Instant Replays - payment issues
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It's great to get facts posted and find out if there is actually a problem. It would also be great if everyone who dissed a company without providing facts would be forthcoming with details from the very first post.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
It would also be nice if posters could share their experiences with companies without being mocked and put down without reason.
Buteos, you're absolutely right and I apologize. I assumed the OP was another whiner and that makes me the Ahole here. I'll try to get myself under control.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
It is SO HARD to come on here and give names, dates, places when the issue is nonpayment. So, so hard. Especially if you are a relative novice and you are still doubting yourself and your abilities.
I looked at this thread for several days before deciding to post, because when you do you look like:
1. An incompetent record-keeper,
2. A wimp for getting in so deep without receiving payment, and
3. A betrayer of confidentiality, a shopper who is not to be trusted, and
4. Someone who may lose work and get 'blackballed' by other MSCs as the result of openly disclosing the facts.
But in the end we need to think of the novice shopper and act in their interests and in the interest of best practices for mystery shopping as a whole. Silence also assists those MSCs and schedulers who would take advantage of those in the shopping community.
I was warned off a series of shops from the Freeman Group because some shoppers put up details of their losses on this public forum. It saved me $700 or so. I am still grateful to this forum for that warning thread, several years later.
Maybe when shoppers post fuzzy details about nonpayment issues, it is because they are worried they will be identified and/or blackballed. Maybe they are afraid of the ridicule that some here seem to relish and thoroughly enjoy heaping upon new posters.
So they deliberately keep it vague, hoping that someone else with maybe a little more backbone will chime in. The OP could have done a bit better, but - hey! Look where we are now! Out in the sunshine! Getting this all out! Isn't this better?
I looked at this thread for several days before deciding to post, because when you do you look like:
1. An incompetent record-keeper,
2. A wimp for getting in so deep without receiving payment, and
3. A betrayer of confidentiality, a shopper who is not to be trusted, and
4. Someone who may lose work and get 'blackballed' by other MSCs as the result of openly disclosing the facts.
But in the end we need to think of the novice shopper and act in their interests and in the interest of best practices for mystery shopping as a whole. Silence also assists those MSCs and schedulers who would take advantage of those in the shopping community.
I was warned off a series of shops from the Freeman Group because some shoppers put up details of their losses on this public forum. It saved me $700 or so. I am still grateful to this forum for that warning thread, several years later.
Maybe when shoppers post fuzzy details about nonpayment issues, it is because they are worried they will be identified and/or blackballed. Maybe they are afraid of the ridicule that some here seem to relish and thoroughly enjoy heaping upon new posters.
So they deliberately keep it vague, hoping that someone else with maybe a little more backbone will chime in. The OP could have done a bit better, but - hey! Look where we are now! Out in the sunshine! Getting this all out! Isn't this better?
Katie,
Any comment by me would be superfluous, as you covered the situation in a concise and succinct manner.
Any comment by me would be superfluous, as you covered the situation in a concise and succinct manner.
I agree too many details can expose a shopper. To me a shopper wishing to be vague while providing useful information could simply say, "I completed a shop(s) which was approved and accepted. To date I have waited xx months beyond published payment terms. Are others experiencing the same issue?" Even saying the shop was completed in the spring and should have been paid in the summer is vague yet provides something to support the claim.
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.
I haven't previously commented in this thread as to money owed, because, although I've completed several assignments for IR over a four yr. period, my account with the company is at a zero balance. I both can and will, though, share my experiences over a period of almost 1/2 decade with the lady addressed in a comment by another shopper.
In the beginning, I had a problem with my PV-500 and at least one shop was, with respect to the report, considerably past due. Kathy Hart extended herself far beyond the norm with her support, patience and tolerance of my situation. At the time, I had been in this business for 6 yrs. and well understood the lack of the aforementioned three traits by MSCs when inordinate tardiness was an issue. I was finally able, with the assistance of a computer programmer and hardware tech, to submit with nary a word of irritation from Kathy.
During the entire yrs. of our relationship, queries have always been promptly handled and in a completely business manner. I state most absolutely that Kathy is the standard by which ALL schedulers should measure themselves. She is, simply put, the epitome of what Shopper Bob desires in an associate.
In the beginning, I had a problem with my PV-500 and at least one shop was, with respect to the report, considerably past due. Kathy Hart extended herself far beyond the norm with her support, patience and tolerance of my situation. At the time, I had been in this business for 6 yrs. and well understood the lack of the aforementioned three traits by MSCs when inordinate tardiness was an issue. I was finally able, with the assistance of a computer programmer and hardware tech, to submit with nary a word of irritation from Kathy.
