I was so excited that I had located the MSC that took over my favorite account in 2017. This shop is for a convenience store. A quick in and make a purchase, period. No pictures, no dealing with pumps. $6.00 and $2.00 reimbursement for purchase. You were given a 4 day span to complete the shops. Yes, this is one of those low paying, why do they do them, shops! But, I really enjoyed them because I could do a route with my pups in tow. Plus, I was just beginning to use the required purchase to stock up on sundry items; soap, paper towels, etc.

Okay, so on to the new MSC. I was so excited that I almost requested the shops before reading. Then something said, you better read the guidelines. The new MSC is requiring the exact same steps as the former MSC. Check for cleanliness and make a purchase. The new MSC is paying $5.00 TOTAL. The new MSC is requiring a purchase of your choice be made (with NO REIMBURSEMENT). In addition to the drastic fee reduction, you now must commit to one date to complete the shop.

I couldn't believe what I was reading so I contacted the contracting company (Not the scheduling company). They stand firm, in that, it is a $5.00 fee with no reimbursement.

It saddens me to no end, but my fav shop is now on my 10 foot pole list. Will anyone consider these for $5.00. They are just sitting on the boards in my area and I hope they remain there until the MSC gets a freaking clue. Beyond, below, minimum wage.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/17/2017 03:13PM by COMystery.

Since you did not name the client, what is the new MSC? You would get better responses if we know which MSC because each company operates in their own manner.

my money on intelliflop

I would not do it for no reimbursement. If I did it for $6, I would do it for $5.

Is it Alta260? They just got a new client.

Exactly - It's the NO reimbursement that sticks in my craw! I would still consider at $5.00 IF they reimbursed AND they removed the "must pick a shop date" requirement. These type of shops are best worked around other shops. Therefore, it's difficult to pick the date too far in advance. All 23 shops are still sitting in my area. I'm hoping supply and demand will kick in and the MSC will get a clue. Alta360 lost the account sadly. But, I'm glad to hear that they've picked up another account. I enjoyed working with them. They have little else in my area.

@HonnyBrown wrote:

I would not do it for no reimbursement. If I did it for $6, I would do it for $5.

Is it Alta260? They just got a new client.

I'm going to venture a guess that they didn't actually get a new client, they simply placed shops for a client on their job board that previously were not available to the public.

I requested one shop so I could view the new MSC guidelines. Holy crap! For this $5.00 they are requiring two comment fields be filled in, along with approximately 20 questions. You're supposed to check the restroom and the gas pumps as well. I IMMEDIATELY CANCELLED. About half of the shops have been taken - so apparently there are folks that will work for whatever is left of the fee after making their purchase. NOT THIS SHOPPER.

@HonnyBrown wrote:

I would not do it for no reimbursement. If I did it for $6, I would do it for $5.

Is it Alta260? They just got a new client.

I know what he's talking about. Yeah, it's with Alta. Lotta work to. Lots of pictures. Weird thing is they have another market client that pays 6 plus reimbursement and is a lot less work.

Would it happen to be Intellishop or Marketwise? I noticed some new shops for gas stations for them but I didn't read anything on the guidelines. They were quite low paying $5-$7 so I kept browsing :/ Not that I'm above low pay, just looking for better cash this week.

Old company was Alta360, new is Intouch Insight, I think these stores are only in about 5 states. Iowa being a big state.

Maybe I just happened to spot the gas stations in my area before someone grabbed them all up. Someone has been doing them for the low fees, but if you're good at a shop, lower fees can turn into big dollars. I have a $12 shop that I do that I'm particularly good at. I can do about 14 of them in a week or two and make good money for minimal time.

cline, I never, ever knock low paying shops because I do them as fillers. But why should I do 15 low paying shops when I can do one or two higher paying shops for the same money and less reporting time?

My low paying shops are cell phones: $6-12. They are always available, and I can fit one or two in with my bonused apartment or bank shops.

@COMystery wrote:

Old company was Alta360, new is Intouch Insight, I think these stores are only in about 5 states. Iowa being a big state.

Ohh, ok. Must be a different gas station with a lousy shop in my area.

They are still on the board here as well. I picked up a few prior to reading the new guidelines, so will complete them; but no more. As a result today will be a busy day to get them fit into the current schedule, elimination of the time restriction will help. I've decided to purchase gift cards.

Thats a good idea @moshopper. I took four that are close to my home, so not out of my way no matter what. I just couldnt resist. It looks like a whole lot more work with the new MSC. I was thinking about purchasing things like dish soap etc. But then Im overpaying for the product. With the gift card we can purchase anything elsewhere. ISS is making MSC drop their fees so low. ISS is the issue! Two shops that I did full time in 2016 went to ISS in 2017. The bank Shops went from $10-14 to $8-10. $10 to sit down with a loan agent is just BS.

Moshopper - I'm going to treat these shops as "reimbursement only" for IRS purposes, since the purchase is required. That may make it more palatable?

@COMystery wrote:

Moshopper - I'm going to treat these shops as "reimbursement only" for IRS purposes, since the purchase is required. That may make it more palatable?

Might give you more deductions at the end of the year.

Is it the shop where you buy a Hershey's candy bar?

I just received an email inviting me to apply from ITIS so I think they are having problems in filling the lower paying shops and are searching for more shoppers. You all know me I don't do shops that pay so little. I deleted the email.

This shop is showing with the $2 reimbursement now. Maybe they changed it since no one was taking them?

That is probably for the outliers. But we can hope. I have been filling my tank with gift cards. The clerks think I am crazy lady. I still like these shops but really hate being tied to a date.