How would you react to this threat by scheduler?
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I have done several on-going projects with SPG and have received only positive communications. Always polite and professional. No threats. But I haven't flaked, either
My point with this is that we are all adults. If someone talked down to me I wouldn't be super motivated to "prove them wrong." I feel like it's very elementary non cognitive strategy. Threaten someone and make them feel they need to prove themselves, "I'll show them!" I don't fall for those juvenile games. That's just my opinion and take on it. If others are different thats fine. I'm not trying to change anyone's worldview. But the OP asked, "How would you handle it?" and I simply responded. No reason to attack me for being honest about my take, imo. I have spent a lot of time learning about working class jobs and this tactic is exactly what they do to factory workers and other exploited workers so it touched a nerve with me.
"other exploited workers"
I've seen that as a theme with you regarding this business. There are definitely MSCs who try to exploit shoppers, just not all of them. And since it is a business and not a job, we do have the option of not allowing ourselves to be exploited. This forum serves the community by making shoppers more aware of bad business practices. It's a shame the forum is not required reading before starting.
I've seen that as a theme with you regarding this business. There are definitely MSCs who try to exploit shoppers, just not all of them. And since it is a business and not a job, we do have the option of not allowing ourselves to be exploited. This forum serves the community by making shoppers more aware of bad business practices. It's a shame the forum is not required reading before starting.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
@LisaSTL wrote:
"other exploited workers"
I've seen that as a theme with you regarding this business. There are definitely MSCs who try to exploit shoppers, just not all of them. And since it is a business and not a job, we do have the option of not allowing ourselves to be exploited. This forum serves the community by making shoppers more aware of bad business practices. It's a shame the forum is not required reading before starting.
The fact that even SOME MSC's try to exploit shoppers concerns me. The fact it doesn't concern you is something that is a problem. I have no idea why you think people should be required to read this forum before secret shopping. Because you post on it? Please. Also, it's important for people to be informed and resist exploitation. I have read many people defending shady business practices from Schedulers by saying, "Well, it's YOUR fault. I have never had those problems." There are also people in North Korean prison camps who feel happy their siblings died because they didn't behave the warden. Extreme, yes, but that is where my mind goes, and I feel that it my right to express it, even if it isn't the same as yours.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/2017 06:55PM by rothers27.
I fail to see how any mystery shopper is exploited when we all choose what assignments we take and agree to the terms set forth by the company before taking the assignment. I've messed up my share of shops and didn't get paid, but only one time was it the MSC's fault and eventually I just let that go and wrote that MSC off. It's business, it's not a personal insult. Unless, that is, if you are unable to read the terms before signing up for a shop...then you can insert snarky insult here. But realistically, if you can't read and comprehend the terms you are agreeing to before doing a shop, you probably should find a new line of work.
@rothers27 wrote:
"other exploited workers"
There are also people in North Korean prison camps who feel happy their siblings died because they didn't behave the warden. Extreme, yes, but that is where my mind goes, and I feel that it my right to express it, even if it isn't the same as yours.
Definitely your right to express it. As crazy as I think it sounds, I agree that you have the right to express wherever your mind goes.
edited to correct my cut and paste so it's clear who I am quoting.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/2017 08:11PM by roflwofl.
if your mind goes to north korean prison camp i feel sorry for you. not pleasant way to go thru life. not talking about msc butmany businesses exploit shoppers. some on purpose some by mistake. price gouging comes to mind & false advertising & bait & switch. have u shopped for car rcently?.@rothers27 wrote:
The fact that even SOME MSC's try to exploit shoppers concerns me. The fact it doesn't concern you is something that is a problem. I have no idea why you think people should be required to read this forum before secret shopping. Because you post on it? Please. Also, it's important for people to be informed and resist exploitation. I have read many people defending shady business practices from Schedulers by saying, "Well, it's YOUR fault. I have never had those problems." There are also people in North Korean prison camps who feel happy their siblings died because they didn't behave the warden. Extreme, yes, but that is where my mind goes, and I feel that it my right to express it, even if it isn't the same as yours.
