Big problem with Market Force
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What a bummer. I'm sorry you are going through it. I always hate dealing with QC.
With the volume they do, there are mistakes sometimes. They are usually good about correcting mistakes when documentation is presented. I have had mistakes a couple of times and gotten e-mails from QC telling me something was a requirement when it was not. I first go back to the guidelines and/or the CPI and verify that I did it correctly. When I am 100% certain I'm right, I forward it to them. I get a "we're sorry" e-mail and they reverse it.
Since you have no proof, I am guessing you did not keep a copy of the CPI//guidelines. Without a copy of the assignment, you can't be absolutely 100% sure that you are right and I'm not sure you can convince them that you are right.
The whole thing sounds painful. You have my sympathy. If I had no way to absolutely verify that my paperwork did not contain a requirement to order a shake, I would probably drop it, although their initial mistake involving someone else's shop and number muddies the water considerably. It could be that a manager will reverse it. You just have to decide how much time and effort it's worth to you to argue something when you have no proof and can't be 100% certain of what you are arguing. Just my rambling thoughts.
With the volume they do, there are mistakes sometimes. They are usually good about correcting mistakes when documentation is presented. I have had mistakes a couple of times and gotten e-mails from QC telling me something was a requirement when it was not. I first go back to the guidelines and/or the CPI and verify that I did it correctly. When I am 100% certain I'm right, I forward it to them. I get a "we're sorry" e-mail and they reverse it.
Since you have no proof, I am guessing you did not keep a copy of the CPI//guidelines. Without a copy of the assignment, you can't be absolutely 100% sure that you are right and I'm not sure you can convince them that you are right.
The whole thing sounds painful. You have my sympathy. If I had no way to absolutely verify that my paperwork did not contain a requirement to order a shake, I would probably drop it, although their initial mistake involving someone else's shop and number muddies the water considerably. It could be that a manager will reverse it. You just have to decide how much time and effort it's worth to you to argue something when you have no proof and can't be 100% certain of what you are arguing. Just my rambling thoughts.
I always, always keep a copy of my CPI just for this reason. The question: "Do you need to order a milkshake?" on the CPI, the "no" or "yes" is quite tiny but I make note of it and write it out 'Shake Yes!' or 'Shake No!' on my scratch notes. 
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2016 01:08PM by SunnyDays2.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2016 01:08PM by SunnyDays2.
@proudlyshopping wrote:
I got an email from them stating that a shop of mine was rejected because of "overlapping meal times." Not only did that make no sense, the ID number above my name wasn't even MY ID number! I called them. After a few days, they got back to me and said they were mistaken; my shop was invalid because I hadn't ordered a milkshake as I was supposed to do as part of the shop. WHAT? I have performed dozens of those shops and love those shakes; if there is a free shake attached, I buy it! I have no proof the shop did not tell me to order a shake, and I suspect the other shopper they mixed me up with was supposed to order a shake and not me, but I believe this is patently unfair to me. MF has been having huge system failures lately, and given that I've done over 300 shops for them, I feel they should give me the benefit of the doubt. Thoughts, fellow shoppers?
You say you have no proof, but there is a link to the CPI when you click on your shop. The link is there where the link to the instructions and form would be, before you do the shop. The CPI states what you are responsible for and what you are getting paid. I would recommend you print it out from now on. I always save mine as a pdf, thanks to Cute PDF. That way, there is no question later about whether a milkshake was assigned.
The only problem I can see is if you are not able to do that when using their new app.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2016 03:14PM by christinereed.
@proudlyshopping wrote:
I have no proof the shop did not tell me to order a shake, and I suspect the other shopper they mixed me up with was supposed to order a shake and not me, but I believe this is patently unfair to me.
It does sound as if they probably mixed up your requirements and those of the other shopper. I believe you knew your requirements.
But, honestly, if you didn't download and/or print a copy of your CPI, and can't provide them with proof that you weren't required to get the milkshake, I don't see that it's truly "patently unfair" to you. Sure, the initial mix-up was unfair. And if their system issues caused it, it was unfair. But.... MSCs constantly tell us to download and/or print shop guidelines.
So, you also have, I think, a responsibility to save or print your CPI for every shop--whether you need it for reference or not. It's always "best practice" (I hate that term, but it's apt here) for exactly this reason: so you have proof of your shop requirements if something goes awry on the MSC's end. They have a responsibility to keep their records in order, but I think you do, too. At least until the shop is paid. And in MarketForce's case, I think they tell you to keep your stuff for a certain period of time after the shop.
Even in the age of "everything is done on computer systems," things go wrong. Technology isn't infallible. It's always a good idea to have backup.
I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/09/2016 02:34PM by BirdyC.
The requirement should be still on your cpi. On your account. Mine specifically says i do not have to order a milkshake.
shopping north west PA and south west ny
If the shop took place this month you should still be able to access your CPI. On the right side of the screen there is a link "Submit CPI/Reciepts" once you click on that link you can click "submit CPI" next to the shop, it should pull up a copy even if you have already electronically signed it, it will just say "accepted and agreed by xxxxxx".