During the entire yrs. of our relationship, queries have always been promptly handled and in a completely business manner. I state most absolutely that Kathy is the standard by which ALL schedulers should measure themselves. She is, simply put, the epitome of what Shopper Bob desires in an associate.
My last payment inquiry was resolved in a week.
Better than previous times.
I Still don't like that I am not paid without having to ask,
But payment has always arrived.
Better than previous times.
I Still don't like that I am not paid without having to ask,
But payment has always arrived.
They pay but they have been a little late at times but that's better than not getting paid at all , I still do shops for them...
This past week I was paid half of what I am owed with a promise to get the other half to me "soon." I am sure I will have to follow up again, but at least I have some of it. 
MB intimated that there have been troubles at IR but that things are looking up. If and when I am offered work by them again, I will require payment up front, now that I know payment issues weren't simply caused by MB's lack of organization or delegation. I'm confident that won't happen, but that's OK too. I have had lots of practice politely declining work, thanks to Maritz and Sinclair.
MB intimated that there have been troubles at IR but that things are looking up. If and when I am offered work by them again, I will require payment up front, now that I know payment issues weren't simply caused by MB's lack of organization or delegation. I'm confident that won't happen, but that's OK too. I have had lots of practice politely declining work, thanks to Maritz and Sinclair.
I worked for them multiple times. I had to ask to be paid each time. Sometimes multiple times. It was not the schedulers fault. I do not know if I will work for them again. It makes me feel bad when having to chase down a payment.
UPDATE:
The main number for Instant Replays - 919-861-4541 - has been disconnected and is no longer in service, as of 3 PM EST today, when I attempted to call yet again to demand payment.
I cannot log into my account. Probably because I have been so public about this matter.
Well, it is worth it. I hope that by speaking out, at least a few shoppers are going to be saved the loss of much-needed revenue.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2014 11:19PM by ColoKate63.
The main number for Instant Replays - 919-861-4541 - has been disconnected and is no longer in service, as of 3 PM EST today, when I attempted to call yet again to demand payment.
I cannot log into my account. Probably because I have been so public about this matter.
Well, it is worth it. I hope that by speaking out, at least a few shoppers are going to be saved the loss of much-needed revenue.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2014 11:19PM by ColoKate63.
I haven't worked for them but have had a conversation with someone of significance from the company who admitted there was a problem. Personally, I would stay away.
Well, now you can't even call them up and enjoy a little chat. Because their phone has been disconnected.
I would ask everyone who is reading this thread to try to call IR's main number, right on their home screen.
Hopefully they will scratch together the amount necessary to get it turned back on. So we can keep on calling, futilely.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2014 11:33PM by ColoKate63.
I would ask everyone who is reading this thread to try to call IR's main number, right on their home screen.
Hopefully they will scratch together the amount necessary to get it turned back on. So we can keep on calling, futilely.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/2014 11:33PM by ColoKate63.
Aren't they in the Carolinas and getting pounded by the same storm hitting Atlanta?
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.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Aren't they in the Carolinas and getting pounded
> by the same storm hitting Atlanta?
Good question.
I just called several other random numbers in the 919-861- exchange and got through just fine.
In fact, I did this BEFORE posting here, although as someone with an ex-husband I do know the difference in messages Verizon uses when a number is turned off for nonpayment versus a region going down due to weather.
Bottom line: Can't blame this on the weather. Nope. We can only hope that IR comes back live, telephone-wise, so we get our hard-earned dollars.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2014 12:01AM by ColoKate63.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Aren't they in the Carolinas and getting pounded
> by the same storm hitting Atlanta?
Good question.
I just called several other random numbers in the 919-861- exchange and got through just fine.
In fact, I did this BEFORE posting here, although as someone with an ex-husband I do know the difference in messages Verizon uses when a number is turned off for nonpayment versus a region going down due to weather.
Bottom line: Can't blame this on the weather. Nope. We can only hope that IR comes back live, telephone-wise, so we get our hard-earned dollars.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2014 12:01AM by ColoKate63.
That office number was disconnected several months ago. It's too bad that they have not updated the web site to reflect that. Active shoppers got email notification.
Perhaps you have their individual numbers which have been provided to active shoppers ever since they started working from home, and for years before that for long time shoppers.
Perhaps you have their individual numbers which have been provided to active shoppers ever since they started working from home, and for years before that for long time shoppers.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That office number was disconnected several months
> ago. It's too bad that they have not updated the
> web site to reflect that. Active shoppers got
> email notification.
