Certified Field Associates
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I haven't, Your right thier jobs aren't top notch and a little complicated. I got a friend of mine to sign up too and since we both have 3 kids we have decided to alternate jobs in our area so we can date (our husbands) and get the money back and not pay a sitter, otherwise I would have written them off too. What metropolis are ya working?
I didn't comment on the quality of their jobs, but the complex way they make you go find them on their site. Haven't done any of their jobs. On Flash's advice, I just dropped them anyway.
I'm in a northern suburb of NYC. Can't work jobs to east (a 2-hour trip through NYC to Long Island), west(NJ across bridge) and south (mostly dangerous areas and no parking), so my jobs in any company are limited. I go through hundreds of jobs to get one or two in my county.
I'm in a northern suburb of NYC. Can't work jobs to east (a 2-hour trip through NYC to Long Island), west(NJ across bridge) and south (mostly dangerous areas and no parking), so my jobs in any company are limited. I go through hundreds of jobs to get one or two in my county.
Try not to use that expression in any business environment.
It may not be the right part-time job for me for that reason. But I won't know till I try it for a few months. I've just gotten Silver Certification too. I expect I'll get more of the ones I apply for as my experience builds.
It may not be the right part-time job for me for that reason. But I won't know till I try it for a few months. I've just gotten Silver Certification too. I expect I'll get more of the ones I apply for as my experience builds.
Are we working or talking about working? What word would you use ? Bites?
I don't have a problem with CFA. They post jobs in my message board with a job number, then I insert the number in the search field and there it is. You just have to check your message board often. Me and my 18 year old do a lot for them. He does mostly movies and trailer checks, I do shops.
Or if you don't have any messages, you can search using your zip code or name of a city.
I find it as easy as any other company. They have lots if merchandising assignments
Or if you don't have any messages, you can search using your zip code or name of a city.
I find it as easy as any other company. They have lots if merchandising assignments
Kristee wrote:
Are we working or talking about working? What word would you use ? Bites?
How about: That's awful! That's terrible! How awful! That's horrible! How miserable....
Schedulers read these boards too.
I wasn't getting emails with job numbers, just a notice to see the board. I need to have the city listed in the email, since I have to skip 80% of them. Anyway, I dropped CFA for another reason.
I've been doing this only a month, never merchandised. But getting jobs by the piece is wearing me down. I'm much older than you two.
Are we working or talking about working? What word would you use ? Bites?
How about: That's awful! That's terrible! How awful! That's horrible! How miserable....
Schedulers read these boards too.
I wasn't getting emails with job numbers, just a notice to see the board. I need to have the city listed in the email, since I have to skip 80% of them. Anyway, I dropped CFA for another reason.
I've been doing this only a month, never merchandised. But getting jobs by the piece is wearing me down. I'm much older than you two.
Kristee:
I never have merchandised, but am going to start - - maybe - -
They aren't emails. On your home page there is a message board. You have to go in each day - or a few times each day - and check the message board on your CFA home page. Yesterday there were like five or six messages for me and most of them were merchandising, but one described four different shops for the same company. They have the biggest variety of jobs in my area, but gotta be quick to get them. I am in North East PA.
Sneakers
- - what's age? How old do you think we are? I think you have me figured out wrong - -
To me it isn't age that matters - its attitude and physical health - -when someone asks my age I have to stop and think - because I don't measure my worth by my age - just attitude.
I never have merchandised, but am going to start - - maybe - -
They aren't emails. On your home page there is a message board. You have to go in each day - or a few times each day - and check the message board on your CFA home page. Yesterday there were like five or six messages for me and most of them were merchandising, but one described four different shops for the same company. They have the biggest variety of jobs in my area, but gotta be quick to get them. I am in North East PA.
Sneakers
- - what's age? How old do you think we are? I think you have me figured out wrong - -
To me it isn't age that matters - its attitude and physical health - -when someone asks my age I have to stop and think - because I don't measure my worth by my age - just attitude.
I agree with Jude, He says him and his sod do shops together, thats cool. And his son is a teen. I feel the same way about age, I will be thirty next month and most of the time my body feels 60, but inside I feel like a kid. My husband works 80ish hours a week in the outdoors weather of Camden Co. Ga, which is the county before you get to FL. His body had really aged over the past 5 years, but he still asks like a teenager. He still loves video games, hanging out with our kids, and body surfing. (even if he whines about the pain the following days) When I hang out with my siser(16) I feel younger and silly, life is about variety, so I try to change it up as often as possible.
