Interested in learning about your experiences, what they’re like to work with (including editors), and their history/actual ownership. Thank you.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/22/2025 07:01PM by SBP.

It's years since I've done a shop for them. I found them fine to work with. They seemed to have local (Alberta) schedulers back then.

I just did 2 back to back fragrance assignments for a well-known European based international client that sells in high end department stores with well staffed cosmetic counters. It came with 30 pages of instructions focused on cosmetic procedures rather than the target product we were required to shop, and evaluate service for.

I logged 60 miles and 6 hours of time between travel and narrative-saturated reports lacking in clear relationship to the assignment focus and had them both disqualified by editors noting circumstances beyond my control as the reasons, even though the directions were followed and the reports provided clear intel about product inventory and quality of service as requested.

In reality: they did not verify if the products were sold at the location or whether the required personnel to shop were even staffed, essentially sending shoppers on a “wild goose chase” resulting in getting the intel, photos, and competitor intel for free by disqualifying shopper payments for those very reasons.

I was supposed to be paid $100. Fuel was $30, plus my time and overhead. I replied with the above and requested reimbursement for mileage/furl, which were declined.

Reached out to scheduler with the same. No reply.

Scheduler reached out directly by email right after all of that with a last minute bonused plea for assistance for the same assignment and location. I shared why I can’t work for free and again asked to at least be reimbursed for my fuel for the last 2.

No reply. No pay.

I’m seeing other assignments posted by the same MSC (headquartered in Canada) for high end hair and cosmetic experiences with low job rates and high purchase requirements (and below cost reimbursement) in expensive US urban locations for the same multinational corporate client… that didn’t pay me before.

We would not break even, even if paid as advertised.

The math simply doesn’t add up in a shoppers favor.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/30/2025 07:10PM by SBP.

Yikes. Thank you for the cautionary tale.

SBP, I am unable to shed any light on your query. Although I have been contracted with this company for 20 yrs., I have never completed any work.

In the event this unpleasant situation has created the slightest of negative feelings toward Canadian MSCs, my experiences are all devoid of any problems with the 4 companies for whom I have accepted shops. In addition, from 05/61 to 11/63, I was, on a daily basis, in contact with Newfies and then for a short time, Scotians. I am 83 and have never met a finer group of people.

@shopperbob wrote:

SBP, I am unable to shed any light on your query. Although I have been contracted with this company for 20 yrs., I have never completed any work.

In the event this unpleasant situation has created the slightest of negative feelings toward Canadian MSCs, my experiences are all devoid of any problems with the 4 companies for whom I have accepted shops. In addition, from 05/61 to 11/63, I was, on a daily basis, in contact with Newfies and then for a short time, Scotians. I am 83 and have never met a finer group of people.

Bob:
To be clear:
This is in no way a slur upon Canadians. I love the landscape and everyone I’ve met there has been pleasant and kind. West coast is breathtaking. The Rockies are epic. I honeymooned in Montreal. Montreal and Quebec City are the next best thing to visiting Europe for architecture, cuisine, and culture.

My original query asked for insight about this company. So many have been gobbled up by hungry corporate entities wanting to monopolize niches.
A Google search revealed its location and basic leadership information. It happens to be headquartered in Canada, which does limit options if you do the work and you’re not paid.

I reached out to advocate for my $100 in assignment fees. The reply from a J Collins indicated that they do use the information I provided (I’m not being paid for) to benefit the MSC and the multinational, multibillion dollar client who pays them…at my/our cost.

I told them that level of entitlement just cost the client a loyal customer and the MSC an excellent field rep with a family to support who won’t pay to work for nothing.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/31/2025 03:18PM by SBP.

SBP, thank you for sharing the response of J. Collins. I also, if the offer were extended, will avoid business with this MSC.

From my bag of adages, I retracted the following: "Watch out for bad apples in the barrel." As I previously posted, this is the first negative comment I recall concerning a Canadian shopping company. It is unfortunate one is not permitted to name both the MSC and their client.

@shopperbob wrote:

SBP, thank you for sharing the response of J. Collins. I also, if the offer were extended, will avoid business with this MSC.

From my bag of adages, I retracted the following: "Watch out for bad apples in the barrel." As I previously posted, this is the first negative comment I recall concerning a Canadian shopping company. It is unfortunate one is not permitted to name both the MSC and their client.

I hear you. I’ve actually had very positive experiences with the other, more insightful one if that helps.

I, too, over a period of approx. 18 yrs., have had completely positive experiences with Intouch. If they were not usually bottom payers, I would be applying for more work. I do, though, respect they are able to fill their needs without my monetary requirements.

Hi there! I think it is great to discuss your experiences, and I am sorry you feel your experience was unfair. If you would like to discuss your specific example further, please email hello@shoppersconfidential.com, and I would be happy to investigate.

I have done these shops before. They are annoying to do and I haven't signed up for one in a while. I remember them being very particular about which retail associate you talk to. If the right kind of person isn't there, then you can't complete the report. A big inconvenience if you had to go out of your way to do them.