HTH
HTH
good luck in the dispute though... like me with mine. I found if there are any disputes its the company that wins...
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shopping north west PA and south west ny
I checked my CPI just before performing my most recent shop for the implied client. It had a 'Y" for shake required, so glad I double checked that.
IMHO, if as a shopper anyone does not take the proper measures to secure the required documents, then that is the "big problem." In this case, if you took care of your business and had your CPI, there would be no question as to what the requirement was.
The shops that require the purchase clearly identify the additional reimbursement that is available on the assignments pages. Currently, there appears to be one series per month that reimburses for them
IMHO, if as a shopper anyone does not take the proper measures to secure the required documents, then that is the "big problem." In this case, if you took care of your business and had your CPI, there would be no question as to what the requirement was.
The shops that require the purchase clearly identify the additional reimbursement that is available on the assignments pages. Currently, there appears to be one series per month that reimburses for them
My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
I agree with isaiah58 100%. Whether you do this FT, PT and even at the hobby level, this is still a business, YOUR business. It is your responsibility to keep paperwork / documents / files. If you are old school, you can print them out. If you are more technically inclined, you can save a pdf on your computer / laptop / tablet or in a cloud. There is really no excuse to not have a backup copy of the requited documents. What are some of you going to do if/when the IRS comes a calling?
@Sybil2 wrote:
What are some of you going to do if/when the IRS comes a calling?
Cry a little?
In all honesty though I fully agree that good record keeping is vital. I would be lost without my spreadsheets.
@proudlyshopping wrote:
given that I've done over 300 shops for them, I feel they should give me the benefit of the doubt. Thoughts, fellow shoppers?
Given that you have done over 300 shops for them, I think you should give them the benefit of the doubt. How do you know for sure you didn't make a mistake? You love the shakes, and normally if allowed, you buy it. But maybe you didn't notice the requirement on this particular shop? I say that because I have done shops wrong before. I love lunch fast foods and hate them at dinner, but I once did a dinner fast food and realized when I was ready to enter the report it should have been lunch, I had made a mistake, so I had to do it over before reporting. I ordered the wrong thing on another shop. I was totally positive I ordered the right thing, but when I went back to the guidelines I had saved, the guidelines showed me that I had ordered the wrong thing. Another mistake on my part, even though I was so sure I did it right.
If you didn't save a copy of the instructions and you can't verify that you are right and they are wrong, my opinion would be to give them the benefit of the doubt. And my advice would be to start keeping a copy of all instructions.
The OP can likely still figure out if the Milkshake was required by following @Spanishtulip's helpful instructions:
If for some reason, the shop happened too long ago and the CPI isn't available anymore, then I'd just drop it. I agree with everyone who said to hang onto your CPIs and Guidelines: but the CPI might still be available, and this mystery can be solved.
If a shake was required and you just missed it, then chalk it up to a learning experience. I bet you won't make that mistake again. If it wasn't required, I'd capture a screenshot or quote the CPI when you reply back the HelpDesk again to plead your case.@Spanishtulip wrote:
If the shop took place this month you should still be able to access your CPI. On the right side of the screen there is a link "Submit CPI/Reciepts" once you click on that link you can click "submit CPI" next to the shop, it should pull up a copy even if you have already electronically signed it, it will just say "accepted and agreed by xxxxxx".
HTH
If for some reason, the shop happened too long ago and the CPI isn't available anymore, then I'd just drop it. I agree with everyone who said to hang onto your CPIs and Guidelines: but the CPI might still be available, and this mystery can be solved.
Shopper in California's Bay Area
Keeping cpi has nothing to do with the irs. Its directions and agreements for said shop.
And as noted before they reserve the right to do as they please with anything.
As i get my payments direct deposited all i have to do is print out the bank statements which they allow access to online for about 2 years through my banks website.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/10/2016 12:01AM by cooldude581.
And as noted before they reserve the right to do as they please with anything.
As i get my payments direct deposited all i have to do is print out the bank statements which they allow access to online for about 2 years through my banks website.
shopping north west PA and south west ny
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/10/2016 12:01AM by cooldude581.
Hate to burst your bubble but if you get audited by the IRS, you will need a lot more than just bank statements.@cooldude581 wrote:
As i get my payments direct deposited all i have to do is print out the bank statements which they allow access to online for about 2 years through my banks website.
@cooldude581 wrote:
Keeping cpi has nothing to do with the irs. Its directions and agreements for said shop.
And as noted before they reserve the right to do as they please with anything.
As i get my payments direct deposited all i have to do is print out the bank statements which they allow access to online for about 2 years through my banks website.
I disagree.... You need documentation on what you were paid for and why, in case you were ever audited by the IRS. But I guess, as long as you aren't audited, you'll probably be fine?
Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!
