Beware of DSG Associates!!!!
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Thanks for the warning. I've often wondered when they refuse to pay us for a shop that they end up sending it to their client and getting paid for it, anyway. It's only happened to me once and since I agreed to redo it the next day it didn't hurt me, but in the back of my mind I just felt they were going to use both shops.
Please remove the name of the client from your post, usuaggie. Your Independent Contractor Agreement with DSG Associates does not allow you to reveal who their clients are.
There is always cause to wonder if 'rejected' shops get used anyway without the shopper being paid. There is, of course, no way to confirm that it DOESN'T happen but we have to assume that reputable companies do NOT do it. I no longer shop for a company where shops that were supposedly rejected because I did them wrong were not reposted for other shoppers. The reality was that I did what I could to get the associates to do what THEY were supposed to do and when they didn't/wouldn't, I explained that in my report. Tough breaks, they didn't give you the written thing they were supposed to, you don't get paid. But this was not for DSG but a different company.
DSG has little in my area worth doing, but my association with them has been satisfactory and payment was received generally in less than two weeks--which is outstanding in this business.
There is always cause to wonder if 'rejected' shops get used anyway without the shopper being paid. There is, of course, no way to confirm that it DOESN'T happen but we have to assume that reputable companies do NOT do it. I no longer shop for a company where shops that were supposedly rejected because I did them wrong were not reposted for other shoppers. The reality was that I did what I could to get the associates to do what THEY were supposed to do and when they didn't/wouldn't, I explained that in my report. Tough breaks, they didn't give you the written thing they were supposed to, you don't get paid. But this was not for DSG but a different company.
DSG has little in my area worth doing, but my association with them has been satisfactory and payment was received generally in less than two weeks--which is outstanding in this business.
Flash,
In the situation I was referring to, I did just that and checked to see if it was posted for another shopper and discovered that it was not, and that my reshop was the beginning of a new round of shops. So, they did get two for the price of one. I know they are a reputable company, but they were trying to prove a point with me. Oh well! It was in the beginning with them and I've since probably completed over 50 assignments with an average shop grade of 10. I merely chalked it up to a learning experience. It occurred several years ago. The infraction was something silly, as I ordered water instead of a soda. Odd thing about it was that my guest did order the soda.
In the situation I was referring to, I did just that and checked to see if it was posted for another shopper and discovered that it was not, and that my reshop was the beginning of a new round of shops. So, they did get two for the price of one. I know they are a reputable company, but they were trying to prove a point with me. Oh well! It was in the beginning with them and I've since probably completed over 50 assignments with an average shop grade of 10. I merely chalked it up to a learning experience. It occurred several years ago. The infraction was something silly, as I ordered water instead of a soda. Odd thing about it was that my guest did order the soda.
In two years, this has happened only once to me, though not DSG, it was Bare. I strictly followed the guidelines, but the associate didn't do what he was trained to do, and I reported it as such. My shop was rejected. I appealed, to no avail. The job was not reposted. It's a helpless feeling when you know you correctly completed the shop.
Yes, and there is no way to know in advance that an associate is NOT going to do what he is supposed to do, even when you ask nicely. Supposedly we are evaluating whether or not they are doing what they are supposed to do and one would think that a refusal to perform is at least as important a piece of data as performing. That they refuse does not reduce the amount of gas or time it took us to find out that information and the reporting of a bad shop always takes longer than reporting a good one.
I currently am holding my breath on 3 shops I did last week where employees did not comply with requests and in one case stated a reasonable reason why they could not/would not. All of this, of course, was duly reported. In past years I would not have worried at all about the shops because I knew I would get paid in full. This year when employees don't comply I have seen this company cut the fee to 1/3 of the amount contracted for "for your trouble". I gather the series of shops were cancelled shortly after I submitted mine because nationwide shoppers were getting responses similar to what I experienced.