Perhaps you could try reading what I say without reading any more into it.
"The fact it doesn't concern you is something that is a problem."
Just where did I say it doesn't concern me?
"I have no idea why you think people should be required to read this forum before secret shopping. Also, it's important for people to be informed and resist exploitation."
Didn't you just answer your own question? Obviously you ignored the reason I gave. Do you think the MSCs are going to provide this information to their contractors? There are a lot of people here with a lot of experience who encourage other shoppers to stand up for themselves.
"I have read many people defending shady business practices from Schedulers by saying, "Well, it's YOUR fault. I have never had those problems."
You have not read any shopper here defending shady business practices. OTOH, if someone just comes here to complain and it WAS their fault, what reason do we have to defend them? Because something is a standard business practice doesn't make it shady. A PITA maybe, just not underhanded.
"The fact it doesn't concern you is something that is a problem."
Just where did I say it doesn't concern me?
"I have no idea why you think people should be required to read this forum before secret shopping. Also, it's important for people to be informed and resist exploitation."
Didn't you just answer your own question? Obviously you ignored the reason I gave. Do you think the MSCs are going to provide this information to their contractors? There are a lot of people here with a lot of experience who encourage other shoppers to stand up for themselves.
"I have read many people defending shady business practices from Schedulers by saying, "Well, it's YOUR fault. I have never had those problems."
You have not read any shopper here defending shady business practices. OTOH, if someone just comes here to complain and it WAS their fault, what reason do we have to defend them? Because something is a standard business practice doesn't make it shady. A PITA maybe, just not underhanded.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
@roflwofl wrote:
just look at usa prez. tweeting all over the place. gets very messy.@rothers27 wrote:
@LisaSTL wrote:
"other exploited workers"
There are also people in North Korean prison camps who feel happy their siblings died because they didn't behave the warden. Extreme, yes, but that is where my mind goes, and I feel that it my right to express it, even if it isn't the same as yours.
Definitely your right to express it. As crazy as I think it sounds, I agree that you have the right to express wherever your mind goes.
@rothers27 wrote:
The fact that even SOME MSC's try to exploit shoppers concerns me. The fact it doesn't concern you is something that is a problem.
Two questions:
1. Can you provide an example of an MSC that exploited a shopper? And by that I mean a concrete xxx happened.
2. If a company I have no involvement in were to exploit a shopper that I do not know and have never met, what would you expect me to do about it?
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
I agree with most of the forum members.
From what I get the shopper flaked the first shop, asked for an extension and hadn't submitted a report yet on the second shop. I don't believe that schedulers are out to get you! I have a communication with all of my schedulers, think of it as a team, shoppers, schedulers, editors, for the MCS, we should all work together.
From what I get the shopper flaked the first shop, asked for an extension and hadn't submitted a report yet on the second shop. I don't believe that schedulers are out to get you! I have a communication with all of my schedulers, think of it as a team, shoppers, schedulers, editors, for the MCS, we should all work together.
roffle taco, did you realize while editing the quote you made it look like I made that crazy North Korea analogy?
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
@shopper8 wrote:
think of it as a team, shoppers, schedulers, editors, for the MCS, we should all work together.
But this is not a team.
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
u have been using " marks insted of quote person who said it so getting very messy.@LisaSTL wrote:
roffle taco, did you realize while editing the quote you made it look like I made that crazy North Korea analogy?
Inappropriate post removed. – Admin
My apologies, I didn't realize your name was included with rothers27's quote. I was intent on affirming rothers27's right to express where his mind goes, no matter how crazy I think it sounds.
