Trainings/Accurate Shop Details - Can we influence an MSC???
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I have to agree with Emdisco. That is exactly my approach. You take the test in your free time and because so many people already know the shops are really low, by the end of the month they will email you with high bonuses.
I do not think it is wise to compare mystery shopping to an hourly job. You have to think of your self as your own business. Working independent means that you are not on the clock sitting at a desk waiting for a pay check. You have to be proactive in this business.
So you place a certain amount of time aside for research. Just like any business you need to do research to find what clients you can do business with. Some of that time will be taken test and reading lots of info.
You do the test, you don't like the job, you move on.
In the end it may pay off better then you imagined.
I do not think it is wise to compare mystery shopping to an hourly job. You have to think of your self as your own business. Working independent means that you are not on the clock sitting at a desk waiting for a pay check. You have to be proactive in this business.
So you place a certain amount of time aside for research. Just like any business you need to do research to find what clients you can do business with. Some of that time will be taken test and reading lots of info.
You do the test, you don't like the job, you move on.
In the end it may pay off better then you imagined.
Nobody is saying that a shopper should not be able to make the choice to take tests to qualify for any shop they choose to qualify for, whether the pay is high, low, or in-between. This is not a discussion about whether or not you should take a test to qualify for a shop or not. What we are saying is that the regular pay for the shop should be disclosed by the MSP up front before the shopper takes the test. Some of us do not choose to take tests without knowing how much the pay is. If you and I both see a shop that pays $3 and requires the test, you may choose to take the test and qualify, and then either take the shop at $3 or wait to see if it is bonused. I choose not to take a test for a $3 shop, realizing that it they later bonus it I will not qualify for it. It's a choice, and the question here is: Should an MSC be up front with their shoppers and disclose the amount they are paying for a shop BEFORE the shopper takes the test? I say yes, a shopper should know how much a shop pays and be able to make an informed choice whether she wants to take the test or not.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2010 05:02PM by AustinMom.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2010 05:02PM by AustinMom.
Deech Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why take the test and sign for the shop just to
> find I have to time three different actions on top
> of each other and 30 questions for a ff? I
> forgot, there is also a story to tell also. These
> shops never get a bonus.
>
> All iblessyah , and a few more or us, would like
> is a little more information about all that is
> expected, not just the pay.
The information is there, in the training presentation. You do not need to take the test to get to that information. And whether there is a test or not, to find out anything about the details of the shop, you will need to go through some sort of a guidelines document for any MSP. So putting the fee question aside, if all you want is some information about the shop, prior to taking the test, it is there for you.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why take the test and sign for the shop just to
> find I have to time three different actions on top
> of each other and 30 questions for a ff? I
> forgot, there is also a story to tell also. These
> shops never get a bonus.
>
> All iblessyah , and a few more or us, would like
> is a little more information about all that is
> expected, not just the pay.
The information is there, in the training presentation. You do not need to take the test to get to that information. And whether there is a test or not, to find out anything about the details of the shop, you will need to go through some sort of a guidelines document for any MSP. So putting the fee question aside, if all you want is some information about the shop, prior to taking the test, it is there for you.
Its the TRAINING PRESENTATION that people here are complaining about. The test is just how they are referring to it.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
shop-a-holic Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Deech Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Why take the test and sign for the shop just to
> > find I have to time three different actions on
> top
> > of each other and 30 questions for a ff? I
> > forgot, there is also a story to tell also.
> These
> > shops never get a bonus.
> >
> > All iblessyah , and a few more or us, would
> like
> > is a little more information about all that is
> > expected, not just the pay.
>
> The information is there, in the training
> presentation. You do not need to take the test to
> get to that information. And whether there is a
> test or not, to find out anything about the
> details of the shop, you will need to go through
> some sort of a guidelines document for any MSP.
> So putting the fee question aside, if all you want
> is some information about the shop, prior to
> taking the test, it is there for you.
shopaholic, nobody wants the details of a shop, they just want to know HOW MUCH IT PAYS. While most companies don't disclose the details of a shop (you have to accept and go to the guidelines), they do disclose up front HOW MUCH IT PAYS. If a company sends me an e-mail with a $3 fee, I know I don't need to go through any guidelines to find out details because I know I don't want the details and don't want the shop. The complaint here is that there is no disclosure of HOW MUCH THE SHOP PAYS until you have gone through a time-consuming training presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Deech Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Why take the test and sign for the shop just to
> > find I have to time three different actions on
> top
> > of each other and 30 questions for a ff? I
> > forgot, there is also a story to tell also.
