Beware of Service Metrics
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This is not a company I have heard of and from your spelling of cheque I wonder if perhaps it is a European firm?
Generally if a company is legit a reasonable approach is to contact them to let them know that their check has bounced. It does happen from time to time even with good companies when somebody there drops the ball or one of their clients' checks bounces. Keep trying to get them on the phone, note to whom you spoke and date and time. Have in hand what the bank is charging you as fees for the bounced check. If it is truly a mistake, the company is probably embarrassed and very likely will replace the check and the bank fees. Meanwhile try an email as well. If the company is still posting jobs to their job board and not responding by phone or email, send them a registered or certified mail letter that will provide you with a confirmation of receipt, demanding payment.
On the other hand, if the company is failing you may never see your money.
Generally if a company is legit a reasonable approach is to contact them to let them know that their check has bounced. It does happen from time to time even with good companies when somebody there drops the ball or one of their clients' checks bounces. Keep trying to get them on the phone, note to whom you spoke and date and time. Have in hand what the bank is charging you as fees for the bounced check. If it is truly a mistake, the company is probably embarrassed and very likely will replace the check and the bank fees. Meanwhile try an email as well. If the company is still posting jobs to their job board and not responding by phone or email, send them a registered or certified mail letter that will provide you with a confirmation of receipt, demanding payment.
On the other hand, if the company is failing you may never see your money.
It is sad when they take advantage of anyone. But it is a real concern when they are playing hide-and-seek with shoppers by not responding to voice mail messages.
Are you referring to [www.servicemetrics.ca] ?
I did my first shop for them two weeks ago. It only paid $5 but I thought it would be worth it to get my foot in the door.
You had to make a purchase ($15 to $20 recommended!) as well as do the report. It was a store I normally shop at so no problem.
What was really strange was the system was IDENTICAL to Marketforce's system. Answer one question, go to the next screen, etc. They even had the identical fields about landmarks. Everything was absolutely identical. I wondered if maybe this was going to be MarketForce's Canadian system or if not then they had copied Market Force's report forms word for word. Except...when I tried to send the report it would not go through. I emailed them and they phoned me a couple of days later saying the form works now. The woman who phoned me was very nice. I went to the site and everything had been deleted. Fortunately, I had saved a copy and retyped it all. It was quite long. Also, they even had MarketForce's CPI system except they wanted you to actually print it, sign it, scan it, and upload it back to them! I signed it electronically and they said it was okay, but they had lengthy instructions about scanning it and uploading it and nothing about e-signing it.
I had a funny feeling about them so cancelled the second one I had scheduled. I wanted to get the lousy $5 first. Yesterday I saw my shop was still pending so emailed them asking why. It had been 13 days. I got an email back saying "no news is good news". Today I got another email from their quality assurance person wanting all kinds of other information, saying that I had not put enough information in all the fields and had not answered all their questions. I know I had. I'm not giving them any more work. They can keep the $5.
There is something wrong here, I can sense it. Has anyone else dealt with them? The shop I did was in Toronto.
I did my first shop for them two weeks ago. It only paid $5 but I thought it would be worth it to get my foot in the door.
You had to make a purchase ($15 to $20 recommended!) as well as do the report. It was a store I normally shop at so no problem.
What was really strange was the system was IDENTICAL to Marketforce's system. Answer one question, go to the next screen, etc. They even had the identical fields about landmarks. Everything was absolutely identical. I wondered if maybe this was going to be MarketForce's Canadian system or if not then they had copied Market Force's report forms word for word. Except...when I tried to send the report it would not go through. I emailed them and they phoned me a couple of days later saying the form works now. The woman who phoned me was very nice. I went to the site and everything had been deleted. Fortunately, I had saved a copy and retyped it all. It was quite long. Also, they even had MarketForce's CPI system except they wanted you to actually print it, sign it, scan it, and upload it back to them! I signed it electronically and they said it was okay, but they had lengthy instructions about scanning it and uploading it and nothing about e-signing it.
I had a funny feeling about them so cancelled the second one I had scheduled. I wanted to get the lousy $5 first. Yesterday I saw my shop was still pending so emailed them asking why. It had been 13 days. I got an email back saying "no news is good news". Today I got another email from their quality assurance person wanting all kinds of other information, saying that I had not put enough information in all the fields and had not answered all their questions. I know I had. I'm not giving them any more work. They can keep the $5.