I usually feel like it's a spilt milk or peanuts argument almost every time I go back and forth with a scheduler or company about most anything. These shops don't get that much importance to me because they pay little or not at all. When they start to get bonuses or close to something that balances the time and capital to get it done, I started treating the job with importance and will communicate as much as necessary to make sure everything is taken care of as it should. Most of the time the shops that pay nothing or little don't get me much flak or notice without the value of the shop becoming a feature. I've used that as premise out of my back pocket to reason why I didn't skip work or otherwise cost myself money to complete a job without at least promise of pay from other shops to out weigh the cost.
Other than the analogy, which is way over the top, I don't think the concerns are necessarily crazy or even out of bounds.
To me it seems more like what we here from those who don't completely understand how being an independent contractor is vastly different than being an employee. I also feel rothers27 either has not been shopping long or is still at the point where he/she only sees a limited number of opportunities from a limited number of companies.
There is certainly a level of bitterness which does not need to be directed at us. Other than helping to educate newer shoppers, we are not in a position to band together like a union to demand better pay and working conditions.
To me it seems more like what we here from those who don't completely understand how being an independent contractor is vastly different than being an employee. I also feel rothers27 either has not been shopping long or is still at the point where he/she only sees a limited number of opportunities from a limited number of companies.
There is certainly a level of bitterness which does not need to be directed at us. Other than helping to educate newer shoppers, we are not in a position to band together like a union to demand better pay and working conditions.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Lightening things up, I was exploited when I started by being naive and took the Cirrus job.....after 11 years shopping, i'm happy to say i have NEVER again been exploited, we have to learn quickly so it won't happen again. No. Korea, no, let's not go there...
this is America!!!!
this is America!!!!Live consciously....
I received an email similarly worded. It was for a shop that was due within 8 hours of completion. I submit my shops the next day at work before 10AM. I received the email at 8am and had not yet started the report. I never worked with that particular scheduler before and was taken aback by the strong language.
Despite the popular opinion, I find the language threatening and unprofessional. There is a way to better way to communicate with someone where you can be stern but not rude.
Despite the popular opinion, I find the language threatening and unprofessional. There is a way to better way to communicate with someone where you can be stern but not rude.
eye, do you have a standing agreement with the MSC that your reports are submitted after the deadline? Did you remind the scheduler of that agreement? Has it ever happened that you got to work and you actually had to work?
LOL, I get to work earlier than everyone else because I need time to mentally unwind from the morning commute plus I like to go get breakfast, run to starbucks and complete my shop reports. I typically email schedulers after being assigned a quick note: "Hey, thanks for assigning me to this shop. My internet connect at home is really poor. Would it be okay if I complete this report by 10am EST instead of the midnight( or whatever) deadline? If not, I can not complete this shop so please unassign me. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience." I've always received a positive response.
I've worked with mainly two schedulers for this specific msc. Well, I didn't notice it was a different scheduler the time I got the email assignment confirmation. I kindly told them that I always complete my shops the next day while at work and apologize for not informing them. But instead of sending a hostile and inflammatory email, I would have appreciate professional courtesy. The scheduler told me that they just wanted to make sure the shop was completed, which I totally get but you will not talk to me like you've lost your freaking mind.
I mean, if one looked at my shop log they could clearly see the shops I've completed along with my shopper rating.
I've worked with mainly two schedulers for this specific msc. Well, I didn't notice it was a different scheduler the time I got the email assignment confirmation. I kindly told them that I always complete my shops the next day while at work and apologize for not informing them. But instead of sending a hostile and inflammatory email, I would have appreciate professional courtesy. The scheduler told me that they just wanted to make sure the shop was completed, which I totally get but you will not talk to me like you've lost your freaking mind.
I mean, if one looked at my shop log they could clearly see the shops I've completed along with my shopper rating.
Not sure why you think you should get special treatment to have delayed reports.nthey have deadlines for a reason.
@eyelove2shop wrote:
LOL, I get to work earlier than everyone else because I need time to mentally unwind from the morning commute plus I like to go get breakfast, run to starbucks and complete my shop reports. I typically email schedulers after being assigned a quick note: "Hey, thanks for assigning me to this shop. My internet connect at home is really poor. Would it be okay if I complete this report by 10am EST instead of the midnight( or whatever) deadline? If not, I can not complete this shop so please unassign me. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience." I've always received a positive response.
