Mystery Shopping Companies
You are welcome.
Yes, the MSPA website is a place to find legitimate companies who are members of the MSPA. There are a number of legitimate companies who are NOT members of the MSPA as well. That is why you need to look at lists from other sources as well. These are available here, for example, in the very first post of this thread. There is a mostly similar list at Volition.com.
A legitimate company is merely a real company as opposed to the scammers. A typical characteristic of the legitimate companies is that you go to them to apply for work rather than them soliciting you and asking for your personal data by email. (Though companies that use the Prophet4 system sometimes send emails to shoppers signed up with Prophet4 inviting them to their website to sign up.)
Being 'legitimate' is not the same as being good to work for/with. As with anything else in life, the universe of mystery shopping companies includes the good, the bad and the ugly. Hopefully reading this and other forums will help you sort those out for yourself.
As far as social security numbers. A few years ago the SSN was optional to be accepted as a shopper. Few of the websites had security and it was disconcerting to be sending that particular data over the internet unsecured. In some cases you could put in a fake SSN, such as 000-00-0000 and supply the data later if/when you were actually working with the company. With more and more companies providing secure websites you are likely to find that 000-00-0000 does not work or returns that "you have signed up already" because someone else used the number. This is a business of mutual trust, so if you see a secured website, I would encourage you to use your correct SSN. Some companies will not accept you as a shopper without it while others are not likely to allow you to work for/with them without your number on file.
Market Force is a legitimate company. It has 3 branches, each requiring a separate sign up. The green 'portal' I have not seen work on in quite some time, though they may have some tax shops these days. The purple 'portal' mostly does theater checks and merchandising. They are still referred to as "Certified" and there are several threads here about them. The 'blue' portal mostly does fast food and other small shops. These days they are loaded with tax shops. Most of the discussions here about the 'blue' portal just refer to them as Market Force or MFI.
Coast to Coast, with whom you have signed up, is mostly or entirely a scheduling company. This means that they are trying to find shoppers for jobs for other companies rather than generating work on their own.
We have to assume that our information will be kept secure and confidential by the companies with whom we sign up, though unfortunately that does not happen 100% of the time. You know that old saying that, "The exceptions prove the rule?" There generally is enough shopper yelling when personal information has been compromised that you know it doesn't happen often due to the relative silence. But compromises of data can happen anywhere, any time. A friend is currently battling with the banks because his wife recently died. Suddenly her credit card number was being used for charges worldwide. The police expect that someone in the information chain starting at the funeral home, compromised and sold the information. (For a death certificate you are providing that critical information--social security number, date of birth, place of birth, parents names including mother's maiden name, etc.)
Yes, the MSPA website is a place to find legitimate companies who are members of the MSPA. There are a number of legitimate companies who are NOT members of the MSPA as well. That is why you need to look at lists from other sources as well. These are available here, for example, in the very first post of this thread. There is a mostly similar list at Volition.com.
A legitimate company is merely a real company as opposed to the scammers. A typical characteristic of the legitimate companies is that you go to them to apply for work rather than them soliciting you and asking for your personal data by email. (Though companies that use the Prophet4 system sometimes send emails to shoppers signed up with Prophet4 inviting them to their website to sign up.)
Being 'legitimate' is not the same as being good to work for/with. As with anything else in life, the universe of mystery shopping companies includes the good, the bad and the ugly. Hopefully reading this and other forums will help you sort those out for yourself.
As far as social security numbers. A few years ago the SSN was optional to be accepted as a shopper. Few of the websites had security and it was disconcerting to be sending that particular data over the internet unsecured. In some cases you could put in a fake SSN, such as 000-00-0000 and supply the data later if/when you were actually working with the company. With more and more companies providing secure websites you are likely to find that 000-00-0000 does not work or returns that "you have signed up already" because someone else used the number. This is a business of mutual trust, so if you see a secured website, I would encourage you to use your correct SSN. Some companies will not accept you as a shopper without it while others are not likely to allow you to work for/with them without your number on file.
Market Force is a legitimate company. It has 3 branches, each requiring a separate sign up. The green 'portal' I have not seen work on in quite some time, though they may have some tax shops these days. The purple 'portal' mostly does theater checks and merchandising. They are still referred to as "Certified" and there are several threads here about them. The 'blue' portal mostly does fast food and other small shops. These days they are loaded with tax shops. Most of the discussions here about the 'blue' portal just refer to them as Market Force or MFI.
