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txmedia Wrote:
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> I hve not written 32 posts in two days. Dont know
> where that came from.
tx, click on your name and you will go to your profile and you will see that you joined the forum at 1:00 PM on 7/27/2012. At the bottom of the profile box is "view all posts by txmedia." Click on it and you can view every one of your 34 posts. When walesmaven posted, the number she provided, 32, was correct. You have now posted 34 times.
To anyone who wonders about the title of posters, the title under our name is only tied to the number of posts we have made. Anyone who has made the number of posts txmedia has made is titled "Expert Member."
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> I hve not written 32 posts in two days. Dont know
> where that came from.
tx, click on your name and you will go to your profile and you will see that you joined the forum at 1:00 PM on 7/27/2012. At the bottom of the profile box is "view all posts by txmedia." Click on it and you can view every one of your 34 posts. When walesmaven posted, the number she provided, 32, was correct. You have now posted 34 times.
To anyone who wonders about the title of posters, the title under our name is only tied to the number of posts we have made. Anyone who has made the number of posts txmedia has made is titled "Expert Member."
HC -
That is some AWESOME advice!
It sure beats having to open a crappy zipcode map for this area, or googling every address whenever trying to plan a route.
I've often thought about one of those full-size maps that are sold at gas stations and then using pushpins (feel like a crime detective anyone? LOL) but your idea is much easier!
Thanks
heartlandcanuck Wrote:
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>
> Print out a map of the area 100 miles around your
> house. Every time you see a shop on a board, mark
> it on your map. You'll end up with a master list
> of who shops what and where in your area. Gas
> shops, convenience stores, fast food, grocery
> stores, retail outlets... You can find that a
> given place an hour from your home can be a
> goldmine if you plan your shops out.
That is some AWESOME advice!
It sure beats having to open a crappy zipcode map for this area, or googling every address whenever trying to plan a route.
I've often thought about one of those full-size maps that are sold at gas stations and then using pushpins (feel like a crime detective anyone? LOL) but your idea is much easier!
Thanks
heartlandcanuck Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Print out a map of the area 100 miles around your
> house. Every time you see a shop on a board, mark
> it on your map. You'll end up with a master list
> of who shops what and where in your area. Gas
> shops, convenience stores, fast food, grocery
> stores, retail outlets... You can find that a
> given place an hour from your home can be a
> goldmine if you plan your shops out.
~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~
Proud To Be A Soldier's Mom
Proud To Be A Soldier's Mom
Oh, I would TOTALLY do the pushpin map, colour-coded by MSP, but the kids would get a hold of it...
I wish Albuquerque was big enough and had enough shops that I HAD to do the map thing. (sigh)
I live in BFE Iowa.... an hour an a half gets me to Omaha, two and a half hours gets me to Des Moines or Kansas City. The map thing is all about road trips to tiny little towns I might not have heard of. BFE-X might be within five miles of BFE-Y, and on the way to BFE-Z... Bonuses in rural areas make up for the drive if you plan your trip.
You just do not need it with Abq. We do not have that many tiny little towns with shops.
I have not had any trouble with STN paying me on time. However, I have problems getting the receipts in. The system rejects receipts over 1 K (or some such size). I scan in my receipt, and whatever size it is, that's the size it is. Their limit is too low. To get around that, sometimes I cut off part of the receipt, and I'm never sure if I'm giving them the part they want.
If it is a deadline, scan the receipt and email to scheduler, let scheduler know your problem. It works everytime for me.
You can also open the receipt in Paint, then click to resize it to 75% or 50% and save. Then upload the new photo.
I'm actually really happy with them right now. Yesterday got a clarification request that included a bunch of questions I felt were answered well enough in the report. Trying to be trooper, went to the site only to find the area to include the responses was filled with gobbledy gook, rendering it unreadable. I called the scheduler, she put me through to the editor, and within minutes we had it all worked out.
