warning: Informa does NOT pay in a timely manner

I conducted a series of Student Loan inquiry shops for Informa. The shop data was approved and I was supposed to get paid nearly $200 for the work.
Their Zelle payment to me didnt go through, even though my bank assured me I registered properly.
Informa told me they'd pay by direct deposit instead, but it's been nearly two months since I conducted the shops. Still no payment.

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I have been registered with Informa for over a decade and as it applies to my experiences, they rate "three thumbs up."
I had some difficulty with my initial payment from Informa. But once I got straightened out what needed fixing, all other payments have been in keeping with stated policy.
They did recently change their payments system over to Zelle, and that can be kind of quirky. Especially, as in my case, when your local bank doesn't offer Zelle and you have to use the phone app. I decided I didn't want to go that route, so haven't accepted any Informa jobs since they switched over to Zelle. When they paid by paper check (they may still offer this, not sure), I had no problem receiving my payment.
I have had no problems in over a decade, but I needed to seek out there assistance to get the Zelle system to play nicely with my bank.

They are a stand-up outfit, so reach out to them by calling and asking for "Shopper Services."

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.
Your payment issue is an outlier. If every MSC was like Informa, shoppers would be much happier.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2020 02:07AM by Rousseau.
I'm always surprised when one person experiences an issue, then goes onto a public forum to vilify the ms company. My personal experience has been that I do the work, they send the pay. Simple as that.
I've been conducting mystery and auditing shops for over 25 years - that's hundreds of shops, Sandy.
I've worked with about 20 different companies over this time. Never had a company drag their feet over paying like Informa has done me.
I came to this forum to see if others have experienced this from Informa.
The assignment was done in a timely manner. I expect the company to live up to their agreement.
But, have you called their number and asked to speak with shopper support? THEY are the ones who get things DONE.

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.
I've conversed with several of their employees via email. My full time job keeps me from being able to call during business hours. But I'll try this week.
Thanks.
Your subject line says Informa does not pay on time. Almost all of their mystery shoppers would disagree, as they and I have always received on-time payments. Deal with the issue like a professional. After over 20 years of mystery shopping, I know you must be.
Hi mmike,

I am sorry to hear you are having issues receiving payment. You may have emailed me already but I am unsure. We have been offering ACH since we can't send out checks due to COVID19. Please email me at briana.goldman@informa.com so that I can make sure you get paid as quickly as possible.

Briana Baca
Data Collection Manager
Curinos

Briana.Goldman@Curinos.com

“Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it.” —Jane Wagner
Briana is very reliable!

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.
Absolutely love Informa... never had an issue. My bank doesn’t use Zelle, however you can set it up in the app to effectively do an automatic direct deposit for any incoming funds — I get a payment notice from Informa and its into my checking in 2 days... effectively Direct Deposit. Only thing is I wished they would go back to their in-house schedulers. smiling smiley

Also I agree — if more MSCs were like Informa (and Mintel for that matter) the whole industry would be better off. I feel like part of this is a different mindset... Informa and Mintel (and Customer Impact to an extent) seem to be more on the “consumer research” side of things vs a company like IntelliShop, Marketforce etc. that strictly does retail based shopping projects... the former seems to be a lot more reasonable, pays fair, a bit more flexible and no games, and I’ve actually been able to build relationships — while the later seem to be “its our way or don’t play” and relationship building is difficult. I’ve always thought it has came down to the type of shopper — and this the amount of flakiness or shoddy work that comes with them — that each type attracts.
Mmike,

You have not posted since Bri stated she would take care of the problem. Since I am relatively certain she was successful, why have you been silent?
Not only that but he did not search the postings because I too have had a problem with Informa and Zelle but it was not there fault. And I finally did get paid. Some people have no patience or not enough.
MMIKE's original post was on 05/28, with a reply on 05/30 and 05/31; since then, not a peep. Logic dictates that Bri was able to solve his/her problem, with my guess being it was not a case of Informa being at fault. I score this a classic example of a new participant unjustly slamming a reputable MSC To anyone considering establishing a relationship with Informa, I continue to rate them "three thumbs up" for both fees and communication.
I love Informa. I love they work with shoppers to get the shops done. When I've had an issue before, instead of outright rejecting me, they coach me through the shop. So friendly and responsive! Really enjoyed working with them.
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