I'm offered a shop in San Antonio with Amusement Advantage. It's a 300 mile round trip. So I would have to stay overnight if I did it...I could do countless companion shops up there as well. But, of course, I don't know how the form is or how long it will take to fill it out.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

My recollection is that their reports are insanely long and detailed. They rival Coyle.

I have never done one. I do think they tell you how many questions and how long the report should take to complete. I do remember seeing that one time when I looked. I was like "oh hell no" when I saw how long they said it would be.

In another post, I ranted and raved about a shop I did where the editor kept coming back with questions that were not on the form or in the guidelines. Yep, it was Amusement Advantage. I was reprimanded for not discussing something in a form box that was clearly asking for something else to be discussed and did not even mention what they said I should have included. I was utterly baffled at the experience. I've done a few shops for them. They were all pretty much like that. There is no doubt that some of their shops are very enticing, but pulling out my wallet for those folks just flat makes me nervous.

Being real though, if it were something that really did entice me, I might take it, but I would also consider it a gamble and not take it if I couldn't afford to take the loss if the shop didn't work out. I should add, every now and then, they will have phone or web shops that you don't have to spend any money on. If such is available, it might be a good idea to do a low end shop or two for them before you spend a lot of money on one of their high end shops. That way, you have an idea what to expect in working with them. I would generally advise that in working for the first time with any company on an assignment that involves a significant dint to your wallet.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/23/2022 12:15PM by GinnyLynn.

I have done one shop for them, mainly because they do not have much that can be done without taking a child.

The report was very detail oriented, and the company had different expectations than most of the other msc's. For example, in my verbiage I usually just restate each question and indicate whether it was met or not, but this company wanted more. (Instead of 'the landscaping was well maintained' 'the grass was freshly mowed, and the flowers were colorful.)

However, they were easy to work with and professional. When I missed a required photo they worked with me and accepted the report without it. The omission was reflected in my grade.

Thanks for the responses.

Will think twice about ever working for this msc. Many thanks for all your insightful postings.

I have done shops for Amusement Advantage, a couple involved traveling around 100 miles, but it was a fun place for the kids. The schedulers were all super helpful and accommodating. Cynthia (can’t recall her last name) was really sweet, and, through my last-minute reschedule, (getting caught in beach traffic) and my many questions (my first shop so I was nervous about it) if she wanted to scream at me (rightfully so I’m sure) you couldn’t tell - she was as patient as a saint. There was a small miscalculation in my pay for a theatre count shop I did recently, and I emailed the scheduler - no arguing or excuses, it was corrected. And I was paid far less than the 30-45 days it states on their website. I apologize, I’ve rambled on awhile, but, AA is one company I wouldn’t hesitate to work with. As for narrative, I’ve not done a Coyle, so can’t compare, but to me, it wasn’t heavy, just redundant in spots. I was asked not to copy and paste, but I wrote that the process was exactly the same each time (buying tickets for the theatre shop) and asked them what else would they like me to include. The shop was accepted after I added that question. I didn’t get an answer so I’m assuming it wasn’t a major issue. But anyways, if you take the shop, I hope you have as good an experience, and hope my loonng post has helped a little.

In my experience, Amusement Advantage's reports are nowhere near the level of detail of Coyle. I have had very good experiences with Amusement Advantage.

Athough I have never completed any work for AA, some yrs. back, I was called upon to lend assistance to a friend I had introduced to shopping. She had completed the visit part of an assignment for AA, but discovered the report was "over her head." I assisted her and the job was accepted, but with the condition she would not apply for any work in the future of which she was ignorant; as it applied to narrative, she was challenged.

Employing a scale of one to five, with one being nothing but checking boxes and five a Coyle, the report we submitted was a four. If one values the amusement, they pay well. There, though, has never been any of which I had any interest.

I've done LOTS of work for AA over the years. From simple bowling to complex amusement parks. I've never had a shop rejected. Yes, they take time but in my opinion they are easier than Coyle. I've never had a problem with the editors disliking my writing style. (The restroom was well maintained, with all necessary supplies being available.)
Just remember they want exact quotes for greeting & parting comments from employees.

If you were going to go to the fun place anyway the work: pay ratio is usually just fine.

My recollection of those shops was that I did the work while others enjoyed the amusements. It's a lot of work but not difficult.

Amusement Advantage has always been one of my go to companies especially when vacationing. I have done shops all over US and even one in Canada. The benefits: great schedulers, generous portion of tickets etc, clear instructions and support when needed.The forms are easy to use and do require significant detail but I did not find them too labor intensive.

Love AA as well as do all of my grandchildren!!!