Look, I know we are not allowed to post or tell anyone which companies shop which clients. But I am looking for a lot of places and have a way to do it within the rules, and maybe we can both benefit:

Rather than improperly ask anyone to tell me who shops these clients, I instead want to list places I hope to shop, and if you know who does any of them, I ask you to just refer me to these companies (whether it's one where you give them my info, or one where you send me to their site and I just say who referred me). No one has revealed clients, you're just making a referral.
Hopefully some of these places have referral bonuses that you can cash in on from me!

I'm looking for any of these places: Chili's, Ruby Tuesday, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Outback, LoneStar Steakhouse, KFC, Long John Silvers, Taco Bell, Red Lobster, Old Chicago, Thunder Bay Grill, Famous Dave's, Pizza Hut, any movie theater shops (other than Marketforce/Certified)

The problem here cinemaphile, is that most of us spend tons of time signing up with companies! It's hard work to find the shops that we covet the most, and most shoppers won't just give up the names of their favs!

Not only that, but I can't refer you even though I know some of the MSCs because I don't know you and cannot vouch for you.

You know, it's really kind of as simple as this

[www.google.com]

And then it's a matter of reading and mining for the information you're trying to find. It's hard work, as peach said, but as Bee said, it's impossible to refer someone when you don't know them. Our reputations are on the line and in this business, there's nothing more important than your reputation, you know? =)

Good luck with your hunting and your read.

Jen

ok, nevermind then, I guess.

for what it's worth, I have been shopping with many many companies for years, I am MSPA silver certified, IC Pro 100 status... but of course you have no way to verify that :/
You could always just send me company names (not clients) and ask me NOT to mention you as the referrer, if youre worried I might hurt your rep. I was just trying to offer something in return for help, and thought referral bonuses might be at least something.

As for people not wanting to give away shops, I understand not wanting to add more competition, but as far as I can tell I have very little competition in my area of Northern IL (not Chicago) as I get most any shops I want that come up, and frequently receive requests to take more as they cant find anyone else.

I have put in tons of time... trust me, TONS... signing up for companies. Of course, 80%+ of them are a waste of my time as they never have any shops listed in my area, or even my state sometimes. And many that do, are not the kind I care to do. I just finally hit a wall with new companies to apply to, yet I know there must be more out there, as many prime clients that I know get shopped are not serviced by any I've applied to.

Anyway, if anyone sees fit to help me out, feel free to PM me!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2012 07:09AM by cinemaphile.

I'm sorry but f someone sends you the name(s) of the MSC(s) that have the clients you listed, they are probably violating ICAs. You already named the clients.

BusyBeeBuzzBuzzBuzz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm sorry but f someone sends you the name(s) of
> the MSC(s) that have the clients you listed, they
> are probably violating ICAs. You already named
> the clients.

...and that is why I had been suggesting you don't tell me anything. Just give THEM my name and refer me.

But it's becoming apparent to me now that people here are not in this to help each other out, so nevermind.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2012 07:15AM by cinemaphile.

Sorry, it would be a violation because you already identified the clients.

If, in response to your post, I tell you to sign up with MSC1, MSC2 and MSC3, then I am telling you those three companies have one or more of the clients you already identified, e.g. Chili's, Ruby Tuesday, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Outback, LoneStar Steakhouse, KFC, Long John Silvers, Taco Bell, etc.

cinemaphile Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BusyBeeBuzzBuzzBuzz Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'm sorry but f someone sends you the name(s)
> of
> > the MSC(s) that have the clients you listed,
> they
> > are probably violating ICAs. You already named
> > the clients.
>
> ...and that is why I had been suggesting you don't
> tell me anything. Just give THEM my name and
> refer me.
>
> But it's becoming apparent to me now that people
> here are not in this to help each other out, so
> nevermind.

Wow. You edited your post twice to change history?