There is something wrong here, I can sense it. Has anyone else dealt with them? The shop I did was in Toronto.
Today I actually got a phone call from them saying that a "programming error" had cause my last answer to be deleted and to send it again. Wow, they can't keep their lies straight. I'm not going to reply to them.
I'm not registered with these guys so I can't speak to dealing with them. Perhaps some Toronto shoppers can offer some insight.
But, based on what Flash says, that they ignore shoppers messages, plus the info on ripoff report, it seems something is amiss.
Maybe they're just a really disorganized MSC?
But, based on what Flash says, that they ignore shoppers messages, plus the info on ripoff report, it seems something is amiss.
Maybe they're just a really disorganized MSC?
I've had nothing but great interactions with every person I've spoken to at Service Metrics. I've been working with them for over 5 years on a variety of projects. Sometimes, they seemed disorganized (i.e. sending me 2 Tablets for a project, lost my paperwork for a week for another project, once forgot to send a bonus on my cheque), but they have always made the situation right by me, in a timely manner.
My experience has been the complete opposite of shoppingirl. When I've had issues with payment, they had no trouble telling me which shops had been paid on which cheque. They tend to send separate cheques for each project. If you worked on multiple projects during the month, you'll get a payment for each project. Speaking of payments, my experience has been that this company is very generous. $20-30/audit at large stores (20-30 minutes of work), $20-25/hr for counting people going into or out of stores, $25/hr for counting cars at certain intersections, $25/hr for exit interviews done with a tablet supplied by them.
The many, many times I've called them (i.e. I return their call, ask for clarification, ask for a bonus, etc.), I've spoken to a scheduler. The 3-4 people I've spoken to have been helpful, friendly and competent. I've never felt manipulated into taking a low-paying shop, never felt disrespected by the staff, and never felt like I would not be paid.
I'll stop singing their praises now. I'm happy to have people refuse their shops - leaves more for me lol.
My experience has been the complete opposite of shoppingirl. When I've had issues with payment, they had no trouble telling me which shops had been paid on which cheque. They tend to send separate cheques for each project. If you worked on multiple projects during the month, you'll get a payment for each project. Speaking of payments, my experience has been that this company is very generous. $20-30/audit at large stores (20-30 minutes of work), $20-25/hr for counting people going into or out of stores, $25/hr for counting cars at certain intersections, $25/hr for exit interviews done with a tablet supplied by them.
The many, many times I've called them (i.e. I return their call, ask for clarification, ask for a bonus, etc.), I've spoken to a scheduler. The 3-4 people I've spoken to have been helpful, friendly and competent. I've never felt manipulated into taking a low-paying shop, never felt disrespected by the staff, and never felt like I would not be paid.
I'll stop singing their praises now. I'm happy to have people refuse their shops - leaves more for me lol.
I loved counting cars (and people not wearing seat belts) at the intersection. It's one of the things that keeps me mystery shopping, the sheer variety of thing I get to do.
I've never had a problem with them, except they don't have much where I live. Well, that's every mystery shopping company.
I've never had a problem with them, except they don't have much where I live. Well, that's every mystery shopping company.
This is the latest issue with Service Metrics. This email was sent out today and informs shoppers that cheques will be delayed again. Another lame excuse by Service Metrics to avoid or delay paying their shoppers in a timely manner.
Service Metrics
Important Payment Information
Good Afternoon Everyone,
We regret to advise that due to a system glitch in our IT department we have had some payment issues for the month of June. We will be contacting affected shoppers as quickly as possible in order to find a suitable resolution. We thank those shoppers who came forward and apprised us of the situation.
(client name removed):
We have calculated and requested cheques for any balance owing on the (client name removed) project including mileage and reimbursements. These cheques unfortunately were delayed due to the aforementioned issue and we apologize if we have caused anyone any undue hardship. These cheques will be mailed out between August 11 and August 15. If you have any questions, please forward them to the Help Desk via email.
Service Metrics Help Desk
Service Metrics
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2014 03:02AM by shoppinggirl.