I haven't done merchandising either, I thought about it, it seems really self explanitory, but the being able to pick up 50lbs. is way out of my range. It does sound like a manly job. Is there a season for these jobs? I waited tables for 10 years and there was a summer boom, after kids go back to school little rush, before christmas ruch and right about now they should be picking up oh so slightly.
I haven't done merchandising either, I thought about it, it seems really self explanitory, but the being able to pick up 50lbs. is way out of my range. It does sound like a manly job. Is there a season for these jobs? I waited tables for 10 years and there was a summer boom, after kids go back to school little rush, before christmas ruch and right about now they should be picking up oh so slightly.
Jude wrote:
Sneakers
- - what's age? How old do you think we are? I think you have me figured out wrong - -
=========================================
I'm 61, I have back problems, and I need a knee replacement and surgery on the other knee. I need to park near the job, can't stand on my feet too long, etc.
Sneakers
- - what's age? How old do you think we are? I think you have me figured out wrong - -
=========================================
I'm 61, I have back problems, and I need a knee replacement and surgery on the other knee. I need to park near the job, can't stand on my feet too long, etc.
I know you are older than me, I read your age in a previous email, I remember everything. But being 60 isn't being 160!!!!! lol You are still young enough to be able to have a good time. My mother just turned 50 last month and she thinks she is to old to go to the beach, to old to laugh,to old to make new friends and to old to have any kind of good time. Until you are like that you are not old, None of my friends have any kinda medical problems, yet I have arthritis in my knees and feet so bad that I have to uncurl them before I get out of bed, in my head I still feel like I can leap out. 3 years ago I had bladder surgery, 2 years ago I had cervical cancer removed, twice. Age is just a number. I hope I am healthy enough to do shops when I am 60. Do you live up north? I hear cytistically people up north are less healthy due to weather and air ploution. If I lived up north I would not do shops in winter, ya gotta give it to them, it is toooooooooo cold.
If you dress right the cold doesn't bother ya. It is all what you are use to - put the long johns on in October and take them off in April - - -
The heat kills me - - I'm from Arkansas, so it took me a couple of winters to get use to the cold. Now it doesn't bother me - if I dress appropriately. I was in Arkansas last week and bout froze to death because I didn't take enough winter clothes - - thought it would be warmer - but there was freezing rain and freezing temps.
Driving back through Arkansas and Tennessee I saw some of the devastation from the recent tornadoes - - bless those folks. It was horrible. Makes me thankful for my health and my home.
I'm not telling my age, but, I too have health problems - I just don't give in to them. I find if I keep moving - I am much better off than if I sit around. So far I am able to do my regular job and MS on the side because I force myself to keep moving.
Sneakers - - sorry your health slows you down. Hang in there - -
The heat kills me - - I'm from Arkansas, so it took me a couple of winters to get use to the cold. Now it doesn't bother me - if I dress appropriately. I was in Arkansas last week and bout froze to death because I didn't take enough winter clothes - - thought it would be warmer - but there was freezing rain and freezing temps.
Driving back through Arkansas and Tennessee I saw some of the devastation from the recent tornadoes - - bless those folks. It was horrible. Makes me thankful for my health and my home.
I'm not telling my age, but, I too have health problems - I just don't give in to them. I find if I keep moving - I am much better off than if I sit around. So far I am able to do my regular job and MS on the side because I force myself to keep moving.
Sneakers - - sorry your health slows you down. Hang in there - -
I really don't care too much about CFA. I had a trailer check that I was assigned to complete but wasn't able to complete the assignment. They call me and asked me if I was able to do the assignment, I informed them that I wasn't.Then they asked me if I called them to inform them about me not being able to complete the job. I stated that I wasn't aware of having to call in if I don't complete an assignment. So they ended up removing from their database because of this one assignment I didn't report that I couldn't complete. I had completed 3 other assignments for them. I just don't understand why they would let me go like that, it wasn't like I canceled out on a whole bunch of assignments before that one.
Mieshalou, don't feel alone. Most shoppers get terminated by Certified before they get a chance to terminate them! On other forums you will hear about folks who did the jobs, couldn't get them entered because Certified's website was down and got terminated because their reports weren't in on time. One would think that 2 cents worth of duh would reveal that if your website is down even the most reliable of shoppers can't get in a report. Luckily there are a whole lot of MSPs out there that do show a little common sense and a little less organizational chaos that you can work with.