Originally, your post argued that it would not be a violation to tell you the names of some of the MSCs. Then, you edited your post to add a comment about people here not in this to help each other out. Then, you edited your post again to hide the fact that you *were* asking people to send you the names of the MSCs and now claimed that you were only asking people to give the MSCs your name and NOT to tell you the names of the MSCs.

If you are intent on trying to change history, you may as well edit your post that began this thread, since your request for the names of the MSCs that have the clients you identified is still there:

"I instead want to list places I hope to shop, and if you know who does any of them, I ask you to just refer me to these companies (whether it's one where you give them my info, or one where you send me to their site and I just say who referred me)."

SMH.

Actually I edited once with minor wording changes. My second edit I had been reconsidering getting into that argument and I was making the edit BEFORE you replied to it. After I finished editing, the page refreshed and I saw that you replied while I was revising.

...but thanks for being so snarky and condescending!

I find it hard to believe that a Silver Certified shopper who has shopped "many many companies" for years would be asking for help finding companies and would not understand the confidentiality agreements that we all sign. Surely you have signed many many of them over the years. I don't find the comments made by BusyBeeBuzzBuzzBuzz, jentodd and peachgirl snarky or condescending. I think their responses to your requests were tactful yet factual. We're here to chitchat about our lives and MSing - like an employee breakroom - but we are not here to break our confidentiality agreements and many of us feel that running an MS business is a business. If you are signed up with a lot of companies, it should be an easy thing to find your laundry list of companies ..... IF they are shopped and IF they are shopped in your area (many are shopped by different companies in different areas and some are only shopped in some areas).

cinemaphile
Without getting into the above exchanges, I would like to add that forum members who have a well established history of posting items and replies that are helpful to other forum members, especially to new members, have thus demonstrated their expertise, as far as I am concerned. I am always happy to refer such members to an MSC, because they have used the forum to demonstrate their dedication, professionalism, and expertise. So, you can earn referrals just by being a frequent contributor who aims to help educate others in a positive manner. It's not a matter of how many posts a forum member has, it is the way that they pitch in to help others and what they have to say about matters of professional interest that interest me.

Austin Mom - I was not referring to everyone else with my comments about snarky and condescending. Just Buzbuzz's last post which very much WAS.

Sorry, but this certainly appears to refer to everyone. People are very helpful here, up to the point of violating ICAs and the Posting Guidelines supplied by Jacob. Keep in mind, Jacob is our host and we are obliged to respect his wishes.

"But it's becoming apparent to me now that people here are not in this to help each other out, so nevermind."

Let's face it...this is a real job. We are talking money here. If I feel good for once, I go to the Salvation Army and donate $10...but I do not give away names of locations I regularly shop.
You are right, mayne in north IL there is not many shoppers...but what those shoppers would think if you got the list of the shops they do? And that took them maybe years to find?

PS. On the side note....dang it. I lost Long John Silver. I used to to audits for them, but they disappeared.

I am one that has helped, but in your case I suggest you go to the V site, they have a long list of companies, register and see if they have work in your area. I really don't know who does what where, I am familiar with my area, and have three shopper friends who I have helped, as well as they me.
I have a friend made on this forum that recommended me for two jobs I did,
another that gives me a heads up when certain jobs are posted and so on, we know and trust each other.

I think it beneficial to you to first establish yourself on the forum, just
the normal way to do things, as far as the names of restaurants you want to do, I personally don't know who does them, so, do your own research, I'm sure you'll find them....where there's a will, there's a way!!

May I offer that perhaps the OP is going about attaining shops in a somewhat backward manner.

I have found that the best option for finding satisfaction in MSing is to learn which companies you like working with, see what shops are available and appealing to you, and sign up for those.

It may turn out that the shops for the places you want to shop or not profitable, fun or interesting. You may also find some new places to eat that you like more than the above options.

If I was trying to help someone out, I would probably spend time steering them away from giant-corporate restaurants and fast food fast as well. I don't think you are doing anyone a favor by setting them up for Taco Bell/KFC/Pizza Hut shops. Do you have a Chipotle nearby?