Coast to Coast, with whom you have signed up, is mostly or entirely a scheduling company. This means that they are trying to find shoppers for jobs for other companies rather than generating work on their own.
We have to assume that our information will be kept secure and confidential by the companies with whom we sign up, though unfortunately that does not happen 100% of the time. You know that old saying that, "The exceptions prove the rule?" There generally is enough shopper yelling when personal information has been compromised that you know it doesn't happen often due to the relative silence. But compromises of data can happen anywhere, any time. A friend is currently battling with the banks because his wife recently died. Suddenly her credit card number was being used for charges worldwide. The police expect that someone in the information chain starting at the funeral home, compromised and sold the information. (For a death certificate you are providing that critical information--social security number, date of birth, place of birth, parents names including mother's maiden name, etc.)
I am looking for pizza shops and fast food resturant shopping.
Last I looked, Corporate Research International had pizza shops and Market Force had fast food. There are other providers of these not-so-gourmet treats 
As you sign up with a variety of companies you will undoubtedly see them.
As you sign up with a variety of companies you will undoubtedly see them.
This is a great list. One change that could be made. ShopNCheck is now www.marketforce.com
Are there any "Online Mystery Shops", I have been assigned jobs to evaluate on line.
They work out great from home..
Thanks
Lila
They work out great from home..
Thanks
Lila
Does anyone have shop experience with Insula?
dgambrel Wrote:
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> Does anyone have shop experience with Insula?
If you use the Search feature, you'll see fairly recent posts concerning this MSP.
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> Does anyone have shop experience with Insula?
If you use the Search feature, you'll see fairly recent posts concerning this MSP.
I have not paid for one company to Mystery Shop in. I learned that from reading this wonderful forum. So far I'm getting jobs on a regular basis without paying and I like that.
I want to say thank you to you all for the information you put out here. I've been reading it all for the past few weeks, and basically I feel like it's been a training ground for me. I've learned a lot from you all.
Is Shadow Shopper one that you have to pay for?
I want to say thank you to you all for the information you put out here. I've been reading it all for the past few weeks, and basically I feel like it's been a training ground for me. I've learned a lot from you all.
Is Shadow Shopper one that you have to pay for?
i use amber arch in england but i might be moving to the us in the future, so this has given me something to mull over
LoveToMysteryShop Wrote:
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> I have not paid for one company to Mystery Shop
> in. I learned that from reading this wonderful
> forum. So far I'm getting jobs on a regular basis
> without paying and I like that.
>
> I want to say thank you to you all for the
> information you put out here. I've been reading
> it all for the past few weeks, and basically I
> feel like it's been a training ground for me.
> I've learned a lot from you all.
>
> Is Shadow Shopper one that you have to pay for?
I used the Search feature and found one recent thread of discussion. There's more to read, if you Search!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2010 12:53PM by Mert.
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> I have not paid for one company to Mystery Shop
> in. I learned that from reading this wonderful
> forum. So far I'm getting jobs on a regular basis
> without paying and I like that.
>
> I want to say thank you to you all for the
> information you put out here. I've been reading
> it all for the past few weeks, and basically I
> feel like it's been a training ground for me.
> I've learned a lot from you all.
>
> Is Shadow Shopper one that you have to pay for?
I used the Search feature and found one recent thread of discussion. There's more to read, if you Search!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2010 12:53PM by Mert.
I have tried to find a sign up with Insight Group International on their website and can't find the form. Anyone know how to find it?
Thanks.
Thanks.
They have no sign up. On the contacts page of their website they state "Please do not contact or email our office with an application request. The Insight Group recruits only from within the hospitality industry. Mystery shopper 'certifications' play no role in our selection process."
I'm frankly not sure why they show up on lists of companies that shop except obviously some shoppers work/have worked with them who were recruited out of the hospitality industry.
I'm frankly not sure why they show up on lists of companies that shop except obviously some shoppers work/have worked with them who were recruited out of the hospitality industry.
I have been doing the mystery shopping for about a year now and do it parttime and can honnestly say i make some money. I have a full time job that pays well and am looking to retire within the year. I thought mystery shopping would be a parttime job so anyone has any great companies to work for let me know. thanks josi434
I have worked for Insight. It came about through an outside scheduler.
edited to add:
OOps! Big huge mistake. I worked for *Inside Hospitality*, not Insight Hospitality. My bad - I confused the names. :-(
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2010 08:16AM by dee shops.
edited to add:
OOps! Big huge mistake. I worked for *Inside Hospitality*, not Insight Hospitality. My bad - I confused the names. :-(
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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
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2010 08:16AM by dee shops.