I've been Mystery shopping for over a yr. and most of my jobs has been with CFA. I have no problem with how they post jobs, in fact, I prefer theirs compared with some other Co's. But I like working for them the most because if I have a question, or problem with a shop, I can always call them, and I have on many occassions. Each time, I received courteous, and prompt solutions. Overall, in my opinion, they're a great Co. to work for.
I guess that I am one of the few who likes this company. Granted the pay is not the best in the market, but I can usually bundle 4 or 5 shops with them at one time. Living is a town of only 100,000 people, it is not a big deal to get around. (8 minutes from one side to the other durning rush hour. :}) Right now I have a dedicated route of 8 stores. Once a month, all 8 stores are due to be serviced. In and out in about 30 minutes. So for 4 hours (make that 5 hours with drive time and paper work) I make as much as my other half does for 8 hours and I don't have to take the abuse he does)
I like the self assignment area, as I can really bundle them together. Add a couple of other companies with that, and in a couple of hours you have made your self a nice pay check. They pay either direct deposit or check on or about the 15th and the 30th.
I like the self assignment area, as I can really bundle them together. Add a couple of other companies with that, and in a couple of hours you have made your self a nice pay check. They pay either direct deposit or check on or about the 15th and the 30th.
Hi Purrff and welcome!
When you indicate that "Once a month, all 8 stores are due to be serviced." It sound as though you are doing merchandising for them rather than mystery shopping. My understanding from others is that there merchandising is much more civilized than their mystery shopping.
As with most companies, a lot of whether we like working with a company or not comes from how we are treated by them. This boils down to whether the schedulers we deal with are civil or snotty, whether they are trying to work with you to get the job done comfortably for both you and the company or whether they are on some sort of power trip. While I'm sure that there are shoppers who are trying to "get away" with something, when a scheduler takes the attitude that everyone is trying to pull a fast one they need to move to another occupation.
On the Mystery Shopping side, Certified has been known to terminate shoppers who have worked with them well for a long time over a single shop rather than communicate with the shopper to figure out what the problem was. That is their choice, just as it is a shopper's choice to terminate at any time, but if a relationship has been working it seems like such a waste since good relationships take time to build.
When you indicate that "Once a month, all 8 stores are due to be serviced." It sound as though you are doing merchandising for them rather than mystery shopping. My understanding from others is that there merchandising is much more civilized than their mystery shopping.
As with most companies, a lot of whether we like working with a company or not comes from how we are treated by them. This boils down to whether the schedulers we deal with are civil or snotty, whether they are trying to work with you to get the job done comfortably for both you and the company or whether they are on some sort of power trip. While I'm sure that there are shoppers who are trying to "get away" with something, when a scheduler takes the attitude that everyone is trying to pull a fast one they need to move to another occupation.
On the Mystery Shopping side, Certified has been known to terminate shoppers who have worked with them well for a long time over a single shop rather than communicate with the shopper to figure out what the problem was. That is their choice, just as it is a shopper's choice to terminate at any time, but if a relationship has been working it seems like such a waste since good relationships take time to build.
Thanks for clarifing that for me Flash. I guess I do more merchandizing for them than mystery shopping. Although, this months assignments have something called a "covert audit". They are two differnt jobs, with different pay. So I go in, do my merchandizing, get the paper work signed, then I do the audit. Same store, same time frame, different pay. So for my "30 minutes of time" I am paid to do two differnt jobs. Times that by the 8 stores, and it really does add up.
Now I am off to sign up for more companies. Never know who will need a shop here in the middle of state.
Now I am off to sign up for more companies. Never know who will need a shop here in the middle of state.
Do sign up at jobslinger.com. It is free and will show you both merchandising companies and mystery shopping companies that have work available in your area (or have recently been doing work in your area). These are the companies it makes sense for you to sign up with first and check the companies' websites regularly for jobs.
Jobslinger accumulates postings from the MSPA website and from Volition.com's job board as well as a number of companies that use the SASSIE system for handling their shops. So it by far does not cover all mystery shopping companies. It is, however a handy place to start.
Jobslinger accumulates postings from the MSPA website and from Volition.com's job board as well as a number of companies that use the SASSIE system for handling their shops. So it by far does not cover all mystery shopping companies. It is, however a handy place to start.
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I signed with CFA and tried to find jobs, but, like so many others, found it difficult, with few jobs I want, so gave it up along with Bestmark, Second to none and trendsouce.