I do have a Chipotle nearby but Ive never seen a shop with the companies I work for.
and I do shop plenty of other places as well, those I listed were just some additional ones I had hoped to add to my options.

One of the biggest problems with your list is the number that are franchised. I see some on there that I know are shopped by some major players. If it is a franchisee rather than corporate who is ordering the shops, they may be in my area and not yours.

It is why the best advice is to keep signing up with companies. You should never think of the minute or so it takes to register as a waste of time. I cannot tell you how many companies have sat on my idle list for years and all of a sudden start sending fantastic job offers. Your best bet is to come up with a way to speed up registration. Google Chrome saves a big chunk of my information and I keep copies of several different types of narratives so it is just a copy and paste and done.

cinemaphile - Because we won't tell you what you want to know or refer you to our MSCs does not make one or all of us snarky. Now you've irritated me and I wasn't even paying close attention.

We have signed contracts that we won't disclose confidential information. It is your job to keep signing up with companies so you can find what you want. It is not our job to break our contracts to provide information so you don't have to do your job.

You've been on the forum for a few months but you only have 26 posts, which does not represent a concentrated effort to communicate with others, share your ideas and information, and extend a helping hand. As an MSPA certified shopper signed up with many companies and actively shopping, you have a lot to share if you were only willing to help others.


I'm concerned that you're representing yourself as an MSPA certified shopper, and yet you want us to break our IC agreements. As one MSPA certified shopper to another, I expect us to hold to a high standard. Where did yours go? You’re asking us to do something unethical and then getting into a snit when we won’t. Then you defend yourself by explaining that you’re an MSPA certified shopper. Well good grief, give me a break, and how embarrassed am I to share certification with you? A lot.


Your later disclaimer that you only want to be referred looks like a weak backtrack. Why not just say you are so sorry or you’d been drinking, or both? That works better than trying to cover up a pile of wished I hadn’t done it with a cupful of that didn’t really happen. Right.

Surely, you can't believe any of us would do something as amateurish as referring someone we don't know. Have I been snarky and condescending enough to suit you? If not, let me know and I’ll snark it up some more. By the way, we have a Judgmental @#$%& club and I’m running for office. Membership is secret, but you’re nearly already in. Want to join? No hard feelings, just business. Apply here.

Yes, youve been plenty condescending and snarky. And I'm sure you've got a lock on that office you're running for. Congratulations!

I would agree with what Lisa said...and I'm sure if you start searching and poking around for Chipotle you will probably find your answer here with having to ask.

I know it's somewhat OT, but why is it that nobody ever joins the forum and asks how to shop salad bars or health food outlets? Healthy food is often more expensive than FF or high fat-content chains, so why not offset those costs with the same amount of work and do something good for yourselves?

I used to think that the MS industry promoted only unhealthy eating, but I see shops these days for many salad bars, Tender Greens, and other organic food outlets that go begging for shoppers. I regularly shop a high-end vegan restaurant in LA and have also been known to take the Whole Foods shops and spend my reimbursement on the food bar there.

Sorry for the rant. It was not aimed at the OP. Just wondering why we as group are still focused on the high fat content foods when price is not as issue. Yes, I know...pizza is yummy!! Just consider the other options available when looking for shops, and the cost to your body down the line from eating some of the things we do in the name of MSing.

I have seen shops for one salad bar that is pretty far from me, and there aren't any others that I know of close by, unless you count salad bars within other restaurants like Ruby Tuesday. Same goes for health food outlets. I have seen (and completed) shops at a vitamin-type place in my area, but I don't even know of any "health food" stores in my town, except for locally owned tiny shops that certainly dont employ shop companies.

Sorry to hear that, cinemaphile. I guess it's location oriented and I have more choices being in an urban (and health centric) area.