> These
> > shops never get a bonus.
> >
> > All iblessyah , and a few more or us, would
> like
> > is a little more information about all that is
> > expected, not just the pay.
>
> The information is there, in the training
> presentation. You do not need to take the test to
> get to that information. And whether there is a
> test or not, to find out anything about the
> details of the shop, you will need to go through
> some sort of a guidelines document for any MSP.
> So putting the fee question aside, if all you want
> is some information about the shop, prior to
> taking the test, it is there for you.
shopaholic, nobody wants the details of a shop, they just want to know HOW MUCH IT PAYS. While most companies don't disclose the details of a shop (you have to accept and go to the guidelines), they do disclose up front HOW MUCH IT PAYS. If a company sends me an e-mail with a $3 fee, I know I don't need to go through any guidelines to find out details because I know I don't want the details and don't want the shop. The complaint here is that there is no disclosure of HOW MUCH THE SHOP PAYS until you have gone through a time-consuming training presentation.
I was simply replying to Deech's post in which she was saying she wanted a little more information about the shop, before having to take the test.
I was offered a MSC shop where I had to review the instructions and take the test. I reviewed the instructions and went to take the test and the test was already answered for me. What is that all about?:-)
lolol at the birthday quip!!! And now those $3 shops are $7 in my area and I need gas. Those two tests I took. 
iblessyah@yahoo.com Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've shopped at least one MSC where in order to
> see the details of a shop, you first have to take
> a training/test for that particular client. That
> means that you have to spend an hour studying and
> taking a test sometimes only to find out that the
> job pays $3.50 for a complicated set of pictures
> and report/uploads. I don't see that everywhere.
> Is there a way around all that or do you just
> steer clear of those companies. I'm probably a
> bit grouchy because it just happened again but I
> think it is a bit disrespectful of the company to
> not be up front about the fees/reimbursements
> available for the shop before wasting my time. lol
> I've taken several of the trainings and do shop
> for the MSC but I also wasted a lot of time on one
> of them and was disqualified just because I was 52
> and not 25. lol That 25 year old could get in
> the groove and do a bunch of em in a route and
> make some money but it was worthless to me and
> took time I could have been shopping elsewhere.
> Another example was to take the test only to find
> out the pay was very low for a shop testing ADA
> compliance that was supposed to take 20-30
> minutes. I accepted a job for a low pay to see if
> I could make a difference to a mobility impaired
> person. I was in a mobility chair at a retail
> store for 3 1/2 hours before I could gather all
> the infor mation I needed to make $6 and still had
> an a report to write when I got home. The MSC was
> not up front about the time the shop would take.
> I am mobility impaired and I took the shop to see
> if I could do it since it was only going to take
> 30 minutes. What I learned was that if I wanted
> to shop at that place, it would take me three
> hours instead of thirty minutes. I consider that
> shop community service and a gift, but I sure
> won't do anymore of that particular shop. there
> any way to influence an MSC or do you just steer
> clear of that company and let the newbies take the
> hit with finding out about the time consuming
> problems??? I don't shop them from the boards
> anymore....I wait for an email with a decent price
> tag in it. Guess I'm hoping that maybe the MSC's
> read the forum and see our frustrations too so
> that at least they are aware.
Do not take jobs that will not tell you more about what the job consists of. If you want to find out details, call the schedualer and ask. No schedular will change their tactics even if they read these posts. Get real! If they read them it is to better find ways to manipulate you.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've shopped at least one MSC where in order to
> see the details of a shop, you first have to take
> a training/test for that particular client. That
> means that you have to spend an hour studying and
> taking a test sometimes only to find out that the
> job pays $3.50 for a complicated set of pictures
> and report/uploads. I don't see that everywhere.