Service Metrics
Important Payment Information
Good Afternoon Everyone,
We regret to advise that due to a system glitch in our IT department we have had some payment issues for the month of June. We will be contacting affected shoppers as quickly as possible in order to find a suitable resolution. We thank those shoppers who came forward and apprised us of the situation.
(client name removed):
We have calculated and requested cheques for any balance owing on the (client name removed) project including mileage and reimbursements. These cheques unfortunately were delayed due to the aforementioned issue and we apologize if we have caused anyone any undue hardship. These cheques will be mailed out between August 11 and August 15. If you have any questions, please forward them to the Help Desk via email.
Service Metrics Help Desk
Service Metrics
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2014 03:02AM by shoppinggirl.
Wow I'm really shocked by what I'm reading.
I've done work for them for two years now. They are the only company I would ever cash a cheque from. In fact, I cashed one last week for Elections Ontario work and some other stuff and it cleared.............. I never got that e-mail. Be happy they even contacted you. Companies that scam people don't give a crap enough to write back to you at all.
Do you live in Toronto shoppinggirl? They are located on Bloor West. Phone or visit them and ask them to honour the NSF cheque. I'm sure they will do it.
Before you bad mouth the company, try to resolve it with them. If you did shops in June, they don't mail out cheques til the 18th or so. I received mine August 1st.. that is slightly longer than I usually wait given I live in the same city. I think they are overwhelmed - they take on a lot of high profile clients (you know who they are too). It's funny that I read that they ignore voicemails because the day I cashed their cheque, I left them a voicemail with my info and said I was missing pay $15 from an assignment from May. They called me back within half an hour and said they would be sending me a cheque before the end of the week. I was downtown anyway so I went to pick it up.... The only reason they held from paying me in June is because I messed up and uploaded the wrong CPI for another assignment and I had to submit a new CPI in July.
And FYI - you and only you choose whether you are manipulated into doing shops for little pay. Don't like the fee? Don't do the shop. You are responsible to make note of what assignments you completed and how much they were. No MSC I work for tells me what assignments they are paying for, only the total amount owed. I know you're pissed but seriously take a step back for a moment. Nagging about how they don't tell you how much they pay you on the cheque is really petty and won't make the NSF go away. Working with them and realizing that other people were affected to is a much better way to get it resolved.
Good luck!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2014 02:35AM by dixiewhiskey.
I've done work for them for two years now. They are the only company I would ever cash a cheque from. In fact, I cashed one last week for Elections Ontario work and some other stuff and it cleared.............. I never got that e-mail. Be happy they even contacted you. Companies that scam people don't give a crap enough to write back to you at all.
Do you live in Toronto shoppinggirl? They are located on Bloor West. Phone or visit them and ask them to honour the NSF cheque. I'm sure they will do it.
Before you bad mouth the company, try to resolve it with them. If you did shops in June, they don't mail out cheques til the 18th or so. I received mine August 1st.. that is slightly longer than I usually wait given I live in the same city. I think they are overwhelmed - they take on a lot of high profile clients (you know who they are too). It's funny that I read that they ignore voicemails because the day I cashed their cheque, I left them a voicemail with my info and said I was missing pay $15 from an assignment from May. They called me back within half an hour and said they would be sending me a cheque before the end of the week. I was downtown anyway so I went to pick it up.... The only reason they held from paying me in June is because I messed up and uploaded the wrong CPI for another assignment and I had to submit a new CPI in July.
And FYI - you and only you choose whether you are manipulated into doing shops for little pay. Don't like the fee? Don't do the shop. You are responsible to make note of what assignments you completed and how much they were. No MSC I work for tells me what assignments they are paying for, only the total amount owed. I know you're pissed but seriously take a step back for a moment. Nagging about how they don't tell you how much they pay you on the cheque is really petty and won't make the NSF go away. Working with them and realizing that other people were affected to is a much better way to get it resolved.
Good luck!
Silver Certified ~ Shopping all of Toronto and beyond
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/08/2014 02:35AM by dixiewhiskey.
DixieWhiskey
I am simply stating facts, not nagging. I chose to complete shops for this company and expected to receive proper compensation for what I was entitled to. I have been short-paid, not paid at all, and have had an NSF cheque sent to me. Maybe you have received all your payments in a timely manner and have never received an NSF cheque from them. Maybe you will at some point; maybe you won't. The purpose of this forum is to give other shoppers helpful information, not to criticize other shoppers postings.