So sorry to hear that you gave up on BestMark, and Trentsource. I have been signed up with both comanies for well over a year, and just now getting jobs from both of them. In fact Trentsource just called this afternoon to see if I would do a shop for them. (I just did one today) Of course I said yes. Get the old foot in the door.
So many of the companies that I do work for are on a rotation scheudle to where you can only do them once every three or four months. (that really bites the big one).
I really do enjoy working for CFA, although I only do merchandizing for them, the pay is not all that great, but I must be the only one doing them in my area as I usually work 4 or 5 days a week. ( two or three hours a day) But it does help me meet my goal each month. (right now I am only 90% of it right now, and it is only the 12th of the month. yahoo, might have to set a higher goal for next month.)
So many of the companies that I do work for are on a rotation scheudle to where you can only do them once every three or four months. (that really bites the big one).
I really do enjoy working for CFA, although I only do merchandizing for them, the pay is not all that great, but I must be the only one doing them in my area as I usually work 4 or 5 days a week. ( two or three hours a day) But it does help me meet my goal each month. (right now I am only 90% of it right now, and it is only the 12th of the month. yahoo, might have to set a higher goal for next month.)
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I like to say, whatever works...I did one job for Trendsource and two for Bestmark. Both cases jobs pay low, report involved (elec.) and for $10.00 drive is too long.
Don't feel sorry for me, it was my choice. I have about four companies I am with that I love. Their jobs are more interesting and more up my alley, like nice restauant's and retail...the good thing is one can pick and chose. That other company(forgot the name) where you actually take pictures of a pizza for $5.00...rather stay home. I do alot of high end coffee shops in California where I get $15.00 pd of great coffee, and $10.00 for the report.....nice and easy.....since I'm a coffee (espresso) lover, this works for me. you have to try it all, then pick and choose...msing is like a smorgisboard...lots of stuff, most of it you don't like. some you love.
Don't feel sorry for me, it was my choice. I have about four companies I am with that I love. Their jobs are more interesting and more up my alley, like nice restauant's and retail...the good thing is one can pick and chose. That other company(forgot the name) where you actually take pictures of a pizza for $5.00...rather stay home. I do alot of high end coffee shops in California where I get $15.00 pd of great coffee, and $10.00 for the report.....nice and easy.....since I'm a coffee (espresso) lover, this works for me. you have to try it all, then pick and choose...msing is like a smorgisboard...lots of stuff, most of it you don't like. some you love.
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You guys have been talking alot about age...I think I'm the elder, one to be respected, revered, and saying, gosh I hope I'm out there when I'm her age! I AM older than all you guys. But, a girl never tells her weight or her age.....
One of the first companies I signed up with was Certified and at first it was trailer checks, then movie standees, then merchandising assignments. I must be their busiest independent contractor in Philly. Sometimes I get three calls a week from them if they need to get an assignment covered due to somebody else cancelling or simply no takers. (That is when I get more than the normal pay) In fact, I do more more merchandising than mystery shopping overall, and I am registered with tens of companies. And since CFA now offers direct deposit, I can expect deposits every couple of weeks. If I need help or have questions, I can call and get the info with no problems. I would not hesitate recommending them to somebody, well so long as they don't live in Philly :-)
to quote Gilda radner,"never mind"...I am back on with CMS (long story) and need the work...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2008 02:20AM by wearesiamese.
MSPA GOLD certified shopper
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2008 02:20AM by wearesiamese.
I did one shop for them and was not paid the correct amount. I sent several e-mails with no response. As soon as I told them that I wasnot going to complete and more shops for them, including the one I had signed up for that were coming up, they called me. For me, it was too little too late. I am reliable to do my shops and I expect the companies that I shop for to be reliable to. I don't have time to chase down my money.
I did only one job for them and I liked it.
The problem with them is, that most of the time you have to request a job, and there a specific dates.
I see a job I like, but it's miles away. I try to get other jobs from other companies in this area to make it worthwhile to drive. Then I request the job, the job is not available anymore, but I still have to drive, because now I signed up with the other companies.
The way of their scheduling (requesting) or waiting for material to arrive, makes it hard for me to do a job for them.
The problem with them is, that most of the time you have to request a job, and there a specific dates.
I see a job I like, but it's miles away. I try to get other jobs from other companies in this area to make it worthwhile to drive. Then I request the job, the job is not available anymore, but I still have to drive, because now I signed up with the other companies.
The way of their scheduling (requesting) or waiting for material to arrive, makes it hard for me to do a job for them.
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