Thanks for the detailed reply - and to everyone else! This is a new client for ACL. It started scheduling late in February. It is not a gift-card pay client. When I get paid sometime after April 24, I will post what it turned out to be. I think all of the respondents are correct. I would get $14 no matter what I spent. I wonder why the MSC can't tell me that? (If I got $14 it would give me about $6 for writing the shop report.)@casper7776 wrote:
If you are referring to a restaurant shop that pays either a $35 or $50 fixed reimbursement I can help with that one. If you go for lunch, they will send you a $35 gift card if you complete the shop correctly. If you go for dinner, they will send you a $50 gift card. It does not matter what you actually spend, you get the fixed amounts. I have done several and I always stay under the reimbursement. You can also use the gift card you get on future shops. I have done most with a bonus but I have also done some for just reimbursement. I like this restaurant chain anyway and frequently eat there.
Thanks, Isaiah. You always have good suggestions. The main reason I posted this one was that this was unusual for ACL. Also, it was a question I could not get answered by the scheduler (or that person who calls a day or two ahead to make sure you won't flake on the assignment.) I have resolved never to work for pizza-only again from ACL. I want at least the $10 bonus and even then, the very very very very very long report is off-putting. I can afford to buy my own $9 pizza then go home to digest it rather than regurgitate it into a two-hour report. (Too graphic?)@isaiah58 wrote:
ACL is well known as a reimbursement only company. If you found a project that offers a "fixed" amount then it should be described as a fixed fee, not a fixed reimbursement. I thought you might be asking about Second To None as they moved to primarily offering fixed fees.
When a purchase is required, I do a lot of research before taking on a fixed or otherwise flat fee to make sure I understand my potential loses or gains.
Since you are badged for an airport, last week's Saturday Night Live's "Sticky Buns" segment is a must see. You will identify. I did. It hit home for mystery shoppers but even more for anyone who shops airport locations.@Tarantado wrote:
Fixed means they'll pay you a fixed amount as long as you meet all requirements and purchases, if any, for the shop.
Max reimbursement just means you can reimbursement up to that amount (tip included) for your purchases. Any dollar amount over will you out of your pocket.
@isaiah58 wrote:
ACL has several clients that I normally dine at or otherwise would patronize. The reports for the ones I evaluate aren't too bad so worth the reimbursed purchase.
I have suggested that they adjust the amount of time they require us to "hang out" for a gas station with convenience store client. 15 minutes is way too long to spend in a convenience store in addition to the areas we are supposed to get pictures of. They actually appear to want the employees to remember us as being unusual.
@HonnyBrown wrote:
You don't think that taking pictures inside the store would be memorable?
Their gas clients here have dining areas to eat the hot wings and sandwiches. Maybe that's the point of the 15 minutes.
These shops are also reimbursement only. Always ask for a bonus.
@isaiah58 wrote:
ACL has several clients that I normally dine at or otherwise would patronize. The reports for the ones I evaluate aren't too bad so worth the reimbursed purchase.
I have suggested that they adjust the amount of time they require us to "hang out" for a gas station with convenience store client. 15 minutes is way too long to spend in a convenience store in addition to the areas we are supposed to get pictures of. They actually appear to want the employees to remember us as being unusual.
You make excellent points about fixed vs. max payment. I like a little in my pocket at the end of it. There is one gas station shop that requires a $5 gas purchase. Around here, that is under two gallons. Who, besides a person on minimum wage, buys a gallon and a half of gas and a $1 tube of cookies? (These aren't the cheapy stations, either. These are the stations that charge 50-cents more than the competitor across the street.) The other thing that I consider is whether a shop pays a maximum (no fee) and requires not only an appetizer and entree purchase but dessert, too. I can't eat all that and doggie bags are "shopper behavior." I understand completely why the client wants us to order all of these items (timings, server engagement/suggestions, etc.) However, I don't like to pay for something I don't want to eat, can't take home, and get nothing for writing a 45-minute report. I have friends who love to do restaurant shops. They order everything and are happy that they will get paid back in 60 days or so. To each his own. They are happy and I am sure the MSC is too.@MountainCacher88 wrote:
I have mixed feelings on the two types. Fixed is helpful for me on service and parts shops. Max is helpful when I don't want to pony up too much cash into a shop and would rather think about the payment I am getting. It seems I get a better deal with max than fixed in this area where shop types are usually retail, gas station, and fast food. I'm also less tempted to splurge on max than fixed. If I know I am getting a payment of $75, I may talk myself into a $72 item. If I know I should only spend $5, I'll grab a pack or soap or dish detergent and keep myself in check so I can get that $25 shop fee. I suppose it's about decisions and will power and the cost of what is in the store, too. Sometimes, max isn't enough to cover what you need to do :/ I did a phone shop that reimbursed $2. It was a kiosk so they didn't sell snacks or water. I managed to find a clearance Square Reader for $2.50, whew.