> Is there a way around all that or do you just
> steer clear of those companies. I'm probably a
> bit grouchy because it just happened again but I
> think it is a bit disrespectful of the company to
> not be up front about the fees/reimbursements
> available for the shop before wasting my time. lol
> I've taken several of the trainings and do shop
> for the MSC but I also wasted a lot of time on one
> of them and was disqualified just because I was 52
> and not 25. lol That 25 year old could get in
> the groove and do a bunch of em in a route and
> make some money but it was worthless to me and
> took time I could have been shopping elsewhere.
> Another example was to take the test only to find
> out the pay was very low for a shop testing ADA
> compliance that was supposed to take 20-30
> minutes. I accepted a job for a low pay to see if
> I could make a difference to a mobility impaired
> person. I was in a mobility chair at a retail
> store for 3 1/2 hours before I could gather all
> the infor mation I needed to make $6 and still had
> an a report to write when I got home. The MSC was
> not up front about the time the shop would take.
> I am mobility impaired and I took the shop to see
> if I could do it since it was only going to take
> 30 minutes. What I learned was that if I wanted
> to shop at that place, it would take me three
> hours instead of thirty minutes. I consider that
> shop community service and a gift, but I sure
> won't do anymore of that particular shop. there
> any way to influence an MSC or do you just steer
> clear of that company and let the newbies take the
> hit with finding out about the time consuming
> problems??? I don't shop them from the boards
> anymore....I wait for an email with a decent price
> tag in it. Guess I'm hoping that maybe the MSC's
> read the forum and see our frustrations too so
> that at least they are aware.
Do not take jobs that will not tell you more about what the job consists of. If you want to find out details, call the schedualer and ask. No schedular will change their tactics even if they read these posts. Get real! If they read them it is to better find ways to manipulate you.
Funny, at the end of February there were still tons of February gas shops left. Now there aren't even many of the March ones since they are $7.00. hmmmmmmm maybe someone at the MSC noticed and didn't nickle and dime 'em to death. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking.
I somehow doubt it.
**********************************************************************
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
Mert, what is an "integrity shop"?
Mert Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Yay! Someone who GETS IT!" I understood your
> explanation, Dee. And, I also get Emdisco's
> point.
>
> As I said earlier, I do testing when I'm so
> inclined based on the name/location of the
> Company. No doubt the fee is going to be low.
> Here, almost monthly, low-paying shops get highly
> bonused, five times or more the original fee.
> That's why I'd recommend doing the training. You
> never know ~ ~ ~
>
> Also though, I have emailed the scheduler
> requesting info before spending time on a test.
> His responses provided enough detail that I ruled
> them out - one was due to age requirements and the
> other was an integrity shop, which I don't do. No
> wasted time.
Mert Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Yay! Someone who GETS IT!" I understood your
> explanation, Dee. And, I also get Emdisco's
> point.
>
> As I said earlier, I do testing when I'm so
> inclined based on the name/location of the
> Company. No doubt the fee is going to be low.
> Here, almost monthly, low-paying shops get highly
> bonused, five times or more the original fee.
> That's why I'd recommend doing the training. You
> never know ~ ~ ~
>
> Also though, I have emailed the scheduler
> requesting info before spending time on a test.
> His responses provided enough detail that I ruled
> them out - one was due to age requirements and the
> other was an integrity shop, which I don't do. No
> wasted time.
Integrity shops evaluate the honesty of an employee. One scenario requires, among other things, the shopper to make a purchase and make cash register observations. Afterward, the shopper returns to the floor, selects an item, hands cash to the employee to see if it's pocketed or rung up at the register. There are a few details I didn't provide, but that's the gist.
Another example is the two part restaurant shop - bar and dining. Interaction with the bartender requires similar integrity observations. Were the drinks rung up, was the cash put in the register, was correct change given.
I won't do the former, but have no problem with the latter.
Another example is the two part restaurant shop - bar and dining. Interaction with the bartender requires similar integrity observations. Were the drinks rung up, was the cash put in the register, was correct change given.
I won't do the former, but have no problem with the latter.
I don't like the idea of integrity shops. Somehow the prospect of someone losing their job because of my report doesn't feel right. Too many variables as to why cash handling was not done according to procedures.
Shops I won't do:
Integrity,Targeted,Purchase & Return, Fine dining ( I don't want to ruin a good experience by having to work after it).
