Has anyone worked with Ellis, EPMS an apartment mystery shop? Trying to find out if they are ok to work with, I don't see them listed on jobslinger's list of companies.

I have worked for them for over a year, and I've done, on average, 10-12 shops a month.

Stuff to know:

1. They are legit, and pay by DD every month on the 22nd following your shop. So, if you did a shop today, the money will be in your account on November 22 or thereabouts.
2. The reports are LONG.
3. Targeted shops are difficult. Look for the Anyone shops, especially when you are new. They often post new shops over the weekend, so check their boards frequently.
4. Their editors can be snippy and rude on occasion.
5 It is possible to make a steady $300-600/month solely from EPMS shops if you are meticulous about calling targets and emailing your scheduler to ask for help.

Hope this helps.

I agree with everything MissH71 said. I have competed around 12 jobs for them and they always pay
on time. I had one of my shops dinged for pay because I gave a wrong answer on my report, really
read the outline for the jobs and pay special attention when you submit your report. They really go
over the reports. And yes, the reports are long. I would recommend to not do over 2 jobs in one day.
I made the mistake when I first started with them and did 3 complexes in one day and by the time
I got through with my reports I was exhasted. Good luck !!!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/17/2013 02:50PM by CAscotch.

I work for them a lot. No complaints. Reports are lengthy though. Sometimes the calls are recorded and sometimes they are not!

Are there any other companies like EPMS?

How many is many? A lot of us are signed up with 150 plus companies. I can also tell you that while a specialty is kind of cool, you are really limiting yourself. In fact, there are lots of great paying shops out there that can take less time than an onsite visit to an apartment and a report, especially an Ellis report. Sorry I got a shiver just thinking about the tedium.

Personally, I've completed apartment shops for at least 5 different companies. Some have been in Illinois, but Illinois is a really big state.

"I got a shiver just thinking about the tedium."

PERFECT.

Be ready to describe the closing process in four different narrative sections, all of which ask the EXACT
SAME QUESTION OVER AND OVER.

That's why I've only completed 12 shops. It's been about 6 months since I've worked for them. I got really tired of those redundant narratives. How many different ways do I need to say the same thing !

Missy, that's what "cut and paste" is for. Really! I do it and no problems. BUT, I only do their video and audio recored shops, so maybe I get different editors?

Wales, I have used "cut and paste" and received a snotty email (badly punctuated and grammatically horrific, may I add) from an EPMS editor instructing me not to do that anymore.

The second time this occurred, I took a sabbatical from their shops. ALL of them, even the video/recorded shops. I'm still on that sabbatical.

Life is too short for those shops in my life right now. I really like going to look at apartments, especially the beautiful ones that are more like a four star hotel than an actual dwelling, but the reports make me - itchy.

I will probably go back deep in the winter, when the driving around here gets too bad to travel afield.

As others have said they are reliable with their pay, but they have the longest most tedious narratives I have seen.

I have done some shops for Ellis. I was talked into doing video shop what a big mistake. I have never been talked to more rude and unprofessional by video director.

They pay for shops with the exception of the video.

After the problems I personally have incurred with him, I have removed myself from any further shops. Sure not on my recommend list. By the way was not paid for video shop.

I have done two video shops for Ellis and was paid for both. I have also had the pleasure of working with the man in charge of video and he was personable and helpful. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for some of the people with their written shops.

It would be interesting for you to provide more specifics. What was the reason for them rejecting the shops? Have you ever completed video shops before? Did they provide adequate training on the equipment? What did Robert say that was so rude?

DZ,

Two points standout with respect to your statement:

1-It is your initial post on this forum.
2-It is my opinion, you are in the wrong business if you are unable to relate to Bob Asher.

The following is strictly my opinion and is predicated upon over 6 1/2 years experience with the workers of Ellis. Those with whom I have had contact have been personable, courteous, assistive and all have been business oriented; my kind of people!

Robert Asher is one of the real pros in this business. He has been great to work with in the video area at Ellis. So what did he say that was offensive, please? Did you complete the video shop? If so, what was the reason that you were not paid.

I have had one pay issue with the traditional shop side of EPMS; no problems on the video side.

Missy - I know what you mean about the Editors. I personally think they get a bonus for how much money they save EPMS by dinging everytime they find the slightest thing wrong. They definitely do not feel they owe the shopper anything. And I still don't know why they make us remember what the leasing office looks like and what the agent's eye color is - why not let us concentrate on the shop itself? After all, they have proof we've been there with the agent's business card. And certainly they know what the leasing office looks like as they are the ones who paid to decorate it.

I, too, am on hiatus and it will have to be a highly bonused shop for me to bite. I've learned that when the shop is bonused, the Editor REALLy looks for a reason to ding so that you are luckly if you get the regular payment!

As to "dinging," I can but share my experiences.

In 6 1/2 years, I have completed almost 200 jobs for EPMS and never had a pay reduction, but, was not paid for one shop where I missed the second of two special instructions; this is business and I was at fault.