It actually worked out best that we got to speak since I could share some additional information and she could share some issues. As it worked out, through no fault of mine, the client may need a reshop on the location. Since I did everything within my power to complete the shop according to the guidelines, I will be paid
It actually worked out best that we got to speak since I could share some additional information and she could share some issues. As it worked out, through no fault of mine, the client may need a reshop on the location. Since I did everything within my power to complete the shop according to the guidelines, I will be paid
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.
Excellent! Often, reports have no space for all the facts; and, reality gets muddled in written communication. Nothing like talking one on one.
When my circumstances have warranted, STN answered the phone.
When my circumstances have warranted, STN answered the phone.
Hi txmedia,
As many have said before me, everyone has shops denied at some point or another. Everyone has good experiences with bad companies and terrible experiences with some of the best. Payments from MSC's generally take at least 30 days and often take 60. Once you get into the groove, it will start to be a steady roll. Unfortunately, there are some companies who need to be reminded to pay you, but they most often quickly and apologetically complied.
For some of the negative feedback you have received, my opinion is that careful wording makes all the difference. Some tones come across as offensive and when they do, the people on the forum may not be as likely to help. Everyone rants, I certainly have, but in doing so, it is to get advice from others who may have experience with the posted rant or complaint. There is a lot of experienced shoppers on this forum who offer great, valuable, and sound advice. Even in my feisty posts, I have gained valuable advice from the responders.
Just my 2 cents, and it may be worth just that, but wanted you to know that the participants of this forum genuinely want to help each other and it is not a blasting zone.
As many have said before me, everyone has shops denied at some point or another. Everyone has good experiences with bad companies and terrible experiences with some of the best. Payments from MSC's generally take at least 30 days and often take 60. Once you get into the groove, it will start to be a steady roll. Unfortunately, there are some companies who need to be reminded to pay you, but they most often quickly and apologetically complied.
For some of the negative feedback you have received, my opinion is that careful wording makes all the difference. Some tones come across as offensive and when they do, the people on the forum may not be as likely to help. Everyone rants, I certainly have, but in doing so, it is to get advice from others who may have experience with the posted rant or complaint. There is a lot of experienced shoppers on this forum who offer great, valuable, and sound advice. Even in my feisty posts, I have gained valuable advice from the responders.
Just my 2 cents, and it may be worth just that, but wanted you to know that the participants of this forum genuinely want to help each other and it is not a blasting zone.
Thanks Amie, I hope OP gets it. Very well said.
Always found STN to be fair, Schedulers are professional and polite.
My very first shop was not paid as well. I was upset of course and felt it was unfair. But, it was my first job. I was frustrated and disappointed but it did not stop me or make me angry.
Long story short, the first few jobs are the hardest. I put it off to on the job training and so I ended paying for the drinks and appetizers. Since that first report, I have not had problems.
Thankfully the hotel shop in April with a $1800 credit card charge was reversed without a problem and I am getting lots of high-end jobs. That would have been a hard one to eat.
I read instructions carefully, try to follow instructions to the letter, and get the reports in on time. On that note, let me do my report that is due tomorrow morning!
Long story short, the first few jobs are the hardest. I put it off to on the job training and so I ended paying for the drinks and appetizers. Since that first report, I have not had problems.
Thankfully the hotel shop in April with a $1800 credit card charge was reversed without a problem and I am getting lots of high-end jobs. That would have been a hard one to eat.
I read instructions carefully, try to follow instructions to the letter, and get the reports in on time. On that note, let me do my report that is due tomorrow morning!
Beautifully articulated. =)
MDavisnowell Wrote:
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> Hello txmedia - Like you, when I started doing
> this I felt that there was a long dry spell before
> the money started to roll in. Fortunately for me
> I wasn't depending on this to get by and meet day
> to day expenses, but it sounds like it's difficult
> for you to handle the payment cycles. You've
> learned by now that independent contractors in
> mystery shopping are not paid on a prompt or
> regular basis. However, most of the companies do
> pay according to when they say they will pay, or
> pretty close to it. The different companies are
> set up on different pay schedules, so it can seem
> chaotic and unmanageable, but it will all work out
> in the long run if you can hang on.
