signups todate to sue
> Freeman Group in a class action lawsuit. This is
> just for your information but as you can see I
> have forwarded this also to Freeman Group
> personnel that have sent me emails so at least one
> of us is upfront and honest about their
> intentions.
>
> Thank you,
>
> D.M. 850-xxx-xxxx
>
> "Thank you for using the Better Business Bureau's
> Online Complaint System.
> Your complaint has been assigned case # 91224913.
>
> Correspondence regarding this complaint will be
> emailed to :
>
> Please print a copy of this for your records.
>
> Filed on : July 29 2012
>
> Filed by :
> D.M.
>
> Filed against :
> FreemanGroup
> 3501 Token Drive, Suite 100
> Richardson TX 75082
>
> Complaint Description:
> I performed mystery shops for Freeman Group on
> xx/xx &xx?xx?xxxx with pay plus reimbursement of
> expenses. Payment due within 60 days. Never been
> paid. Work as independant contractor performing
> mystery shops for over 30 different companies.
> Have performed in excess of 500 shops this year.
> Contracted with Freeman Group to perform two
> mystery shops at [company], xxxxxx, FL for
> them. xx/xx/xx $xxx.xx due. xx/xx12 $xxx.xx due.
> Contract specifies money due to be paid within 60
> days. Never paid and get excuses as to their cash
> flow problems and I will be paid. On mystery
> shoppers forum there are over 200 complaints
> detailing the same problem. Send emails weekly and
> get various excuses from them but bottom line is
> they contract to have work done and never pay.
>
> Your Desired Resolution:
> I expect to be paid what contract specifies, no
> more, no less and now.
>
> This case will be reviewed by a complaint
> specialist at the Better Business Bureau, and then
> forwarded to the business for their response. It
> is our policy to allow the business 30 working
> days to respond to your complaint. You will be
> notified when the business has responded."
I think Freedom group should pay us interest. I know their payment binds has put some hardship on us for not getting the money in a timely manner.
I cancelled the shop I had scheduled with Freeman. The out of pocket expense at the [company] is just too much to risk...and the fee is fairly low anyway - imho.
FYI, got a response from [company] today. And yes I did get paid yesterday. Amazing. Don
RE: Freeman Group and mystery shopping CRM:xxxxxx
FROM: [company] Customer Support
TO: Don
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 9:04 AM
Dear Don,
Thank you for contacting [company] Customer Care and for bringing this issue to our attention. Our Marketing Department has contacted Freeman Group to address your experience. Freeman Group confirms the payment was processed on July 30, 2012. At this time we would like to verify with you if this is correct and if you have received the payment. Please let us know at your earliest convenience.
We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences you experienced but we thank you for giving the opportunity to investigate the matter further. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Love All Serve All!
Customer Care Team
customer_care@[company].com
(4xx) 445-7649
1-8xx-519-6683
[company] International
xxx Old Park Lane
Orlando, FL 32835 USA
RE: Freeman Group and mystery shopping CRM:xxxxxx
FROM: [company] Customer Support
TO: Don
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 9:04 AM
Dear Don,
Thank you for contacting [company] Customer Care and for bringing this issue to our attention. Our Marketing Department has contacted Freeman Group to address your experience. Freeman Group confirms the payment was processed on July 30, 2012. At this time we would like to verify with you if this is correct and if you have received the payment. Please let us know at your earliest convenience.
We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences you experienced but we thank you for giving the opportunity to investigate the matter further. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Love All Serve All!
Customer Care Team
customer_care@[company].com
(4xx) 445-7649
1-8xx-519-6683
[company] International
xxx Old Park Lane
Orlando, FL 32835 USA
I kept writing Kim Scarcia // FreemanGroup Measurement Accounting Specialist. for last month. I have been paid for my 2 shops so far and waiting on my next payment by next week.
It does help to keep writing emails to Kim. I did my shops back in March 2012 and finally getting paid for them.
It does help to keep writing emails to Kim. I did my shops back in March 2012 and finally getting paid for them.
mojitosmommy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Darn...I just accepted a job to shop
> bar/dinner/gift shop for a really rockin' cafe.