Different strokes for different folks !
Shops I won't do:
Integrity,Targeted,Purchase & Return, Fine dining ( I don't want to ruin a good experience by having to work after it).
Different strokes for different folks !
Hellbent:
What is a "targeted" shop and why don't you do them?
The "purchase & return" sounds obvious. I've never done one. But why is it you don't do those?
Thank you.
Hellbent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't like the idea of integrity shops. Somehow
> the prospect of someone losing their job because
> of my report doesn't feel right. Too many
> variables as to why cash handling was not done
> according to procedures.
> Shops I won't do:
> Integrity,Targeted,Purchase & Return, Fine dining
> ( I don't want to ruin a good experience by having
> to work after it).
> Different strokes for different folks !
What is a "targeted" shop and why don't you do them?
The "purchase & return" sounds obvious. I've never done one. But why is it you don't do those?
Thank you.
Hellbent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't like the idea of integrity shops. Somehow
> the prospect of someone losing their job because
> of my report doesn't feel right. Too many
> variables as to why cash handling was not done
> according to procedures.
> Shops I won't do:
> Integrity,Targeted,Purchase & Return, Fine dining
> ( I don't want to ruin a good experience by having
> to work after it).
> Different strokes for different folks !
A targeted shop is when the shopper is instructed to shop a certain individual, and only that individual. I don't cherish calling numerous times to get a hold of the target (it's time consuming). Once I did a job for EPMS and did as instructed. I arrived for the appointment and the target had disappeared for the day.After two days of calling and finally setting the appointment, driving 25 some odd miles and arriving to not have the target keep the appointment, I was not paid for my time and efforts. So rather then waste my time (which is money), I no longer do them. Or work for that company.
Purchase and returns are actually two jobs for a one job fee.If you want me to return the item then pay me.
Purchase and returns are actually two jobs for a one job fee.If you want me to return the item then pay me.
Hellbent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Purchase and returns are actually two jobs for a
> one job fee.If you want me to return the item then
> pay me.
And of course if you return the item, there is no reimbursement advantage to the work either. So the fee really needs to be for two shops with no benefit beyond fee. And that to me looks like and smells like a $30 fee for the two part job since I don't leave the driveway for less than a $15 benefit.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2010 10:39PM by Flash.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Purchase and returns are actually two jobs for a
> one job fee.If you want me to return the item then
> pay me.
And of course if you return the item, there is no reimbursement advantage to the work either. So the fee really needs to be for two shops with no benefit beyond fee. And that to me looks like and smells like a $30 fee for the two part job since I don't leave the driveway for less than a $15 benefit.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2010 10:39PM by Flash.
I've done 3 targeted shops for EPMS this week. It took me a long time to get the first target on the phone but that one is done. The second two were easier. I called the complex from my regular phone and found out when they would be working. Then called at that time from the EPMS line. lol Made it much easier than to keep calling and bugging the people at the complex with "prank" calls to try and hit and miss and find the target. But now I just did an "anyone" shop for them and got paid the same. I liked that one a lot better.
dee shops Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think you are way out on a limb here. I give
> up. No reasoning with you. Ever.
Dee,
I feel your frustration. I do not understand why people like that even bother to find forums like this to express their negative self-righteous opinions. That's why I do not participate on the forum as much as I would like because my comments would need to be removed after a fool like him pissed me off!
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think you are way out on a limb here. I give
> up. No reasoning with you. Ever.
Dee,
I feel your frustration. I do not understand why people like that even bother to find forums like this to express their negative self-righteous opinions. That's why I do not participate on the forum as much as I would like because my comments would need to be removed after a fool like him pissed me off!
jluntzshopper Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have to agree with Emdisco. That is exactly my
> approach. You take the test in your free time and
> because so many people already know the shops are
> really low, by the end of the month they will
> email you with high bonuses.
>
I agree, but, since most of the shops have turned out to be less than $7, which net out at less than $4, not including travel time, I have mostly "free time." Not profit time. I must be in a wrong area, I see top bonus of $2 on a $4-7 shop. Some one must be taking them, so they don't get to the $10-12 range where I can at least break even.