Many companies on that list have either merged or are no longer in business. Is there an updated list? Or can I submit an updated list? Or is there an editable sticky? I don't want to step on anybody's toes!
There have been different lists posted from time to time by various shoppers. Or you may want to PM Jacob (the original poster of the sticky) to suggest deletion of companies that are defunct or who have become something else.
I have a question. I have just applied as a mystery shopper, after doing serious research, due that I wanted to make a little money on the side and I like to shop and I looked up (my 1st time) with Lanla (www.lanla.com), a company based in Quebec (Beloeil) in Montreal. I don´t see this company in your list of mystery shopping companies. Even though I am excited to sign up for my first mission, I am worried about the fact that they pay only through direct deposit. For that, they ask not only for my SIN (Social Insurance Number) but that I send them a cheque marked VOID in order for them to make payment directly to my account. Personnally, I don´t think I like the idea of giving out my bank account number and/or my SIN or any kind of identification (isn´t this supposed to be an anonymous venture?) and they don´t seem to accept any other means of payment, according to their website, such as Paypal.
If I don´t like the fact that a company pays me by direct deposit rather than by paypal (so I can transfer to my account, or take out my money by myself), can I reject this company and/or do not do any missions for them? (I have not started or signed up for any missions yet, though)
Thank-you for any feedback you could give me!
If I don´t like the fact that a company pays me by direct deposit rather than by paypal (so I can transfer to my account, or take out my money by myself), can I reject this company and/or do not do any missions for them? (I have not started or signed up for any missions yet, though)
Thank-you for any feedback you could give me!
Direct deposit is one of the standard methods of payment in the industry. Otherwise payment is by check or Paypal. I have never heard of the company you mention, though I know there are different companies in Canada than in the US and so while there is some overlap, there are some companies that work exclusively in one or the other. Certainly Jacob's list is primarily US based companies.
Sending a check marked VOID is an old fashioned way to set up direct deposit--they want to make sure you have entered the 9 digit routing number and your account number correctly. I usually send them a photocopy of a check marked void when asked for a check.
It is also standard for us to give out our SSN (Social Security Number), which I assume is the same as your SIN. That is needed for taxation and while in the US the companies need to issue tax statements only if your earn more than $600 per year, they are pretty much making it a rule that if they don't have your tax number they won't pay you.
So your concerns are legitimate about the methodologies, but it is what we live with. As for whether you need to work for any particular company, absolutely not. If you aren't comfortable with what they are asking on any particular job or their method of payment or the time it takes them to pay or anything else, don't bother with them. That is part of the joy of being an independent contractor.
Sending a check marked VOID is an old fashioned way to set up direct deposit--they want to make sure you have entered the 9 digit routing number and your account number correctly. I usually send them a photocopy of a check marked void when asked for a check.
It is also standard for us to give out our SSN (Social Security Number), which I assume is the same as your SIN. That is needed for taxation and while in the US the companies need to issue tax statements only if your earn more than $600 per year, they are pretty much making it a rule that if they don't have your tax number they won't pay you.
So your concerns are legitimate about the methodologies, but it is what we live with. As for whether you need to work for any particular company, absolutely not. If you aren't comfortable with what they are asking on any particular job or their method of payment or the time it takes them to pay or anything else, don't bother with them. That is part of the joy of being an independent contractor.
Sunshine shopper,
I agree with everything Flash said.
But I also would add, if you are not feeling good about a
company, don't shop for them.
I picked all my companies based their membership in MSPA.
That gives me some assurance they are legit and honest.
I agree with everything Flash said.
But I also would add, if you are not feeling good about a
company, don't shop for them.
I picked all my companies based their membership in MSPA.
That gives me some assurance they are legit and honest.
rarely done Wrote:
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> I picked all my companies based their membership
> in MSPA.
> That gives me some assurance they are legit and
> honest.
That also eliminates you from shopping some very good companies who appear not to support the MSPA, just as many shoppers do not support the MSPA shopper certifications. And as for legit and honest, the only company that ever truly robbed me was an MSPA company when I signed up with them and the companies that have awful slow payment records include MSPA members.
So perhaps shopping only for MSPA members keeps you away from the scammers promising $200 Walmart shops, but since those scammers use the names of legitimate MSPA companies, I'm not sure that helps either.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2010 03:26AM by Flash.