> Should I flake?
You have two options: 1. Flake, or 2. Do the shop at your own expense with no expectation of ever getting paid.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Darn...I just accepted a job to shop
> bar/dinner/gift shop for a really rockin' cafe.
> Should I flake?
You have two options: 1. Flake, or 2. Do the shop at your own expense with no expectation of ever getting paid.
Thank you Jacob. Way to go!
I was about to take a Freeman shop when I read posts after posts of non payment. Thank you Mystery Shopping Forum.
I was about to take a Freeman shop when I read posts after posts of non payment. Thank you Mystery Shopping Forum.
I noticed this line in the shop emails last time they went out and got one again today:
"We have a 3-strike system in place, meaning, if you cancel or reschedule 3 times, you are deactivated. We can only have shoppers that we can count on that will not jeopardize our commitments with our clients. Please keep this in mind when requesting our shops. We really trust and count on you!"
Does this strike anyone else as funny? I mean really talk about a double standard.
Liz
"We have a 3-strike system in place, meaning, if you cancel or reschedule 3 times, you are deactivated. We can only have shoppers that we can count on that will not jeopardize our commitments with our clients. Please keep this in mind when requesting our shops. We really trust and count on you!"
Does this strike anyone else as funny? I mean really talk about a double standard.
Liz
Traveliz Wrote:
We can only have shoppers that we
> can count on that will not jeopardize our
> commitments with our clients. Please keep this in
> mind when requesting our shops. We really trust
> and count on you!"
>
> Does this strike anyone else as funny? I mean
> really talk about a double standard.
>
> Liz
ROFL! I see the humor. And I wonder how many shoppers there are who really trust and count on them.
We can only have shoppers that we
> can count on that will not jeopardize our
> commitments with our clients. Please keep this in
> mind when requesting our shops. We really trust
> and count on you!"
>
> Does this strike anyone else as funny? I mean
> really talk about a double standard.
>
> Liz
ROFL! I see the humor. And I wonder how many shoppers there are who really trust and count on them.
They trust us and count on us, just don't respect us enough pay us or respond to e-mails about payment.
That's just it. It is one sided with some companies. They can cancel but the shoppers cannot. They can be utterly rude but you cannot give your side. They can delay payment or even not pay for your services, but you have to complete your shop to the letter. Mutual respect is what I aim for. I've reached a point when I tend to stay with those who do not give me unnecessary stress. As my son always says, "They need you more than you need them."
They owe me money from April 1 2012, still have not got paid
Just got email from Kim saying the payment would be in my account this week, I guess I'll see.
I must have lost track and never noticed. I just checked my shop log with the Freeman Group, and the only shop I ever did for them, back in JANUARY, still shows "PAYMENT PENDING" for my total of $120.75!!!
I clicked on the Help/Contact link, and sent a message about my money owed, but I immediately received an email that that went to an outside scheduler who no longer works with them and it was forwarded to the Freeman Group.
I added my info to the stickied "Are you owed money by Freeman Group" thread. What else can I do?
I clicked on the Help/Contact link, and sent a message about my money owed, but I immediately received an email that that went to an outside scheduler who no longer works with them and it was forwarded to the Freeman Group.
I added my info to the stickied "Are you owed money by Freeman Group" thread. What else can I do?
It appears that as of August 30, 2012, Kim Scarcia no longer works for Freeman in their accounting department. FYI, they still owe me $128 for a shop done on June 6th.
cinemaphile Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I must have lost track and never noticed. I just
> checked my shop log with the Freeman Group, and
> the only shop I ever did for them, back in
> JANUARY, still shows "PAYMENT PENDING" for my
> total of $120.75!!!
>
> I clicked on the Help/Contact link, and sent a
> message about my money owed, but I immediately
> received an email that that went to an outside
> scheduler who no longer works with them and it was
> forwarded to the Freeman Group.
>
> I added my info to the stickied "Are you owed
> money by Freeman Group" thread. What else can I
> do?