I currently am holding my breath on 3 shops I did last week where employees did not comply with requests and in one case stated a reasonable reason why they could not/would not. All of this, of course, was duly reported. In past years I would not have worried at all about the shops because I knew I would get paid in full. This year when employees don't comply I have seen this company cut the fee to 1/3 of the amount contracted for "for your trouble". I gather the series of shops were cancelled shortly after I submitted mine because nationwide shoppers were getting responses similar to what I experienced.
joanhampton Wrote:
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> Flash,
>
> In the situation I was referring to, I did just
> that and checked to see if it was posted for
> another shopper and discovered that it was not,
> and that my reshop was the beginning of a new
> round of shops. So, they did get two for the
> price of one. I know they are a reputable
> company, but they were trying to prove a point
> with me. Oh well! It was in the beginning with
> them and I've since probably completed over 50
> assignments with an average shop grade of 10. I
> merely chalked it up to a learning experience. It
> occurred several years ago. The infraction was
> something silly, as I ordered water instead of a
> soda. Odd thing about it was that my guest did
> order the soda.
I am curious - if this occurred several years ago, why post it NOW, and when posting it now, not state what you stated in this post at the same time. Seems like water under the bridge...But that is just my opinion. And I really do want to hear the answer, its not a rhetorical question on my part, or a critique, but an earnest reaction.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Flash,
>
> In the situation I was referring to, I did just
> that and checked to see if it was posted for
> another shopper and discovered that it was not,
> and that my reshop was the beginning of a new
> round of shops. So, they did get two for the
> price of one. I know they are a reputable
> company, but they were trying to prove a point
> with me. Oh well! It was in the beginning with
> them and I've since probably completed over 50
> assignments with an average shop grade of 10. I
> merely chalked it up to a learning experience. It
> occurred several years ago. The infraction was
> something silly, as I ordered water instead of a
> soda. Odd thing about it was that my guest did
> order the soda.
I am curious - if this occurred several years ago, why post it NOW, and when posting it now, not state what you stated in this post at the same time. Seems like water under the bridge...But that is just my opinion. And I really do want to hear the answer, its not a rhetorical question on my part, or a critique, but an earnest reaction.
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“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
dee shops!
I appreciate your comments and I definitely would have posted it early on had I known about this forum. I only learned about this outlet a short time ago and have tried my best to express how thankful I am to finally have a place to air grievances, praise, and ask advise from others, who do the same thing. I agree with your opinion that it's definitely "water under the bridge". Actually I think you gave it the appropriate credibility it deserved. I was merely trying to commiserate with usuaggie and relate a similar situation that had happened to me, even though it was a different company. In addition, I see that it prompted others to vent their similar experiences, which only validates what this forum appears to be designed for. I'm learning all kinds of things by reading other's viewpoints both positive and negative. Besides I've always wondered about that particular incident and as time passes we are all learning that schedulers, editors, and shoppers aren't infallible. Everyone has their good days and bad days. We are all human and to err is HUMAN!!!
I appreciate your comments and I definitely would have posted it early on had I known about this forum. I only learned about this outlet a short time ago and have tried my best to express how thankful I am to finally have a place to air grievances, praise, and ask advise from others, who do the same thing. I agree with your opinion that it's definitely "water under the bridge". Actually I think you gave it the appropriate credibility it deserved. I was merely trying to commiserate with usuaggie and relate a similar situation that had happened to me, even though it was a different company. In addition, I see that it prompted others to vent their similar experiences, which only validates what this forum appears to be designed for. I'm learning all kinds of things by reading other's viewpoints both positive and negative. Besides I've always wondered about that particular incident and as time passes we are all learning that schedulers, editors, and shoppers aren't infallible. Everyone has their good days and bad days. We are all human and to err is HUMAN!!!
Schedulers and editors are fallible? 
I have done several shops for DSG and never had a problem.
I haven't either. They have been very generous with me.
DSG calls me all the time for shops. I have never had a problem with them either. I have also done several phone shops for them too.
You also need to wonder about the OP's purpose here. This individual signed up for this forum, posted immediately and departed. They have not returned to this forum since their one post. This is why it is VERY important for members to be aware that there may be folks who come on here with an axe to grind.