I've worked with mainly two schedulers for this specific msc. Well, I didn't notice it was a different scheduler the time I got the email assignment confirmation. I kindly told them that I always complete my shops the next day while at work and apologize for not informing them. But instead of sending a hostile and inflammatory email, I would have appreciate professional courtesy. The scheduler told me that they just wanted to make sure the shop was completed, which I totally get but you will not talk to me like you've lost your freaking mind.
I mean, if one looked at my shop log they could clearly see the shops I've completed along with my shopper rating.
You are joking, right? Do you know the actual reason for some deadlines? Straight from a company that tightened their deadline from 24 hours to 12 hours, "so many shoppers would forget so we made it shorter."
As far as I'm concerned @eyelove2shop is not getting special treatment. She has negotiated for a different reporting deadline. One of the hallmarks of independent contractor work is the ability to negotiate everything from fees to deadlines. Her behavior is helping MSCs protect the IC status they love
As far as I'm concerned @eyelove2shop is not getting special treatment. She has negotiated for a different reporting deadline. One of the hallmarks of independent contractor work is the ability to negotiate everything from fees to deadlines. Her behavior is helping MSCs protect the IC status they love
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I don't receive special treatment. MSC are not my parents giving me special treatment over my siblings. I simply requested an adjustment to an agreement that didn't work for me. You are free to do the same.
@CANADAMOMMY wrote:
Not sure why you think you should get special treatment to have delayed reports.nthey have deadlines for a reason.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2017 03:15AM by eyelove2shop.
It is special treatment. The initial offering is a time frame which you seem t think you are special and need more time to do your homework. Every time. good grief. Get with the program and turn in your work ON time not a day late every single time. How on earth did you get thru school? In college did you ask profs for an extra day every single time just for you!?!?!? I prefer to have my work in ON time EVERY time.
@eyelove2shop wrote:
I don't receive special treatment. MSC are not my parents giving me special treatment over my siblings. I simply requested an adjustment to an agreement that didn't work for me. You are free to do the same.
@CANADAMOMMY wrote:
Not sure why you think you should get special treatment to have delayed reports.nthey have deadlines for a reason.
@CANADAMOMMY wrote:
It is special treatment. The initial offering is a time frame which you seem t think you are special and need more time to do your homework. Every time. good grief. Get with the program and turn in your work ON time not a day late every single time. How on earth did you get thru school? In college did you ask profs for an extra day every single time just for you!?!?!? I prefer to have my work in ON time EVERY time.
@eyelove2shop wrote:
I don't receive special treatment. MSC are not my parents giving me special treatment over my siblings. I simply requested an adjustment to an agreement that didn't work for me. You are free to do the same.
@CANADAMOMMY wrote:
Not sure why you think you should get special treatment to have delayed reports.nthey have deadlines for a reason.
replying for a friend...
the only reason they're giving him/her a pass on adhering to the reporting deadline(s) is:
1. no one else will take the assignments cuz they're so crappy and/or the pay is so low.
if the above wasn't accurate they (msc and/or their clients) wouldn't put up with this entitled bs and he/she is fortunate that i'm not the scheduler/ msc cuz it would be a "one and done" situation with me.
A shopper asks for and receives extensions. Why the hate? It has nothing to do with you. If you do things differently, amen. We all have choices as to how we run our own businesses. If you were the MSC....well, you're not, so it doesn't matter.
I don't do well trying to write narratives later in the day and cannot work in the evenings. It doesn't make me special because schedulers are willing to accommodate a report the following morning. Route shoppers, especially video shoppers, are frequently given even longer deadlines. There really are not a lot of MSCs I can think of with same day reporting requirements anyway.
BTW PCB, I am going to assume your friend was being sarcastic
BTW PCB, I am going to assume your friend was being sarcastic
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
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