>
> I'm sure you've already figured out to work as
> much as possible for the companies with shorter
> pay cycles, but still book all the work you can
> get done with the companies that have the longer
> pay cycles. You will eventually get a stream of
> income going that will seem pretty steady even
> though companies are paying on different cycles.
>
> You're not alone in having shops rejected. That's
> happened to all of us. I still read guidelines
> every time I do a shop, trying to be certain I
> don't lose that work to my own carelessness. Even
> shops you do over and over can have changed
> guidelines. Sometimes small mistakes will be
> forgiven (once) by an MSC but most of the time the
> requirements are set by the client being shopped
> and the MSC will not have that option. If they
> can't submit an acceptable report to their client,
> the shopper will not be paid. It is not enough to
> do a mostly good shop and write a mostly
> acceptable report. Don't I wish? Yes, I do.
>
> Most of the companies we shop for have good
> reputations and will receive supporting comments
> from their shoppers if criticized on this forum.
> If someone says something to the effect that "No,
> I shop for them and they're good guys and they
> pay", it doesn't mean they're brown nosing. It
> means they are speaking up for a company that has
> treated them well over the long term. They're
> expressing an opinion from the other side of the
> issue, not necessarily taking exception to your
> report of what happened to you.
>
> Several posters have suggested this may not be the
> right line of work for you. I think the line of
> work may be fine for you but that you’re still in
> the learning curve and you’re getting frustrated
> with shop rejection(s) and payment cycles. These
> two problems are not hard to solve. Careful study
> of guidelines and complete adherence along with
> thorough reporting will solve the first problem.
> Getting the stream of income started will solve
> the second problem. Getting a grip on when
> everyone pays will help you, but the main thing
> you need to grasp is that this will never be
> dependable, regular income. Jobs will always be
> scarce to abundant, and pay will always be from
> “Hey, it’s here already” to “OMG, will these
> people never pay?”
>
> Certainly you have a right to post. You can write
> any type post you like as long as it’s in
> accordance with Jacob’s guidelines (lower right
> corner of the page). This is a forum in which you
> are free to express your opinions, even though
> others may not agree and will let you know they
> don’t agree with you. I respectfully suggest
> that you will feel more settled and in control if
> you write your posts with a positive attitude,
> with a purpose of getting and providing helpful
> information. You will also receive more practical
> and positive feedback from others if you do this.
>
> I hope that you will continue to shop and continue
> to post about your experiences. It is going to
> get easier and better. Even though you are off to
> a rather rocky start, if you go on with this you
> will discover it is a constantly changing and
> engaging line of work, and the financial rewards
> will be reasonable even though probably never
> spectacular. Thank you for sharing your
> experiences and I wish you the best.
MDavisnowell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello txmedia - Like you, when I started doing
> this I felt that there was a long dry spell before
> the money started to roll in. Fortunately for me
> I wasn't depending on this to get by and meet day
> to day expenses, but it sounds like it's difficult
> for you to handle the payment cycles. You've
> learned by now that independent contractors in
> mystery shopping are not paid on a prompt or
> regular basis. However, most of the companies do
> pay according to when they say they will pay, or
> pretty close to it. The different companies are
> set up on different pay schedules, so it can seem
> chaotic and unmanageable, but it will all work out
> in the long run if you can hang on.
>
> I'm sure you've already figured out to work as
> much as possible for the companies with shorter
> pay cycles, but still book all the work you can
> get done with the companies that have the longer
> pay cycles. You will eventually get a stream of
> income going that will seem pretty steady even
> though companies are paying on different cycles.
>
> You're not alone in having shops rejected. That's
> happened to all of us. I still read guidelines
> every time I do a shop, trying to be certain I
> don't lose that work to my own carelessness. Even
> shops you do over and over can have changed
> guidelines. Sometimes small mistakes will be
> forgiven (once) by an MSC but most of the time the
> requirements are set by the client being shopped
> and the MSC will not have that option. If they
> can't submit an acceptable report to their client,
> the shopper will not be paid. It is not enough to
> do a mostly good shop and write a mostly
> acceptable report. Don't I wish? Yes, I do.
