1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Company Discussion

Grace Hill / The Shadow Agency / The Training Factor - VERY Slow payments

November 15, 2018 06:39PM
In recent months it has taken a very long time to be paid from the referenced company ( companies). They say shoppers should received payment in 6-8 weeks after completing their shop. W-e-l-l, that's not true. It's usually 3+ months. And I have to ASK and REMIND them numerous times to pay me. It seems there is only one person (Elizabeth/Beth) working there. Has anyone else experienced the long delay in being paid?
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

More Discussions About The Shadow Agency (All Companies)
More About Payment
November 15, 2018 06:51PM
They are all part of a much larger organization. Reach out to the general email for The Shadow Agency and ask for the owner.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
November 16, 2018 02:03PM
The Shadow Agency has processed my payments the following month for me but I guess it depends on your timing for a company that pays at the end of the month, if you complete your shop early in the month, it could take longer. I completed two Shops the last week of September and I was paid on October 31st. Reading your post made me go to my Paypal Account and my log. I completed Shops for them in July and August at the end of the month as well and was paid in a timely manner for those as well.

I am waiting for the next exciting opportunity!
Reply
November 16, 2018 06:59PM
Hmmmmm

succeedin2, do you know which Statement Numbers were paid (the information is on your login page)?

I am still waiting for payment for August 2018 work. Pretty depressing situation.
Reply
November 16, 2018 07:08PM
Shadow does not pay "at the end of the month." Their terms are 60 days after the shop. That's independent of what part of the month it is. Perhaps succeedin has them mixed up with another company?

There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
Reply
November 16, 2018 07:11PM
They adjusted their payment schedule a while ago - slowing payments down. However, the last I checked, that change was not reflected in their stated online policies. They have always paid me on time, in accordance with the new policy. However, I did have to ask about payment a couple of times, until I learned about their 'new' policy.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
Reply
November 16, 2018 07:31PM
Oh. What's their new policy? Honestly I never ask about payment because I know it's gonna come and it's rarely money that I'm anxious to get. I wasn't even aware they had updated it.

There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
Reply
November 16, 2018 08:02PM
I just noticed I wasn't paid for sept shops, but honestly I couldn't remember their payment policy and wasn't going to worry about it unless I don't get paid at the end of this month lol
Reply
November 16, 2018 08:43PM
New policy: Paid within 90 days..

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
Reply
November 16, 2018 09:05PM
Removed
Moderator Note:

Forum guidelines state that we not reveal the clients of mystery shopping companies. Also, naming the client and MSC may be an ICA violation.

Reply
November 16, 2018 09:12PM
I have usually go by the "wait and see" attitude. BUT, I keep very good records of all my mystery shopping and review it regularly as I'm paid by other companies. About a year ago I began to notice that the Grace Hill, etc. shops went unpaid for a very long time. Occasionally, when I remind them that I've not been paid for a shop I did several months ago, it seems to prompt payment. I feel they just would not pay if I didn't keep tabs on them and send them reminders. That's a pitiful way to do business.
Reply
November 16, 2018 09:22PM
@MFJohnston wrote:

New policy: Paid within 90 days..

Oh my

There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
Reply
November 16, 2018 09:56PM
Folks, I know of only two reasons for an MSC to take 90 days to pay; they have a cash flow problem or a desire to use a shopper's money as an interest free loan. It is my opinion, no good can come from waiting 1/4 a year for one's due, therefore, such a period of time is not acceptable to me.
Reply
November 16, 2018 10:21PM
They have been expanding VERY rapidly in the last year. That is good, but can slow things down.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
November 16, 2018 10:57PM
I don't mind if an MSC takes a while to pay, so long as I know it ahead of time and they stick to their policy. What I do mind is having to beg for payment after the fact.

That said: I consider $50 in 30 days for a shop to be a better deal than $50 in 90 days.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
Reply
November 18, 2018 10:11PM
@cokid I am a scheduler for the company. Please send me an email for which shops you are still waiting on payment. Beth_shadowagencyscheduler@mysteryshopping.com. I will forward your email to the accounting department. Any payment issues we try to resolve as quickly as possible. Thanks!
Reply
November 18, 2018 10:26PM
I would like to add that our payment policy has not changed to 90 days. The ICA says 60 days. Thanks! Sometimes, payments may be delayed for something as simple as an incorrect paypal address.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login