I just got an email from IPSOS congratulating me on passing the I Shop Safe certification. I took the quiz awhile ago and they failed me for wearing a N-95 in my selfie photo. I refused to take the quiz a second time because I am not going to jeopardize my health or the health of others for a mystery shop. Maybe IPSOS read the many complaints in this forum or maybe they realized how wrong they were. I still have a bad taste about the whole situation so I doubt I will be working for them anytime in the near future,

Same here. Took it twice with a bandana for a mask. Failed both times. Was waiting until I could find a professional mask but today received the email.

I will say what I said a week ago. I think MSCs are going to have trouble getting some of their shoppers back as soon as they need them. The $1534 in UI benefits every two weeks here in California make mystery shopping seem far less lucrative. It's a lot less stressful to sit at home and collect the bucks without having to deal with all the self-righteous crazies out there right now.

I will be getting $784 every week here in NY. Why would I want to work. Just want economy to open back up. I happily work again in 39 weeks when my unemployment benefits end.

I refuse to wear a mask as it is more dangerous to your health than wearing one. Even the medical N95 ones cant stop the Covid 19 as it is too small and goes through the masks.

The masks and face coverings are to protect other people from YOU. And where I live, it is required to wear some sort of face covering or you can not enter the place of business which is still only the essential businesses right now.

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

I will be getting $784 every week here in NY. Why would I want to work. Just want economy to open back up. I happily work again in 39 weeks when my unemployment benefits end.

I refuse to wear a mask as it is more dangerous to your health than wearing one. Even the medical N95 ones cant stop the Covid 19 as it is too small and goes through the masks.

I have no idea why anyone making under $52000 a year is working. Why would they?

I work, and make considerably less than $52,000 a year. I have to work, because social security is not enough for survival.

I'm wondering why you would say that? I realize the cost of living in CA is totally different than in rural Nebraska, but, still....it's kinda insulting to anyone struggling to survive in a minimum wage job. I know many people who work two jobs, and their spouses work, too, just to keep housing and food and so on for their families, and they make way, way less than $52,000 a year.

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

I will be getting $784 every week here in NY. Why would I want to work. Just want economy to open back up. I happily work again in 39 weeks when my unemployment benefits end.

I refuse to wear a mask as it is more dangerous to your health than wearing one. Even the medical N95 ones cant stop the Covid 19 as it is too small and goes through the masks.

From how I understand the additional $600 PUA, it ends in July. So if your $784 is part of the $600, I would think that after July, you may still get $184 per week.

Not much to live on.

I have three different Ipsos accounts.I took the test several times always with the same answers I could find on their gude sheet. I final got and Email repeatedly that I passed. I live in CO and the restriction has been lifted so I have done 5 now. Out of the 5 the first one I did not get paid for I did not take all the pictures they required for it was fuel stop on the Ute reservation tie to a casino property with tight security and I got scared to take the picture in front of the guards station. As I am doing these shops I have seen that a lot of the places do the least they can and in on gas station nothing was done but close the bathrooms.

Why do you need 3 accounts with the same company? Am I missing out on something?

I received the same. I received an email outlining what they state I answered incorrectly. But, I still didn't see anything that I answered incorrectly. I decided I wasn't going to do any of the shops because it seems to always be an issue when I take their tests so, I didn't take the test anymore. I answer as to what is in the instructions, as I do with every other company, and only this company tells me I was wrong on answer(s). Then, a few days later, I received an email that stated I passed. Still, I will not do the jobs. Their tests, I feel, are not fair and there is always something in the test to throw you off on purpose. I love the company and my schedulers but, it's not worth the hassle trying to pass their tests.

The three accounts with IPSOS are I thing one with Sassie, one on the Shopmetrices, and the Maritz platforms. The test was fairly simple I failed the first time then I selected another shop and I passed that one Or I guessed I passed it because the shop was assigned to me. I did not do a self video because it said that it was optional.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/16/2020 11:29PM by 2stepps.

@French Farmer wrote:

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

I will be getting $784 every week here in NY. Why would I want to work. Just want economy to open back up. I happily work again in 39 weeks when my unemployment benefits end.

I refuse to wear a mask as it is more dangerous to your health than wearing one. Even the medical N95 ones cant stop the Covid 19 as it is too small and goes through the masks.

From how I understand the additional $600 PUA, it ends in July. So if your $784 is part of the $600, I would think that after July, you may still get $184 per week.