I always check the CPI again just before I go on a shop in case something has been changed at the last minute, and when I left to perform this shop, the CPI said I did not have to buy a milkshake. Yet, after I performed the shop, it had magically been added to the CPI after the fact. As we all know, Market Force has been having ongoing computer problems, and all I can think of is this was some sort of glitch of that nature. I can't fight the paperwork and have realized I can't argue with the fact that the CPI stated that I was supposed to order a milkshake. I wish it had said so before I left, as I sure do love those milkshakes and would have enjoyed having one with my dinner that night. But I'm going to have to let it go, as much as I feel it's unfair to me that I KNOW my original paperwork indicated a milkshake was not part of my responsibility.
From now on, I keep a copy of the CPI on my computer so this will NEVER happen to me again. Thanks, everyone, for your wise counsel.
From now on, I keep a copy of the CPI on my computer so this will NEVER happen to me again. Thanks, everyone, for your wise counsel.
@cooldude581 wrote:
Keeping cpi has nothing to do with the irs. Its directions and agreements for said shop.
Not so. Your CPI has your fee on it and is your "invoice" to your client, MarketForce. You need to be able to match your receivables to your billables. You have to show why and where those deposits came from if you ever get audited.
I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.
I just want to mention that certain MSC's (and I am not going to say which) have not sent me the proper paperwork even though I made well over the required $600. And one of them said I made $602 when I actually made over $900. And that's all I'm going to say about THAT. . .
Did your original instructions say anything about buying a milkshake? Don't you still have those? I never throw anything away until I get paid for a shop.
Typical with MF, typical, someone is covering their butt on your expense.
My original CPI, which I did not keep in any form, damn me, did not tell me to buy a milkshake. Yet after I turned it in, MF sent me the same CPI showing that I was supposed to order one. They also, however, mixed me up with another shopper. Yet they refuse to acknowledge that there might have been a computer glitch or the error might have been theirs. I have no written proof and they do. So I am, sadly, screwed. :-(
I have had a shop invaladated before and that hurts. I have only done shops with MF since November and I've completed over 150 shops. For that shop, you really have to look at the CPI since it's different now. I only know since I've done 3 of that particular shop in the last 2 weeks. On the CPI it says shake Yes or No for the last 10 I've done it said NO but the one I did on Tuesday said yes.
I am waiting for the next exciting opportunity!
Pattern and practice of this company. I finally dropped them last year when I got another nonpayment for a nonsense reason.
Market Force is one of the best companies to work for, The reports are easy and the pay is direct deposit on time. I'd check with the cpi on the shop. They have been having system issues while initiating the mobile app. I emailed once to say the system kept locking up and they actually emailed back thanking me for the email and confirming my report went thru. I'd be patient while they are growing and making changes
Why don't you ask them to email you a copy of the guidelines stating that you were supposed to receive a shake? and that way you will see the whole guidelines there and then you will know if it's your shop or not
What I find frustrating is when the MSC makes mistakes there is little to no ownership of the problem. Once, I was given a 1099 for double the amount of what I actually made. Go to find out, they included the reimbursement as "pay." I got an "oops" apology and that was about it. I was also deactivated from a fast food shop because I was told I was making too many mistakes. I was NEVER issued an invalid shop notice and to add insult to injury, I was sent an email the week before praising me for my excellent work on those exact shops. No amount of calling or begging has resulted in me being reinstated to those shops.
They nixed one of my shops for not buying a milkshake. The problem was, the location I shopped didn't sell milkshakes. MF does definitely make mistakes.
There are so many of you as mystery shoppers that write about Market Force and their problems. They do not really much care about the shopper, as I read what you write. How much are you getting paid for their shops? Are they worth the time, trouble and aggravation that they give to you as the shopper? I looked at their web -site a long time ago and it did not fit my business model. Remember you are in business for yourself, not an employee of Market Force. There are so many other mystery shopping companies to work with. Choose others that will treat you better. This is coming from a professional shopper that has been doing shopping for more than 14 years. Companies will kick your B---T if you allow them to do this. Please consider your time and energy before you do a shop for this company
@BirdyC wrote:
Not so. Your CPI has your fee on it and is your "invoice" to your client, MarketForce. You need to be able to match your receivables to your billables. You have to show why and where those deposits came from if you ever get audited.
Not true. At all. For expenses you need receipts, for income all you need is your bank statement showing your deposits and your 1099s. Any other funds the IRS thinks you might have received are up to them to prove. Although if you do your taxes correctly those two pieces of documentation should be sufficient.
Edited to add:
An audit is not concerned about what income you have documented. And audit is for additional income and expenses that are not documented. For instance. They might audit you if they think you made $2000 instead of $1000. Having copies of CPIs does nothing to document that you only made $1000. Having a bank statement that shows you only deposited $1000 is all you need. Beyond that it is the IRS's job to go find other moneys that you did not document somewhere.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2016 01:51AM by bgriffin.
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