Keep looking, BTW. Plenty of small restaurants are also shopped. The Vegan place I shop has only 2 restaurants!

SteveSoCal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would agree with what Lisa said...and I'm sure
> if you start searching and poking around for
> Chipotle you will probably find your answer here
> with having to ask.
>
> I know it's somewhat OT, but why is it that nobody
> ever joins the forum and asks how to shop salad
> bars or health food outlets? Healthy food is
> often more expensive than FF or high fat-content
> chains, so why not offset those costs with the
> same amount of work and do something good for
> yourselves?
>
> I used to think that the MS industry promoted only
> unhealthy eating, but I see shops these days for
> many salad bars, Tender Greens, and other organic
> food outlets that go begging for shoppers. I
> regularly shop a high-end vegan restaurant in LA
> and have also been known to take the Whole Foods
> shops and spend my reimbursement on the food bar
> there.
>
> Sorry for the rant. It was not aimed at the OP.
> Just wondering why we as group are still focused
> on the high fat content foods when price is not as
> issue. Yes, I know...pizza is yummy!! Just
> consider the other options available when looking
> for shops, and the cost to your body down the line
> from eating some of the things we do in the name
> of MSing.


Well for me...that would require having any of those places within reasonable distance of me. Whole Foods? An hour's drive. Salad bar? I have shopped there before but it's just shy of an hour's drive, not something I can/will do regularly. Vegan restaurant? Ha ha ha. If you put a vegan restaurant in my town, 85% of people wouldn't even know what vegan is, and at least 1 in 10 customers would go in for a meal and then blast the restaurant for not having meat options. I do have a health food store 25 minutes away, with prices 3x what I pay normally, and it's staffed primarily by righteous, judgmental religious people.

So yeah, I do love MSs at less-than-healthy restaurants because those are the only restaurants we *have* in my town. But I still live a healthy lifestyle, and that's what counts IMO.

MDavisnowell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> cinemaphile - Because we won't tell you what you
> want to know or refer you to our MSCs does not
> make one or all of us snarky. Now you've irritated
> me and I wasn't even paying close attention.
>
> >
> Surely, you can't believe any of us would do
> something as amateurish as referring someone we
> don't know. Have I been snarky and condescending
> enough to suit you? If not, let me know and I’ll
> snark it up some more. By the way, we have a
> Judgmental @#$%& club and I’m running for office.
> Membership is secret, but you’re nearly already
> in. Want to join? No hard feelings, just
> business. Apply here.


Lol! I love this. Way to go! To think you weren't even paying attention.
Had to google 'snarky' to see if I also qualify.

I swear some of the people on this forum think they are in the CIA!

Haven't found any healthy food restaurants for my area. I would love to find a Tomatoe Cafe or Souper!Salad but so far despite the many companies I've signed on with, I have not located any that do those two shops.

I do not do FF shops unless they offer a huge bonus - like a Quizno's for $30 bonus on one of those EOM shops. I do try to grab a Boston Market shop at least once a month.

I do take any of the casual dining shops I can find like Village Inn, Dennys, Furr's.

I've been wanting to try Chipotle as we just got one in our area but haven't found the MSC that's shopping it.

It is extremely easy to find out who shops Chipotle. Just Google Chipotle and mystery shopping.

I've been shopping Chipotle for years. Love the food. Love my scheduler. Love the MSC. =D

In fact, as several other shoppers have mentioned in this forum, Googling clients often tells a shopper who the MSCs are.

Good luck.

cake... Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Well for me...that would require having any of
> those places within reasonable distance of me.

You'll have to pardon my ignorance of the F&B outlets of rural America.

Not that I expect sympathy, but I sometimes have to sit in traffic and then wait 30-40 minutes just to get a seat at the vegan restaurant!

When I was a scheduler, I used to have an upscale raw food restaurant in NYC that was shopped. The restaurant is still around but the owners dropped the program when the shoppers had trouble understanding the concept :^(