Not much to live on.

The $600 portion currently expires July 31st. However in the next stimulus package which will be passed within a few weeks it is extending that $600 to either Dec 31st or Jan 31St 2021 I forgot which.

I don't understand how I am getting the extra $184 as I only do Mystery shopping as my sole income and am of course self-employed for that. I am not complaining about free money obviously but still don't understand it. Yes I know it is not free as you have paid for it in the unemployment tax.

I got the email on 5/15 that I passed the test. After taking it twice.

@ceasesmith wrote:

I work, and make considerably less than $52,000 a year. I have to work, because social security is not enough for survival.

I'm wondering why you would say that? I realize the cost of living in CA is totally different than in rural Nebraska, but, still....it's kinda insulting to anyone struggling to survive in a minimum wage job. I know many people who work two jobs, and their spouses work, too, just to keep housing and food and so on for their families, and they make way, way less than $52,000 a year.

Currently, $450 unemployment and and extra $600 = $1050/week. (some states pay less)
52 weeks in a year, to do nothing (if you previously held a job with a W-2).
So, if you got laid off due to the pandemic, you now make an equivalent of $52,000/ year or more.
So, if you worked full time at Denny's, you now make $1000/week.

So, you are just confused. No need to be insulted. I am aware of the working poor. In CA, we give free money to undocumented people now too.

They failed me for wearing a surgical mask. So I took a pair of clean panties and draped them over my face....that was acceptable....haha

Pelosi wants to give money to immigrants that did not get a stimulus check the last time. and set it up where if they are essential workers they can stay and never be deported. Nurses and hospital staff has been laid off because of not enough patients except Covid-19.

I got a deposit into my account that was substantially more than I expected. The state (Missouri) website is worse than unuseful for figuring out why, and I never got through to talk to someone.

In the meantime, I have the luxury of moving the unaccounted-for money to savings in case it turns out I have to give some of it back.

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

I don't understand how I am getting the extra $184 as I only do Mystery shopping as my sole income and am of course self-employed for that. I am not complaining about free money obviously but still don't understand it. Yes I know it is not free as you have paid for it in the unemployment tax.

Thank you for the explanation.

Yes, I see that in CA, that's true.

But in Nebraska, a fellow MSer was granted $39 a week in benefits, plus the $600. Way, way below $52,000 a year. She's getting a little over $500 a week (10% state, 10% Federal income tax withheld from $639).

But our cost of living is way, way lower. Her house cost about $65,000, with acreage for her horses, and her mortgage payment is less than $500 a month, and her property taxes are less than $100 a month -- total which wouldn't rent you a decent place to live in southern California (that I am aware of). She has 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 car garage, acreage, and outbuildings.

Many families here work minimum wage jobs ($10 an hour, I think, or thereabouts, here), and raise families on less than $30,000 a year. Including buying a home.

I just don't think that's doable in California. Even in rural areas.

I wasn't confused. I noted in my initial post the difference in the cost of living.

@SoCalMama wrote:

@ceasesmith wrote:

I work, and make considerably less than $52,000 a year. I have to work, because social security is not enough for survival.

I'm wondering why you would say that? I realize the cost of living in CA is totally different than in rural Nebraska, but, still....it's kinda insulting to anyone struggling to survive in a minimum wage job. I know many people who work two jobs, and their spouses work, too, just to keep housing and food and so on for their families, and they make way, way less than $52,000 a year.

Currently, $450 unemployment and and extra $600 = $1050/week. (some states pay less)
52 weeks in a year, to do nothing (if you previously held a job with a W-2).
So, if you got laid off due to the pandemic, you now make an equivalent of $52,000/ year or more.
So, if you worked full time at Denny's, you now make $1000/week.

So, you are just confused. No need to be insulted. I am aware of the working poor. In CA, we give free money to undocumented people now too.

Just a few notes from me to stir the pot.
The majority of people I know in California do not get anywhere near $450 on unemployment. Some people do not qualify for anything due to their unique situation.

To Buffalo "I don't understand how I am getting the extra $184 as I only do Mystery shopping as my sole income and am of course self-employed for that. I am not complaining about free money obviously but still don't understand it. Yes I know it is not free as you have paid for it in the unemployment tax."

Those getting PUA for unemployment did not pay into the Unemployment Insurance program as these types of jobs are not part of that system. Maybe you paid in for a job years ago that was W2.