I am simply stating facts, not nagging. I chose to complete shops for this company and expected to receive proper compensation for what I was entitled to. I have been short-paid, not paid at all, and have had an NSF cheque sent to me. Maybe you have received all your payments in a timely manner and have never received an NSF cheque from them. Maybe you will at some point; maybe you won't. The purpose of this forum is to give other shoppers helpful information, not to criticize other shoppers postings.
I did a few shops for them and 1 project, never had any problem and got my cheques pretty well on time.
Willing to travel, Alberta, Canada
shoppinggirl Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> DixieWhiskey
>
> I am simply stating facts, not nagging. I chose
> to complete shops for this company and expected to
> receive proper compensation for what I was
> entitled to. I have been short-paid, not paid at
> all, and have had an NSF cheque sent to me. Maybe
> you have received all your payments in a timely
> manner and have never received an NSF cheque from
> them. Maybe you will at some point; maybe you
> won't. The purpose of this forum is to give other
> shoppers helpful information, not to criticize
> other shoppers postings.
Why bother writing on a forum if no one else is permitted to offer criticism on a post? A lot of your commentary is editorializing and not factual. I have no issue with anyone sharing their objective experience but you haven't even given them an opportunity to correct the matter before adding subjective opinions. For e.g. "They try and manipulate you into doing shops for little pay, question your responses, and then try and not pay you." That is not helpful to me, that is whining.
My last post was long enough but I wanted to let you know that I am genuinely sorry that you cashed an NSF cheque. I am with Mtlshopper, I've had nothing but an amazing and professional working relationship with Service Metrics and that if people don't want to take shops - great - more assignments for me to do.
-------------------------------------------------------
> DixieWhiskey
>
> I am simply stating facts, not nagging. I chose
> to complete shops for this company and expected to
> receive proper compensation for what I was
> entitled to. I have been short-paid, not paid at
> all, and have had an NSF cheque sent to me. Maybe
> you have received all your payments in a timely
> manner and have never received an NSF cheque from
> them. Maybe you will at some point; maybe you
> won't. The purpose of this forum is to give other
> shoppers helpful information, not to criticize
> other shoppers postings.
Why bother writing on a forum if no one else is permitted to offer criticism on a post? A lot of your commentary is editorializing and not factual. I have no issue with anyone sharing their objective experience but you haven't even given them an opportunity to correct the matter before adding subjective opinions. For e.g. "They try and manipulate you into doing shops for little pay, question your responses, and then try and not pay you." That is not helpful to me, that is whining.
My last post was long enough but I wanted to let you know that I am genuinely sorry that you cashed an NSF cheque. I am with Mtlshopper, I've had nothing but an amazing and professional working relationship with Service Metrics and that if people don't want to take shops - great - more assignments for me to do.
Silver Certified ~ Shopping all of Toronto and beyond
DixieWhiskey
I read in one of your posts that you are an editor. What company are you an editor for? Service Metrics maybe? You are unusually defensive when it comes to this company. It's quite obvious that you have more than just an "amazing and professional working relationship" with Service Metrics. You probably work for them directly.
You seem to have lots of negative comments about other companies but lots of praise for Service Metrics. If you choose to work for a company that neglects to pay it's shoppers in a timely manner and thinks nothing of sending out NSF cheques, feel free to shop for them! Good luck. End of topic.
I read in one of your posts that you are an editor. What company are you an editor for? Service Metrics maybe? You are unusually defensive when it comes to this company. It's quite obvious that you have more than just an "amazing and professional working relationship" with Service Metrics. You probably work for them directly.
You seem to have lots of negative comments about other companies but lots of praise for Service Metrics. If you choose to work for a company that neglects to pay it's shoppers in a timely manner and thinks nothing of sending out NSF cheques, feel free to shop for them! Good luck. End of topic.
I have never been paid late for Service Metrics, they are pleasant to speak to on the phone. They phone and ask me to go somewhere sometimes, but don't pressure me.
I have had a couple of my highest (non bonused_) assignments from them.
I'm sorry you had a negative experience and I hope it's made right.
I have had a couple of my highest (non bonused_) assignments from them.
I'm sorry you had a negative experience and I hope it's made right.
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