In this case the OP not only violated their ICA by naming company and client, they also are making charges that may or may not be true (we unfortunately never get both sides of the story) about the quality of their own work, and they have not returned to share in the life of the forum--nor did they spend any time checking the forum in the few minutes they were here and posted.
My evaluation of the OP is that it is not credible because of the issues stated above.
In this case the OP not only violated their ICA by naming company and client, they also are making charges that may or may not be true (we unfortunately never get both sides of the story) about the quality of their own work, and they have not returned to share in the life of the forum--nor did they spend any time checking the forum in the few minutes they were here and posted.
My evaluation of the OP is that it is not credible because of the issues stated above.
The OP's usually have an ax to grind, but actually, Flash, they do serve a purpose, because we get to write our own evaluations in print, which is informative for the rest of us.
DSG's schedulers have been very nice, and they're great about phone calls, but I always end up reading at least one report to them over the phone. Their software is flaky. Also, if you try to save a partial report, the way you do on SASSIE, the whole thing disappears. Rather than fixing the issues, the standard answer is "Do you mind reading the report to us? We're also open on Saturday." I work on Saturday, and sometimes on Sunday.
DSG's schedulers have been very nice, and they're great about phone calls, but I always end up reading at least one report to them over the phone. Their software is flaky. Also, if you try to save a partial report, the way you do on SASSIE, the whole thing disappears. Rather than fixing the issues, the standard answer is "Do you mind reading the report to us? We're also open on Saturday." I work on Saturday, and sometimes on Sunday.
I absolutely understand that there is often an axe to grind. At the same time a 'hit and run' poster should not be given a great deal of credibility by the normal reader of a thread. In this case the OP's ONLY VISIT to this forum still remains the first one where they posted the accusations and complaint.
And yes, it does give others an opportunity to voice their opinions that their experiences were different or the same.
And yes, it does give others an opportunity to voice their opinions that their experiences were different or the same.
You all hit the nail on the head!
I often wonder, even though I come and go, how credible some of these posts are. They could actually be from the shopping company to test the credibility and altruism of the regular forum posters. Albeit everything is a learning experience and why should this be any different.
Peace!
I often wonder, even though I come and go, how credible some of these posts are. They could actually be from the shopping company to test the credibility and altruism of the regular forum posters. Albeit everything is a learning experience and why should this be any different.
Peace!
Because often the poster never returns to the forum, I doubt it is the shopping company because they would not see any follow up. I would rather see it as either a competitor, an irate employee or a really ticked off shopper wanting to cause mischief.
Interesting to think about. Some posts are so off base, that I've often wondered about motives and identities.
Well, I'm not necessarily a "regular poster" here, but a regular reader. My one and only experience with DSG was a very negative one. I was paid for my shop, but have never tried to have any contact with them again. I was interested to see why this OP was warning everyone to beware. I know that there are several MSP's that I no longer care to shop with that others love, and some I love that others refuse to work for. That is the value of reading these forums, you get to hear the good and the bad. I'm glad a lot of you like DSG, but for me, I am not comfortable with them.
I do not post very ofter, however, that is my choice. I have shopped for DSG for several years and had no problem with them utill July. Six calls in one day was the start of our difference. When I said something they got a little miffed then a shop in 100 degree heat and a 30 minute wait for food with a declined shop finished the association.
Part of it was me part was them. I cancelled the next day shop which the scheduler did not like and told them I would call when I was ready to start back. I have not called because health problems put me in the hospital two days after I cancelled and I just do want FF anymore.
Overall they are pretty easy to work with and after the years I worked with them I probably did not get paid for two or three and that was my fault. I would go back if I could stand a hamburger.
Part of it was me part was them. I cancelled the next day shop which the scheduler did not like and told them I would call when I was ready to start back. I have not called because health problems put me in the hospital two days after I cancelled and I just do want FF anymore.
Overall they are pretty easy to work with and after the years I worked with them I probably did not get paid for two or three and that was my fault. I would go back if I could stand a hamburger.