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> I picked all my companies based their membership
> in MSPA.
> That gives me some assurance they are legit and
> honest.
That also eliminates you from shopping some very good companies who appear not to support the MSPA, just as many shoppers do not support the MSPA shopper certifications. And as for legit and honest, the only company that ever truly robbed me was an MSPA company when I signed up with them and the companies that have awful slow payment records include MSPA members.
So perhaps shopping only for MSPA members keeps you away from the scammers promising $200 Walmart shops, but since those scammers use the names of legitimate MSPA companies, I'm not sure that helps either.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2010 03:26AM by Flash.
I used to get assignments to shop Ponderosa on a regular basis (Between Lunch or Dinner-4 different sites) at least 3 assignments a month. Now it has been over 2 years since I got a Ponderosa assignment. Did they change mystery shopping companies or did they stop mystery shopping?
sunshine shopper Wrote:
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...
>
> Thank-you for any feedback you could give me!
Lanla is a reputable company that I've been completing shops for in Montreal for about 6 months now. They pay reliably every month, usually on the 6th, for the previous months shops.
Direct deposit is definitely my preferred way to get paid. No hassles of dealing with cheques, and no PayPal fees to withdraw your money. Having said that, if you don't feel comfortable shopping with a particular company, or if you don't want to give them your information, then feel free to move along because there are plenty of other companies out there that you can work for.
-------------------------------------------------------
...
>
> Thank-you for any feedback you could give me!
Lanla is a reputable company that I've been completing shops for in Montreal for about 6 months now. They pay reliably every month, usually on the 6th, for the previous months shops.
Direct deposit is definitely my preferred way to get paid. No hassles of dealing with cheques, and no PayPal fees to withdraw your money. Having said that, if you don't feel comfortable shopping with a particular company, or if you don't want to give them your information, then feel free to move along because there are plenty of other companies out there that you can work for.
Another company to add to the list:
mVentix - www.mventix.com
They sent me this link to apply for their shops:
www.mventix.com/mir
mVentix - www.mventix.com
They sent me this link to apply for their shops:
www.mventix.com/mir
DIRECT SCHEDULING SERVICES.COM just screwed me. I accepted a job ofF their job board, printed the directions and survery form and left to do the job. While I was gone, a MELISSA BENSON OF DIRECT SCHEDUING left me an email saying Thank you but I gave the shop to someone else. I emailed MELISSA BENSON OF DIRECT SCHEDULING three times but the rude SOB does not have the guts to email me back. WHO DO i REPORT HER TO. oNE VERY UNHAPPY SHOIPPER. MY ADVISE IS TO STAY AWAY FROM DIRECT SCHEDULING AND MELISSA BENSON.
Unfortunately there is not really "somebody" to report her to. You are doing the reasonable thing and warning other shoppers in a forum setting. Unfortunately you are far from alone, despite Melissa's recent appearance here indicating that her company was setting a new and straight course . . .
See [www.mysteryshopforum.com] for a sad but interesting read on DSS & Melissa.
See [www.mysteryshopforum.com] for a sad but interesting read on DSS & Melissa.
I've seen warnings when signing up to check back the same day and be sure the job is not cancelled. Also, each company has their own method of assigning jobs. Some make you "apply" and then "be approved". These are not excuses for what happened to you. Just a Heads Up for all of us.
Oh BarbaraW, I feel your pain! I am the shopper Susan she claims doesn't exist! I'd be surprised if she calls or emails you back, and if you do reach her she will have a boatload of excuses like her cell was shut off, or the check is in the mail, yadda yadda yadda.
She has built her reputation, now she has to deal with it. If I were a shopper and I've read all of this, I wouldn't touch her shops with a $100 bonus! You may not have gotten paid anyway, so who knows. In my opinion if you were able to self-assign and get into the form, then she owes you the money, but that is up to you if you want to persue it. It won't be easy but if it's a matter of principal to you, then I would. I had to go so far as to call the client!
Good luck!
She has built her reputation, now she has to deal with it. If I were a shopper and I've read all of this, I wouldn't touch her shops with a $100 bonus! You may not have gotten paid anyway, so who knows. In my opinion if you were able to self-assign and get into the form, then she owes you the money, but that is up to you if you want to persue it. It won't be easy but if it's a matter of principal to you, then I would. I had to go so far as to call the client!
Good luck!
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