Not much influence to be gained there.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have to agree with Emdisco. That is exactly my
> approach. You take the test in your free time and
> because so many people already know the shops are
> really low, by the end of the month they will
> email you with high bonuses.
>
I agree, but, since most of the shops have turned out to be less than $7, which net out at less than $4, not including travel time, I have mostly "free time." Not profit time. I must be in a wrong area, I see top bonus of $2 on a $4-7 shop. Some one must be taking them, so they don't get to the $10-12 range where I can at least break even.
Not much influence to be gained there.
Emdisco -- This company takes people's TIME--a lot of time-- to do the tests and the shops are horrible! Low pay! Multiple things to fix and change! I sent in dozens of pictures, and they still said they weren't good enough! NO! This company should have NO one do their shops until they straighten out their mess!
Poor newbies.
Theresa
Poor newbies.
Theresa
terry9297 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Emdisco -- This company takes people's TIME--a lot
> of time-- to do the tests and the shops are
> horrible! Low pay! Multiple things to fix and
> change! I sent in dozens of pictures, and they
> still said they weren't good enough! NO! This
> company should have NO one do their shops until
> they straighten out their mess!
>
> Poor newbies.
>
> Theresa
You invest your own time in these ventures. I've had this discussion before. I know the American way is to chabnge what you don't like, but sometimes it is best to move on. I've been called a fool over this and frankly I must be, but I don't view that company as being broken. With countless other companies out here that do the same thing, why waste your time on one that does not do things the way you prefer. Leave it to the people who don't mind doing what is required to get paid. People keep complaining about $3 shops. Where are they? They are only $3 if you accept it at $3. I have never done a shop for this company at $3. My average shop for CoRI is around $15. So I am suppose to listen to you call me stupid and a fool for feeding my family and paying my bills instead of joining your pity party? Everyone has to make a choice. You have made yours and I have made mine. I get paid from them every week, maybe you do or don't. It doesn't matter. Until I am given a reason other than they need to increase their initial offerings, I see no good reason to change my position. Good luck to each and all of you. God Bless YOU.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Emdisco -- This company takes people's TIME--a lot
> of time-- to do the tests and the shops are
> horrible! Low pay! Multiple things to fix and
> change! I sent in dozens of pictures, and they
> still said they weren't good enough! NO! This
> company should have NO one do their shops until
> they straighten out their mess!
>
> Poor newbies.
>
> Theresa
You invest your own time in these ventures. I've had this discussion before. I know the American way is to chabnge what you don't like, but sometimes it is best to move on. I've been called a fool over this and frankly I must be, but I don't view that company as being broken. With countless other companies out here that do the same thing, why waste your time on one that does not do things the way you prefer. Leave it to the people who don't mind doing what is required to get paid. People keep complaining about $3 shops. Where are they? They are only $3 if you accept it at $3. I have never done a shop for this company at $3. My average shop for CoRI is around $15. So I am suppose to listen to you call me stupid and a fool for feeding my family and paying my bills instead of joining your pity party? Everyone has to make a choice. You have made yours and I have made mine. I get paid from them every week, maybe you do or don't. It doesn't matter. Until I am given a reason other than they need to increase their initial offerings, I see no good reason to change my position. Good luck to each and all of you. God Bless YOU.
tiffylowe Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> dee shops Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I think you are way out on a limb here. I give
> > up. No reasoning with you. Ever.
>
>
> Dee,
>
> I feel your frustration. I do not understand why
> people like that even bother to find forums like
> this to express their negative self-righteous
> opinions. That's why I do not participate on the
> forum as much as I would like because my comments
> would need to be removed after a fool like him
> pissed me off!
I think I am entitled to my opinion much the same as you are to yours. Are we now banning people for what they think? Who died and left you in charge?
-------------------------------------------------------
> dee shops Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I think you are way out on a limb here. I give
> > up. No reasoning with you. Ever.
>
>
> Dee,
>
> I feel your frustration. I do not understand why
> people like that even bother to find forums like
> this to express their negative self-righteous
> opinions. That's why I do not participate on the
> forum as much as I would like because my comments
> would need to be removed after a fool like him
> pissed me off!
I think I am entitled to my opinion much the same as you are to yours. Are we now banning people for what they think? Who died and left you in charge?
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