Plm asks why we are required to remember eye color and decor. I do not know, but logic dictates it is to prove we not only were at the community, but also met with a rental agent. The important point is, though, why does not matter. This is business, and, as contractors, we are obligated to adhere to the blueprint of the assignment. Personally, I agree with plm's statement of concentrating on the work. On one job for a defunct MSC, I was required to obtain the names of four employees, although none wore a name tag. It was both my first and last shop at that eatery..

Guess what! When I forget to note something like the agent's eye color. I answer the questuion, "not observed." I have never, ever, had any deductions or question from editors or schedulers. I think that if most of your report shows that you were there and generally observant, they are not going to quibble. ymmv

I also want to state that working with Bob Asher on video shops was a breeze. I had 3 video shops and I am very new to this whole thing. The first two went smoothly but the 3rd shop, it took over 2 weeks to get the target on the phone. Bob was great through the entire process. The only problem I have had with Ellis is I wish they had more shops in my area....or is there another way to get them other than what they list on the pages? I have found them to be professional and easy to work with. I also (like some of the others have mentioned) cannot remember to look at a person's eye color. I haven't had a problem writing in that I did not notice. I do find their reports long and a little overly detailed...you do have to answer similar questions repeatedly. Are there some other good companies that do apartment shops? I started this because I was laid off and have not been able to find another position. Very frustrating!

walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Guess what! When I forget to note something like
> the agent's eye color. I answer the questuion,
> "not observed." I have never, ever, had any
> deductions or question from editors or schedulers.
> I think that if most of your report shows that
> you were there and generally observant, they are
> not going to quibble. ymmv

Ditto to every word.

Try Shoppers View and look on the list below.

I am reaching close to 100 shops with EPMS. I live in Texas, where the pay for a "regular" apartment shop is $25. As I travel quite a bit, I have been fortunate to perform EPMS shops in Illinois and Wisconsin, where the pay is $40 to do the exact same thing. And a lot of shops in those states end up being bonused an additional $15, making it a $55 task. I was recently disappointed with EPMS when I wrote, asking why some states like Texas only pay $25, when others pay $40. The response was that it is all about cost of living. That made some sense, if comparing Chicago to Lubbock. But that is not the case. I asked if there were any plans to increase the amount of pay for shops in Texas. I was told that there was no plan for an increase. I suppose that as long as they have a pool of shoppers who are willing to take the shops for $25, they will continue to pay $25.

EPMS has been a wonderful, responsible company to work with. They pay on time, every time. Other than maybe my very first shop or two, I have never been contacted, asking for clarifications or more information. I just feel that if they can afford to pay as much as $55 (I have even seen $65) for a "regular" apartment shop in some states, they should certainly be willing and able to up the $25 states by a few $$. At $25, the amount of time spent on a single apartment shop translates to less than $6/hr at best, making it one of the lowest paying companies out there. Perhaps the per/hour pay would come out to be a little better if I did cut and paste. But I do not believe that cutting and pasting is a way to give the client the best we have to offer.

I think their "cost of living" answer was bogus. It is is more likely they pay based on the mystery shopping market. As you said, if there is a large enough pool of shoppers willing to take them at the low pay, the shops will not be increased.

They bonus when they can't find shoppers to take the shops. If they can find them at $25 they will not raise their fees.

I have not hopped for them again either due to their snotty nature and slave driving techniques. If I tell you the damned gate is locked and you cannot get in do not send me repeated emails questioning my credability and honesty.

I aviod them due to their past actions.

Don


MissyH71 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wales, I have used "cut and paste" and received a
> snotty email (badly punctuated and grammatically
> horrific, may I add) from an EPMS editor
> instructing me not to do that anymore.
>
> The second time this occurred, I took a sabbatical
> from their shops. ALL of them, even the
> video/recorded shops. I'm still on that
> sabbatical.
>
> Life is too short for those shops in my life right
> now. I really like going to look at apartments,
> especially the beautiful ones that are more like a
> four star hotel than an actual dwelling, but the
> reports make me - itchy.
>
> I will probably go back deep in the winter, when
> the driving around here gets too bad to travel
> afield.

Oh no, I have a shop with these guys tomorrow!!! I hope that I won't have Strevel's experience.

I agree with both Lisa and goofy; this is a prime example of our wonderful American system of supply and demand.

As to Strevel's experience, all of mine of have diametrically opposed to what he/she encountered.

Some of the target shops can go on so long trying to chase people who do not ever answer the phone down. I decided the target shops are not worth it for me after spending weeks on one a long time ago. Maybe there should be a bonus for the target shops.

I have done lots of shops for EPMS, here they pay 40.00 for a regular apartment shop. I have never had a problem with them paying. The reports are lengthy and I have only had one shop that I had a hard time with cause nobody ever answers the phone. The schduler that I work with is great!