>
> Perhaps you have their individual numbers which
> have been provided to active shoppers ever since
> they started working from home, and for years
> before that for long time shoppers.
That office number on the website worked fine the last time I called them. I don't have an exact date, but it was a few weeks, not months ago. It still appears on their email signatures.
I do have some cell numbers that were given to me in private and will be calling them. I will post them here if I don't get paid, as was done with respect to the Freeman Group in a very similar situation.
And it appears that in this case, as throughout the entire mess, that there is a two-tiered system for contacting and getting paid by Instant Replays: if you are a "friend," then you get the information to stay away from shops right now and you DO get paid. You also get accurate contact information.
If you don't, or you came late to the game (as I did; I didn't especially like their shop types) then you get disconnected phone numbers, don't get paid and your emails are ignored.
Wow, what a terrific way to run a business. Kudos to Mark and Kathy.
-------------------------------------------------------
> That office number was disconnected several months
> ago. It's too bad that they have not updated the
> web site to reflect that. Active shoppers got
> email notification.
>
> Perhaps you have their individual numbers which
> have been provided to active shoppers ever since
> they started working from home, and for years
> before that for long time shoppers.
That office number on the website worked fine the last time I called them. I don't have an exact date, but it was a few weeks, not months ago. It still appears on their email signatures.
I do have some cell numbers that were given to me in private and will be calling them. I will post them here if I don't get paid, as was done with respect to the Freeman Group in a very similar situation.
And it appears that in this case, as throughout the entire mess, that there is a two-tiered system for contacting and getting paid by Instant Replays: if you are a "friend," then you get the information to stay away from shops right now and you DO get paid. You also get accurate contact information.
If you don't, or you came late to the game (as I did; I didn't especially like their shop types) then you get disconnected phone numbers, don't get paid and your emails are ignored.
Wow, what a terrific way to run a business. Kudos to Mark and Kathy.
Like most schedulers, Kathy works from home, so I have always called her directly.
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.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Aren't they in the Carolinas and getting pounded
> by the same storm hitting Atlanta?
I am in the same area, and our phone lines are not down.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Aren't they in the Carolinas and getting pounded
> by the same storm hitting Atlanta?
I am in the same area, and our phone lines are not down.
I must say that posting the home/cell phone numbers of schedulers who cannot control when/how/ the shoppers get paid would seem to have no purpose other than meanness. If you want to post the number of someone who can pay, post that of MB, the owner.
Since all sorts of scammers, as well as legitimate shoppers, visit forums like this, it would be mean and vindictive to publish schedulers' personal numbers.
Finally, since it can naither be proved nor disproved that some sort of "two tier" system exists when it comes to paying shoppers or warning them not to accept assignments, I don't see that the person who posted that should just have it taken as fact. What I personally know is that IR schedulers have not lied to me, or to anyone else, that I know, in the many years that I shopped for them. These are some of the very top professional schedulers in our industry. They go to bat for the shoppers and aren't afraid to stand up to the MSC owner and to the clients, on behalf of the shoppers. Years of top performance speak for them.
Nuff said.
Since all sorts of scammers, as well as legitimate shoppers, visit forums like this, it would be mean and vindictive to publish schedulers' personal numbers.
Finally, since it can naither be proved nor disproved that some sort of "two tier" system exists when it comes to paying shoppers or warning them not to accept assignments, I don't see that the person who posted that should just have it taken as fact. What I personally know is that IR schedulers have not lied to me, or to anyone else, that I know, in the many years that I shopped for them. These are some of the very top professional schedulers in our industry. They go to bat for the shoppers and aren't afraid to stand up to the MSC owner and to the clients, on behalf of the shoppers. Years of top performance speak for them.
Nuff said.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I couldn't have stated the position any better than Wales, so I won't make an attempt.
Audrialyn Volunteers:
I am in the same area, and our phone lines are not down.
BOB'S comment:
You could be next door to me and have service, but mine could be inoperable.
Audrialyn Volunteers:
I am in the same area, and our phone lines are not down.
BOB'S comment:
You could be next door to me and have service, but mine could be inoperable.
@shopperbob their lines are NOT down due to weather. I definitely know that much. Seeing how you don't live in North Carolina. I don't see what makes you qualified to make an assessment.
I don't see Bob making a big judgment here as much as saying just because one person has service that doesn't mean a block over services are fully functioning. It may not be weather related, but it could be any number of factors ranging from, "hey I didn't pay the bill" to a squirrel ate the wires or a pole got knocked down.
I remember a big a storm in Wisconsin when I was a child in the mid-70s. We did not have electricity for five days, while our neighbors a block away ended up with many people camping at their house as all of their services remained functioning the entire time.