And it is not free money. Those of us who pay taxes will be paying for it in higher taxes in the future.

So what I have to say to all those who are planning to be sitting home un til PUA or UI runs out..I get sitting home due to not wanting to expose yourself to the virus. This to me is a valid reason to not go out and mystery shop. Or perhaps there is so little work that it does not make economic sense for one or two small jobs as the trip and time will cost more than the pay. But if and when things do get safe in your area, and if you are going out for personal entertainment reasons...shopping, sitting on the beach, going to restaurants and bars etc once things open up in your state but at the same time complaining about big companies taking stimulus money, think about what you are doing. I do not deny that many of us have other reasons not to go back to work but to not go back and support the economy and yourself when you are able because the govt is giving you "free" money and then say that workers who are out there supporting us now while putting themselves at risk and earning very low wages, many of whom are not citizens, do not deserve to be rewarded with some $ help for their family is an ethical question you need to think about.

And to those asking about Ipsos wanting a pic without a medical grade mask and upset they failed you because you provided a pic with a medical grade mask??? And you now hate the company because you did not read the question and follow the rule? I am at a loss. My test only required me to send a pic with a non medical mask. It did not say a thing about what type of mask I was allowed to use if I got the job. Are there people who do not own a bandana or a piece of random cloth they could have taken the picture with? I guess this is a moot question now as it seems they no longer require that picture. There have always been a set of rules to qualify for a mystery shop,. If you don't like the rule you don't have to take those shops.

Okay got it all off my chest and now you can blast back at me.

@ceasesmith wrote:

Thank you for the explanation.

Yes, I see that in CA, that's true.

But in Nebraska, a fellow MSer was granted $39 a week in benefits, plus the $600. Way, way below $52,000 a year. She's getting a little over $500 a week (10% state, 10% Federal income tax withheld from $639).

But our cost of living is way, way lower. Her house cost about $65,000, with acreage for her horses, and her mortgage payment is less than $500 a month, and her property taxes are less than $100 a month -- total which wouldn't rent you a decent place to live in southern California (that I am aware of). She has 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 car garage, acreage, and outbuildings.

Many families here work minimum wage jobs ($10 an hour, I think, or thereabouts, here), and raise families on less than $30,000 a year. Including buying a home.

I just don't think that's doable in California. Even in rural areas.

I wasn't confused. I noted in my initial post the difference in the cost of living.

@SoCalMama wrote:

@ceasesmith wrote:

I work, and make considerably less than $52,000 a year. I have to work, because social security is not enough for survival.

I'm wondering why you would say that? I realize the cost of living in CA is totally different than in rural Nebraska, but, still....it's kinda insulting to anyone struggling to survive in a minimum wage job. I know many people who work two jobs, and their spouses work, too, just to keep housing and food and so on for their families, and they make way, way less than $52,000 a year.

Currently, $450 unemployment and and extra $600 = $1050/week. (some states pay less)
52 weeks in a year, to do nothing (if you previously held a job with a W-2).
So, if you got laid off due to the pandemic, you now make an equivalent of $52,000/ year or more.
So, if you worked full time at Denny's, you now make $1000/week.

So, you are just confused. No need to be insulted. I am aware of the working poor. In CA, we give free money to undocumented people now too.

@sandyf wrote:

Just a few notes from me to stir the pot.
The majority of people I know in California do not get anywhere near $450 on unemployment. Some people do not qualify for anything due to their unique situation.

The majority of people I know get $450 because it is the max. I'm over 50. I don't know many people making minimum wage at this point. Maybe in college?

@sandyf wrote:

And it is not free money. Those of us who pay taxes will be paying for it in higher taxes in the future.

Pretty sure that taxes are about to get even higher in CA. Gas tax can go right up again, since voters failed to repeal it when they had the chance. Everyone else is paying $1.00-$1.50 right now, and at most stations, it is still $3.00 around here.

I'm pretty sure that the State workers are pissed about the 10% pay cut as well. At least, they are working though.


All of the "we are all in this together people" Garcetti and Newsome aren't taking a pay cut. Sheesh.

@SoCalMama wrote:

I'm pretty sure that the State workers are pissed about the 10% pay cut as well. At least, they are working though.


All of the "we are all in this together people" Garcetti and Newsome aren't taking a pay cut. Sheesh.

