Hi, new shopper here
When I can get away with it (when MSC does not specifically state nobody can go in with you), I will have my husb take the photos because he can do it discreetly while I'm working on the timings, making note of cleanliness, names, etc.
I actually don't pick up a lot of shops that require photos "discrete" photos, though. I find it too hard most of the time.
I don't mind the gas station shop that requires a photo of the restroom...those gas station shops that pay $7 and $2 reimbursement are low paying, as you said...but I can get in and out in less than 10 minutes and I can finish the report in less than 10 minutes. So it's worth it to me, especially when I'm on the road with kids...they all get a treat at a shop. (vacations, etc) I also pick them up around town and pick a day when I will be driving a lot around town (taking kids to practices/games/etc)
Taking photos of the store's exterior are also okay imo.
I actually don't pick up a lot of shops that require photos "discrete" photos, though. I find it too hard most of the time.
I don't mind the gas station shop that requires a photo of the restroom...those gas station shops that pay $7 and $2 reimbursement are low paying, as you said...but I can get in and out in less than 10 minutes and I can finish the report in less than 10 minutes. So it's worth it to me, especially when I'm on the road with kids...they all get a treat at a shop. (vacations, etc) I also pick them up around town and pick a day when I will be driving a lot around town (taking kids to practices/games/etc)
Taking photos of the store's exterior are also okay imo.
I think I know which tire shop you are talking about having to take pictures inside. I sat in the "waiting area" and took my pictures. No one ever noticed. I acted like I was texting. I faced myself towards the counter when I sat.
Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.
Just remember that these days taking pictures anywhere is not at all noteworthy. New shoppers all feel like they will be spotted. Even veteran shoppers get nervous when doing a new type of assignment.
Also, in many cases, doing the low-paying newbie shops well and reliably will mean that the MSC will let you see more and better paid shops in future.
One route to better paid shops is to seek out MSCs that do bank teller shops, do those well and begin to see better paid bank shops. Also, learn to do $12 parking shops and move up, with different MSCs to higher paid ones. Finally, find shops that reimburse you for expenses you would otherwise have to pay for, like oil changes, hair care, groceries, tire rotations, dry cleaning, etc. The value of those (i.e., the reimbursements) are really non-taxable income to you.
Where are you located? Forum members may be able to point you in profitable directions if we know what city/towns you are near.
Also, in many cases, doing the low-paying newbie shops well and reliably will mean that the MSC will let you see more and better paid shops in future.
One route to better paid shops is to seek out MSCs that do bank teller shops, do those well and begin to see better paid bank shops. Also, learn to do $12 parking shops and move up, with different MSCs to higher paid ones. Finally, find shops that reimburse you for expenses you would otherwise have to pay for, like oil changes, hair care, groceries, tire rotations, dry cleaning, etc. The value of those (i.e., the reimbursements) are really non-taxable income to you.
Where are you located? Forum members may be able to point you in profitable directions if we know what city/towns you are near.
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.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Thank you for your comments. Makes sense, new shopper jitters I guess.
"New shoppers all feel like they will be spotted." I'm so glad you said that. It definitely eased some of my anxiety.
I just did an entirely new type of shop today. Even after almost 14 years of MS, I was, of course, nervous.
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.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Old shoppers also feel like they are "outed"
I did a Denver Mattress shop and probably won't get paid for it; my 3rd rejection while being shopper
I walked in and the associate was someone who I had shopped just at the last rotation....I was SURE he recognized me! I was so sure about that...that I was nervous and when he asked if I'd been in before, I said yes, against guidelines. But I felt if I said that I hadn't been in, he would KNOW I was lying and would know I was a shopper. I felt like he KNEW I was shopping. Then, he didn't do the presentation very well....and he left the presentation. I felt really, really awkward and so I left the shop at 25 min and the requirement is 30 min.
As it turns out, he probably DIDN'T know I was a shopper, or he would have done a much better presentation. But I was so thrown off guard at the beginning of the sop, that I successfully flubbed it....
I did a Denver Mattress shop and probably won't get paid for it; my 3rd rejection while being shopper
I walked in and the associate was someone who I had shopped just at the last rotation....I was SURE he recognized me! I was so sure about that...that I was nervous and when he asked if I'd been in before, I said yes, against guidelines. But I felt if I said that I hadn't been in, he would KNOW I was lying and would know I was a shopper. I felt like he KNEW I was shopping. Then, he didn't do the presentation very well....and he left the presentation. I felt really, really awkward and so I left the shop at 25 min and the requirement is 30 min.
As it turns out, he probably DIDN'T know I was a shopper, or he would have done a much better presentation. But I was so thrown off guard at the beginning of the sop, that I successfully flubbed it....
@Jill_L, so sorry to hear that. I messed up one too yesterday. I was supposed to get a business card and the discussion didn't even proceed that far, asking for a business card would have been pretty dumb giveaway. Of course my assignment was rejected and reassigned:-( The bad part is this was my first assignment with this company and this is how it started! Aghhh!! Thanks for sharing your experience, it really helps newbies learn.
You have to ask, even if it is at the very end. Ask them if you were to come back do they have a card, so you can speak with them again.
@shykar1 wrote:
@Jill_L, so sorry to hear that. I messed up one too yesterday. I was supposed to get a business card and the discussion didn't even proceed that far, asking for a business card would have been pretty dumb giveaway. Of course my assignment was rejected and reassigned:-( The bad part is this was my first assignment with this company and this is how it started! Aghhh!! Thanks for sharing your experience, it really helps newbies learn.
Remember, you are role playing. Another way to ask for the card is to say that your (sibling/roommate/best friend) is also looking for that (service/product) and could you have a card so that they can call about it or ask for you when they come in.
You will soon get into the swing of such scenarios. They are not provided in most guideline; we improvise them, for the most part. As you read more here you will find threads about things like how to artfully get a name when there is not name tag, and many other improvisations the we all need to have "on tap."
You will soon get into the swing of such scenarios. They are not provided in most guideline; we improvise them, for the most part. As you read more here you will find threads about things like how to artfully get a name when there is not name tag, and many other improvisations the we all need to have "on tap."
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.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Thank you for your suggestions and tips. Hopefully I can get there one day, sooner than later. :-)
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