I remember a big a storm in Wisconsin when I was a child in the mid-70s. We did not have electricity for five days, while our neighbors a block away ended up with many people camping at their house as all of their services remained functioning the entire time.
Shelly responds to audrialyn:
I don't see Bob making a big judgment here as much as saying just because one person has service that doesn't mean a block over services are fully functioning.
BOB'S comment:
Thank you Shelly for reading my post in an objective manner and you are, of course correct; I was merely responding to audrialyn's statement that her phone lines weren't down, which has no bearing on anyone else's connection.
audrialyn posts:
shopperbob their lines are NOT down due to weather. I definitely know that much
BOB'S logical response:
Unless you've personally visited the dwelling in question AND inspected the exterior and interior, you may surmise, conclude and deduce, BUT, that's all and those actions neither warrant a capitalization of NOT nor "I definitely know that much."
In the vein of Shelly's connection experience, in 2009 I lost power for almost 72 hrs.; my neighbor across the street, though, had no interruption. My point isn't whether IR did or didn't experience a problem due to a storm; it's that we can't "definitely know that much."
I don't see Bob making a big judgment here as much as saying just because one person has service that doesn't mean a block over services are fully functioning.
BOB'S comment:
Thank you Shelly for reading my post in an objective manner and you are, of course correct; I was merely responding to audrialyn's statement that her phone lines weren't down, which has no bearing on anyone else's connection.
audrialyn posts:
shopperbob their lines are NOT down due to weather. I definitely know that much
BOB'S logical response:
Unless you've personally visited the dwelling in question AND inspected the exterior and interior, you may surmise, conclude and deduce, BUT, that's all and those actions neither warrant a capitalization of NOT nor "I definitely know that much."
In the vein of Shelly's connection experience, in 2009 I lost power for almost 72 hrs.; my neighbor across the street, though, had no interruption. My point isn't whether IR did or didn't experience a problem due to a storm; it's that we can't "definitely know that much."
@shopperbob As I stated, you DO NOT live in the area. I do!!! I definitely know their phones are NOT down due to weather. I live down here. You DON'T!! I know the company in question, so I don't need explain anything further to you. Your attitude never ceases to amaze me.
Shopperbob is the most even handed, business-minded member of this forum. He does not respond with unnecessary exclamation marks and does not yell at anyone by writing in all caps. I read his post the same way as Shelly, as a general and astute observation about how circumstances can vary in a small geographic area.
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.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Shopperbob is the most even handed,
> business-minded member of this forum. He does not
> respond with unnecessary exclamation marks and
> does not yell at anyone by writing in all caps. I
> read his post the same way as Shelly, as a general
> and astute observation about how circumstances can
> vary in a small geographic area.
@ lisa you can have your opinion and I will have mine. I am familiar with this company, and I live in the area. Their phone is NOT out due to weather. P.S I will capatalize and punctuate as I see fit!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------
> Shopperbob is the most even handed,
> business-minded member of this forum. He does not
> respond with unnecessary exclamation marks and
> does not yell at anyone by writing in all caps. I
> read his post the same way as Shelly, as a general
> and astute observation about how circumstances can
> vary in a small geographic area.
@ lisa you can have your opinion and I will have mine. I am familiar with this company, and I live in the area. Their phone is NOT out due to weather. P.S I will capatalize and punctuate as I see fit!!!!
Audrialyn,
It's obvious to me, and should be to you, that we don't blend. It's neither your fault nor mine; it's simply a fact. As you've stated, I never cease to amaze you and I confess that your manner of thought and reaction is one I find quite puzzling. That being the case, I accept that you and I could never be involved in a stimulating discourse of any type. This is not to shun a point/counterpoint position, but rather realize it's not possible between Bob and Audrialyn.
Lisa,
Thanks also to you for both your kind words and understanding I wasn't attempting to antagonize Audrialyn. Perhaps, if our paths again cross, we can dance a Rhumba or Bolero, sip a White Russian and chuckle at this incident.
It's obvious to me, and should be to you, that we don't blend. It's neither your fault nor mine; it's simply a fact. As you've stated, I never cease to amaze you and I confess that your manner of thought and reaction is one I find quite puzzling. That being the case, I accept that you and I could never be involved in a stimulating discourse of any type. This is not to shun a point/counterpoint position, but rather realize it's not possible between Bob and Audrialyn.
Lisa,
Thanks also to you for both your kind words and understanding I wasn't attempting to antagonize Audrialyn. Perhaps, if our paths again cross, we can dance a Rhumba or Bolero, sip a White Russian and chuckle at this incident.
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