>
> Most of the companies we shop for have good
> reputations and will receive supporting comments
> from their shoppers if criticized on this forum.
> If someone says something to the effect that "No,
> I shop for them and they're good guys and they
> pay", it doesn't mean they're brown nosing. It
> means they are speaking up for a company that has
> treated them well over the long term. They're
> expressing an opinion from the other side of the
> issue, not necessarily taking exception to your
> report of what happened to you.
>
> Several posters have suggested this may not be the
> right line of work for you. I think the line of
> work may be fine for you but that you’re still in
> the learning curve and you’re getting frustrated
> with shop rejection(s) and payment cycles. These
> two problems are not hard to solve. Careful study
> of guidelines and complete adherence along with
> thorough reporting will solve the first problem.
> Getting the stream of income started will solve
> the second problem. Getting a grip on when
> everyone pays will help you, but the main thing
> you need to grasp is that this will never be
> dependable, regular income. Jobs will always be
> scarce to abundant, and pay will always be from
> “Hey, it’s here already” to “OMG, will these
> people never pay?”
>
> Certainly you have a right to post. You can write
> any type post you like as long as it’s in
> accordance with Jacob’s guidelines (lower right
> corner of the page). This is a forum in which you
> are free to express your opinions, even though
> others may not agree and will let you know they
> don’t agree with you. I respectfully suggest
> that you will feel more settled and in control if
> you write your posts with a positive attitude,
> with a purpose of getting and providing helpful
> information. You will also receive more practical
> and positive feedback from others if you do this.
>
> I hope that you will continue to shop and continue
> to post about your experiences. It is going to
> get easier and better. Even though you are off to
> a rather rocky start, if you go on with this you
> will discover it is a constantly changing and
> engaging line of work, and the financial rewards
> will be reasonable even though probably never
> spectacular. Thank you for sharing your
> experiences and I wish you the best.
Wow,
I am pretty new also and I am not seeing these problems. These schedulers have been nice and even gone above and beyond to assist me. I think this job is awesome. I do not think anyone is going to get rich at it though. lol.
Good luck and remember: Everyone will pay their "Dues" in any new career path. It is just part of the process.
I am pretty new also and I am not seeing these problems. These schedulers have been nice and even gone above and beyond to assist me. I think this job is awesome. I do not think anyone is going to get rich at it though. lol.
Good luck and remember: Everyone will pay their "Dues" in any new career path. It is just part of the process.
David Hall, CHFC
MSPA Gold & "UE" certified Shopping since April 2012 Arkansas, and southern half of United States.
MSPA Gold & "UE" certified Shopping since April 2012 Arkansas, and southern half of United States.
STN (Second To None) is one of the first companies I have worked with. They still provide many jobs that I do. They have always paid without delay.
The only problem I had with them was a $10 award that I was giving out at audits and that they did not pay. However they were aware of the problem and warned all shoppers in advance that they were working on fixing it. I got the missing money with the following payout.
They always answer my question with great timing and they helped me greatly with one audit that I had problems with.
I do not have any complaint with them.
Only thing is they do not have a list of paid jobs online, you have to keep track on your own to check that they pay everything. But I learned to trust this company fully.
The only problem I had with them was a $10 award that I was giving out at audits and that they did not pay. However they were aware of the problem and warned all shoppers in advance that they were working on fixing it. I got the missing money with the following payout.
They always answer my question with great timing and they helped me greatly with one audit that I had problems with.
I do not have any complaint with them.
Only thing is they do not have a list of paid jobs online, you have to keep track on your own to check that they pay everything. But I learned to trust this company fully.
Shopper and auditor since March 2012.
Cover all center/north Oklahoma and south Kansas.
Cover all center/north Oklahoma and south Kansas.
I currently shop for about 20 MSC regularly. I am registered with over 50 - but never heard of STN. Can anyone tell me the whole name? I would really like to find a couple more companies to work for on a regular basis. Just hit on my name and send me a private message. thanks
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2012 12:01AM by karen A.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2012 12:01AM by karen A.
STN is Second to None.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
Hi Everybody!