Isn't that the way it always is. And they probably do not have any homeless shelters on their blocks either. Some of the state workers, and I do not know how many, have been sent home with pay. A 10% cut is a small amt to ask but it should be balanced by everyone doing their part including those sitting home not working and collecting a pay check. I know it is through no fault of their own but still they are in much better shape than their neighbors. I guess from where I stand I know a lot of people who would have been retired by now but lost their higher paying jobs in 2008 or so and never quite got a job that paid well and was full time again. Perhaps some of the issue was due to their age at the time being over 50. But many are still struggling with work here and there in lower paying positions for years after that layoff..
Just this morning I read about some CEO's who were donating 25% of their salary to put in a fund to help struggling employees in their company. Turns out that 25% may represent only 2% of their entire income when you add in bonus money (even during bad times) and the value of their annual stock options.

Brown, Pelosi, Newsom, and Getty. All intermingled and related.
I think that Pelosi is the craziest of all of them.
[calmatters.org]

KathyG, do you think it's back pay? My neighbor received much more than she expected on her first check and emailed the UI office and found out that they paid her from the time she filed. If you filed in March but didn't actually receive money until May, they might have paid you two months instead of one. We live in two different states but, I think it's federal about the back pay. You can do as my neighbor did when she couldn't get through by phone; she emailed them through her portal.

@KathyG wrote:

I got a deposit into my account that was substantially more than I expected. The state (Missouri) website is worse than unuseful for figuring out why, and I never got through to talk to someone.

In the meantime, I have the luxury of moving the unaccounted-for money to savings in case it turns out I have to give some of it back.

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

I don't understand how I am getting the extra $184 as I only do Mystery shopping as my sole income and am of course self-employed for that. I am not complaining about free money obviously but still don't understand it. Yes I know it is not free as you have paid for it in the unemployment tax.

Yep and I’m getting $925 weekly do I’m not rushing not feeling safe

It took a lot of detective work, but that's exactly what happened. Originally I thought because of the small amount I made mystery shopping I didn't qualify for the extra $600 but I'm getting it.

@ArkLaMissshopping wrote:

KathyG, do you think it's back pay? My neighbor received much more than she expected on her first check and emailed the UI office and found out that they paid her from the time she filed. If you filed in March but didn't actually receive money until May, they might have paid you two months instead of one. We live in two different states but, I think it's federal about the back pay. You can do as my neighbor did when she couldn't get through by phone; she emailed them through her portal.

@KathyG wrote:

I got a deposit into my account that was substantially more than I expected. The state (Missouri) website is worse than unuseful for figuring out why, and I never got through to talk to someone.

In the meantime, I have the luxury of moving the unaccounted-for money to savings in case it turns out I have to give some of it back.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

Still nothing from my state of OK.

You lot down south appear to be getting good financial aid. Up above the 49th it is $2000 CAD ($1440 USD approx) per month.

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

I will be getting $784 every week here in NY. Why would I want to work. Just want economy to open back up. I happily work again in 39 weeks when my unemployment benefits end.

I refuse to wear a mask as it is more dangerous to your health than wearing one. Even the medical N95 ones cant stop the Covid 19 as it is too small and goes through the masks.

Well, then, you’ll infect people. Congratulations.

Chrisg0619

I am not allowed to wear one by law in NY. NY Penal law 240.35 which is a law from the 1800's make it illegal to wear a mask in public except for masquarde parties and Halloween. I also have asthma so am not required to wear one. Why should I compromise my immune system so others can have a false sense of security? If you want to wear one go ahead but don't force your fears onto others. Seriously if your so scared stay home forever. Lastly if I choose to carry a legal gun by wearing a mask I would now be in violation of federal law and could be charged with a felony.

@BuffaloNY101 wrote:

Chrisg0619

I am not allowed to wear one by law in NY. NY Penal law 240.35 which is a law from the 1800's make it illegal to wear a mask in public except for masquarde parties and Halloween. I also have asthma so am not required to wear one. Why should I compromise my immune system so others can have a false sense of security? If you want to wear one go ahead but don't force your fears onto others. Seriously if your so scared stay home forever. Lastly if I choose to carry a legal gun by wearing a mask I would now be in violation of federal law and could be charged with a felony.

Wearing a mask doesn’t “compromise your immune system”—it prevents airborne particles carrying the virus from reaching others. Asthma isn’t necessarily incompatible with a mask, but honestly, if your asthma is that severe, you shouldn’t be out at all.