@MikiNV wrote:
I will still do shops for them but will be more aware.
I think that's probably the best approach to dealing with them. I agree they have been tightening the rope on finances recently...but that's really an extension of the tightening up that's been going on over a decade.
Part of it is just the story a company that's getting bigger each year and doesn't have the time to care about individual shoppers or clients anymore. Rather than fight it, I take the assignments that work for me and no longer feel bad about declining ones that are not a good fit. They still pay consistently, and as long as you follow the guidelines, even if they are in error or obviously give you away as a shopper, they will accept the shops.
When things get too tight for good shoppers to accept, or the editorial bills are greater than the fees they save from cutting costs (and I see that happening in some places already), the system will have to adjust....