I have been "lurking" for quite a long time and have learned a lot. I will probably continue to "lurk in the shadows" reading and learning. I love it. Please continue.
I have been "lurking" for quite a long time and have learned a lot. I will probably continue to "lurk in the shadows" reading and learning. I love it. Please continue.
Who the heck else would?
plmccut Wrote:
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> Don't you love it when a poster recommends their
> own posts?
plmccut Wrote:
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> Don't you love it when a poster recommends their
> own posts?
charyuop Wrote:
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> I do not have any complaint with them.
> Only thing is they do not have a list of paid jobs
> online, you have to keep track on your own to
> check that they pay everything. But I learned to
> trust this company fully.
Pending and paid shops are listed on their site. Shopper Hub/My Assignments/My Shop Invoices. Invoices can be viewed or printed for a defined period.
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> I do not have any complaint with them.
> Only thing is they do not have a list of paid jobs
> online, you have to keep track on your own to
> check that they pay everything. But I learned to
> trust this company fully.
Pending and paid shops are listed on their site. Shopper Hub/My Assignments/My Shop Invoices. Invoices can be viewed or printed for a defined period.
txmedia Wrote:
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My guess - the company wants the
> interest so delays payment as long as they can.
>
That's possible but I think some companies send the report to the client, wait to see if the client accepts it, and then wait until the client pays them before they pay us.
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My guess - the company wants the
> interest so delays payment as long as they can.
>
That's possible but I think some companies send the report to the client, wait to see if the client accepts it, and then wait until the client pays them before they pay us.
"Evolve thyself and lose all hate...." Orphaned Land
Let's turn this around and be more positive. txmedia is obviously struggling financially. What can we do the help him or her out? In addition to mystery shopping what are some other income earning ideas she or he might pursue?
I suggest substitute teaching. Not all school districts require a college degree or a teaching certification (People who don't have those credentials might get paid less but could still substitute.). I know of at least one school district that sometimes hires substitute paraprofessional as well. I am a substitute teacher, and I find that this fits well with mystery shopping.
Anyone else out there have any ideas?
I suggest substitute teaching. Not all school districts require a college degree or a teaching certification (People who don't have those credentials might get paid less but could still substitute.). I know of at least one school district that sometimes hires substitute paraprofessional as well. I am a substitute teacher, and I find that this fits well with mystery shopping.
Anyone else out there have any ideas?
"Evolve thyself and lose all hate...." Orphaned Land
susanwenger Wrote:
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> I have not had any trouble with STN paying me on
> time. However, I have problems getting the
> receipts in. The system rejects receipts over 1 K
> (or some such size). I scan in my receipt, and
> whatever size it is, that's the size it is. Their
> limit is too low. To get around that, sometimes I
> cut off part of the receipt, and I'm never sure if
> I'm giving them the part they want.
I used to have a problem with resizing. With CORI, they have
a resizer which you can use esp. for pics.
For receipts, etc. what I do is click Edit and then
click crop. A square line will form and just adjust it to cover
the part you want to scan. Then click apply.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have not had any trouble with STN paying me on
> time. However, I have problems getting the
> receipts in. The system rejects receipts over 1 K
> (or some such size). I scan in my receipt, and
> whatever size it is, that's the size it is. Their
> limit is too low. To get around that, sometimes I
> cut off part of the receipt, and I'm never sure if
> I'm giving them the part they want.
I used to have a problem with resizing. With CORI, they have
a resizer which you can use esp. for pics.
For receipts, etc. what I do is click Edit and then
click crop. A square line will form and just adjust it to cover
the part you want to scan. Then click apply.
For anyone living in the Southeast, it's competitor month for STN's grocery client. And, it's Super Double coupon week - up to $2 face value is doubled. I will be very busy stocking up, and splurging a tad!
They do not have grocery shops here, but have many others jobs..I find my scheduler helpful and the nicest, it's the xx### tests that wear me out.
Taking them now, as I haven't worked for them in awhile, and am back.
Taking them now, as I haven't worked for them in awhile, and am back.
Live consciously....
I must say I love STN I have nothing but good luck with them in my eyes their a great company to work for.
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