Pray! Call again. Pray! Call again. Pray! Call again... You get the idea.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I must have lost track and never noticed. I just
> checked my shop log with the Freeman Group, and
> the only shop I ever did for them, back in
> JANUARY, still shows "PAYMENT PENDING" for my
> total of $120.75!!!
>
> I clicked on the Help/Contact link, and sent a
> message about my money owed, but I immediately
> received an email that that went to an outside
> scheduler who no longer works with them and it was
> forwarded to the Freeman Group.
>
> I added my info to the stickied "Are you owed
> money by Freeman Group" thread. What else can I
> do?
Pray! Call again. Pray! Call again. Pray! Call again... You get the idea.
I did a shop in March 2012 and still haven't gotten paid. I contacted the scheduler and she told me the same thing that they were sending out checks again in 2 weeks but that was 3 months ago. I have been emailing them but get no response. Hopefully one of these days I'll get paid but I will not shop for them again.
I have called every workday in September, Any Denning, who is never available and does not return calls. I found this thread today in looking for an alternative phone number. Thank you for the great information. I completed the google doc with my missing payment information (May 2012), filed a complaint with the Dallas BBB, and sent an email to customer_care@[company].com, asking that they intervene. I have also asked that they consider using a member MSPA company, and NOT continue to use a cpmpany that they are aware is not paying their independent contractors. Anyone who reads this forum and still shops for these people should not be suprised when they are not paid. I also copied everyone at Freeman on the email I sent to [company].
Thanks to all who posted and provided information.
Thanks to all who posted and provided information.
I undertand many of you are disgusted, angry, upset, and frustated, and you have every right to be, but please don't name Freeman's clients in this thread. Not only is it against this forum's rules, but naming names can only hurt your reputation. It won't hurt Freeman. You can make the same point by not naming names.
Thank you and the best of luck in getting paid.
Thank you and the best of luck in getting paid.
Their job board is now completely empty... no jobs listed anywhere from either of their big clients. Guess they wised up and pulled the plug, but that means no more income for Freeman and no more shop payments for anyone. We're screwed.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2012 09:25AM by shopper64.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2012 09:25AM by shopper64.
hello jacob,
i'm one of freeman groups' victims
they send me email asking me to do two audits for hard ................ in Egypt ( hurghada and sharm elshiekh).
and every city is about 800 km far from cairo.
they promised me to gave me bouns to do the two visits.
also, they informed me that they will pay me one of the two visits after one week and the other payment within two months
i did the two visits on july 2012 and till today, i didn't get any payments and no one reply me to telling me what to do.
i owed them more than 500$ and i send you the details for the two visits by emails
i also emailed .................and i told them about what they do and i wish ....................... also will act with them.
if you could help me, i will be thankful.
i'm one of freeman groups' victims
they send me email asking me to do two audits for hard ................ in Egypt ( hurghada and sharm elshiekh).
and every city is about 800 km far from cairo.
they promised me to gave me bouns to do the two visits.
also, they informed me that they will pay me one of the two visits after one week and the other payment within two months
i did the two visits on july 2012 and till today, i didn't get any payments and no one reply me to telling me what to do.
i owed them more than 500$ and i send you the details for the two visits by emails
i also emailed .................and i told them about what they do and i wish ....................... also will act with them.
if you could help me, i will be thankful.
Sorry Mohamed,
Given the fact that there's no response to emails anymore and I'm not seeing anything coming up on their job boards, I am thinking they have closed up shop. I think there's a good chance everybody is still owed money won't receive a penny of it.
Given the fact that there's no response to emails anymore and I'm not seeing anything coming up on their job boards, I am thinking they have closed up shop. I think there's a good chance everybody is still owed money won't receive a penny of it.
Hi!
I shoped for them in for Hxxxxxxk cafe in Singapore in March 2012 and have not been paid. Kim Scarcia has left amd I was told to email payments@freemangroup.org. I have emailed them 3 times but there was still no response.
I do not think they will pay me
I shoped for them in for Hxxxxxxk cafe in Singapore in March 2012 and have not been paid. Kim Scarcia has left amd I was told to email payments@freemangroup.org. I have emailed them 3 times but there was still no response.
I do not think they will pay me
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