Deech (and anyone else), your opinions DO matter and I am delighted you have shared your experience.
The ranting in here about motivation for posts was not aimed at members who visit and use the board but rather at the 'hit and run' person who joins, immediately posts one complaint and then never return. If you click on the name, for example, modario, you will find that her activity is:
Date Registered: 04/16/2008 08:02PM
Last Activity: 11/29/2008 09:48AM
So you will see that not only has she been a member for a while, but she has visited the forum fairly recently. Now click on the name of the OP. You will find that usuaggi:
Date Registered: 11/10/2008 05:17PM
Last Activity: 11/10/2008 05:17PM
What this means is since their original registration and acceptance to membership the have posted one 'bomb' and didn't even stick around the board long enough to see what the board was about or have any interest in the experience of others with the company they were bombing.
The ranting in here about motivation for posts was not aimed at members who visit and use the board but rather at the 'hit and run' person who joins, immediately posts one complaint and then never return. If you click on the name, for example, modario, you will find that her activity is:
Date Registered: 04/16/2008 08:02PM
Last Activity: 11/29/2008 09:48AM
So you will see that not only has she been a member for a while, but she has visited the forum fairly recently. Now click on the name of the OP. You will find that usuaggi:
Date Registered: 11/10/2008 05:17PM
Last Activity: 11/10/2008 05:17PM
What this means is since their original registration and acceptance to membership the have posted one 'bomb' and didn't even stick around the board long enough to see what the board was about or have any interest in the experience of others with the company they were bombing.
I did a couple of shops for them last year and had no problems, they paid on time and the staff was friendly.
Hi! I am brand new to this forum. I have been reading for a while but have not posted. I have taken jobs with this company and they have been great to work with. I just thought I would add to this post.
They are good to work with. Everyone I came in contact with was usually friendly and helpful. That said, everone has a bad day sometime and I would get a few of those. They do have a lot of turnover, so when you get used to talking to one scheduler, they have left or moved to a different position.
As I said before they reason I left them for a while was the excessive number of calls in one day and the fact I did not feel well. If you shop enough with them you can make some decent money. THere are always somewhere they needed shopped when I was going in that direction.
As I said before they reason I left them for a while was the excessive number of calls in one day and the fact I did not feel well. If you shop enough with them you can make some decent money. THere are always somewhere they needed shopped when I was going in that direction.
This may be all well and true, but....some companies DO use reports they have disallowed, and some will re-post the shop without us knowing, via private email to their best shoppers, and some will re-post publicly. We can only do the best we can, deal the cards we are dealt, and hope that everything is for the good and that we will be paid what we really deserve to be paid.
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“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
I recently did two shops with DSG and had no problem. I was asked to call in the shops and it took more time than doing it online.
I've done several shops for DSG and always got paid on time, never had a problem. From what I can see with another company I am signed up with, Sonic is being shopped by this other company. Or, maybe both companies are contracted for Sonic, different areas. I know that this other shop I am signed up with is posting Sonic shops in eastern PA.
I had posted that I had no problem getting paid by DSG. I take that back. Did anyone have instructions a few months ago to go to a food place and order something and have something taken off of it? Well I had 5 shops like that. The thing they mailed me to mail back to them with receipts is the only proof I had of what I was suppose to do. I did not make a copy of that. Shame on me. Well they say for me to come up with proof of that - that they said to have something taken off the order and if I can't I don't get paid. Yes I ordered what the list said I should order also. Anyone else have this problem with them? Not only am I out the shop fee's but also 5 dinner's at this shop.
Aaargh! I guess they call that a "learning experience" though I would sure call it something else. Sorry.
Sounds like an Opps moment Storm.
I generally scan all of my stuff before I send it in,
every once in a while, I forget, and then I hold my breath until I get paid.
So far, I've been lucky, knock on wood....
I generally scan all of my stuff before I send it in,
every once in a while, I forget, and then I hold my breath until I get paid.
So far, I've been lucky, knock on wood....
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