OP ED

August 31, 2024 04:51PM

My husband and I are route shoppers. I am really upset about this chronic reduction in shop prices. All year long they have been steadily dropping shopper fees. It seems to me that they (MSPs) do NOT appreciate shoppers. They want us to go to a location and use our skills to thoroughly look for infractions. How can you possibly expect that when you aren't even willing to provide an adequate fee? I have been shopping for 7 years. I am not going to drive an hour and do an Exxon for $10 (Hawkinsville, Ga) and then drive an hour back! The entire route would be 3 Circle ks and 2 Exxons! If you think about it 1 hour driving time plus 1 hour driving time plus up to 30 minutes for the Exxon and another 15 minutes to input. At a shopper fee of $10 you are paying approximately $3.33 an hour. No way jose!

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August 31, 2024 05:03PM

I am a route shopper, too. I've noticed the same thing. I am now doing more smaller jobs on a route to make ends meet. I will do 9 Circle K's, 6 Exxon's, 1 Goodwill, and a few bonused jobs. With the gas stations, a lot of my gas is paid for, so that helps. But, just 9 Circle K's at $10 each, 6 Exxon's at $12 each is already $162 and probably didn't spend 3 hours doing them all. Then, I still have the bonus jobs and the Goodwill. I will also look through Presto in each area I go to see if there's something I can do quickly. I could also do a Sonic in one of the areas for a quick free meal. With the gas paid for, it makes a lot of sense to me to do the quick and simple jobs and make more in the long run.

If I did an apartment video shop and have to travel for it, the job itself with the report would be around 3 to 4 hours. And, the travel would not be paid for in gas. How many $10 jobs can I do in 3-4 hours? A lot. That's my way of thinking, anyway.

Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.

August 31, 2024 07:25PM

do I need to point out that F and L hasn't read the shops. The $10 Exxons are dark audits, the $12 site experiences are posted also. You can do both at the same time as long as you don't use the same pictures in both shops. That's IF you don't wait for the pay to increase, which it will, if you leave it alone in just a couple weeks.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2024 07:27PM by Morledzep.

September 02, 2024 04:06AM

@ArkLaMissshopping wrote:

If I did an apartment video shop and have to travel for it, the job itself with the report would be around 3 to 4 hours. And, the travel would not be paid for in gas. How many $10 jobs can I do in 3-4 hours? A lot. That's my way of thinking, anyway.

At a minimum app wage of $20 per hour, that would be $60 to $80.

September 15, 2024 07:26PM

And what are "career shoppers" to do the weeks the shops do not pay. If this continues i will allow my husband to get an outside job and I'll do only the intown shops. Yes i realized they were darks after posting but that is irrelevant when i can't make enough to justify any routes except occasionally or even just make a living they are TRUELY turning this into a side gig especially since one MSP has a monopoly on most of the gigs.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/15/2024 07:29PM by F and L TeleComm.

September 15, 2024 09:06PM

It takes you 45 minutes to do an Exxon?

September 16, 2024 02:20AM

Not too many months ago I was advocating for waiting for bonuses or pay increases. depending on the shop and platform. All the while F and L was saying that if you did enough shops they would pay enough to get by. The base pay hasn't changed, in some cases the base pay has increased $1 or $2. But now working at base pay is an issue. Shell station base pay has increased from $12.50 base pay to $14. Exxon used to be $15 but you had to take pics of every pump. For $3 less you only have to take a pic of the pump you pumped your $2 worth of gasoline at, and all the extraneous pics of koalas and waves went away, now you only have to take pics of them if there is a problem. You're taking half as many pictures for only $3 less, and they are monthly, so at the end of every month the bonuses get pretty ok. My son and I have done them at $30 - $60 almost every month, and we don't do just one, we normally do enough of them to pay all of our monthly bills. And my son does Shells at the end of each round for nice bonuses, so we can get other things.

I understand living on mystery shopping all too well. Up until last October mystery shopping and door dash was our only source of income since 2013, when I still had a $700+ mortgage payment and $2300 semi-annual property tax bill that was NOT part of my mortgage payment in CA, while my son bought and sold stuff from storage spaces. We realized that one bad month and everything was going to come to an end and we would end up living in the motorhome. So, in 2016, we sold the house and most of everything we owned, and used the proceeds to buy this 5 acres (no mortgage) with $300 annual property taxes.

Now the MSC's aren't lowering the base pay. Except for the naked folks.. But they are waiting longer before they start increasing pay or bonusing shops, trying to force desperate folks into taking jobs that will end up costing them money in the long run, so they can get an infusion of cash for immediate needs. And folks like my son, can't see that. He sees a bright shiny $20 bill and thinks it's a lot of money, this is part of the reason he needs someone to watch over him, and why he still lives with me.

September 16, 2024 07:32AM

It sounds very possible for some of you who do route shopping that this is the time to consider another way of earning money. I am sure the amount you can earn varies a lot from one shoppers route to another shoppers route depending and how desperate the msc is for those particular locations.
I have found the opposite where I live. Where almost every shop disappeared at base pay a few years ago now, since the pandemic , I actually do see bonuses occasionally. It could be because other jobs started picking up or it could be because there have been significant hourly pay increases for employees these past few years so people have left mystery shopping to get a chance at $20+ an hour with health insurance elsewhere. '
Whatever the reason for these changes if you are starting to doubt your ability to meet your budget with mystery shopping this may be a good time to think about making a change. You can always come back to mystery shopping if things do not work out or for some extra money on the side.

September 16, 2024 01:30PM

Folks, to be successful as ICs, you must accept that supply and demand is usually, when considering profit, a paramount factor. Read SA's post, as it outlines his/her decision and then Morled's recount of adaptability of prior yrs. An IC must be adaptable, realistic and a self-starter. Without those traits, one is doomed to either mediocrity and/or failure.

In 2007, I was able to rescue my shopping from complete failure to success; I KNOW it is possible.

September 16, 2024 02:15PM

I am just curious, for those who find the fees to be too low, when you get an offer for a job with low fees, do you ever provide that feedback to the MSC?

I did a shop this weekend where the client had a required purchase and reimbursement, but the listed item prices in the shop were different when I got to the location. It was about an extra $2 out of pocket, but I added commentary in the report 2x that the pricing and reimbursement was not accurate.

Anytime I receive an offer for a shop (and there is also a FB group of shoppers that interact with schedulers) and the fee is too low, I will respond and tell the scheduler that the fee is too low for the work involved.

Sandy is spot on - at some point, it might make more sense to find a different line of work if the MS around you is no longer a lucrative endeavor.

September 16, 2024 04:56PM

@Okie wrote:

@joanna81 wrote:

I am just curious, for those who find the fees to be too low, when you get an offer for a job with low fees, do you ever provide that feedback to the MSC?
From my experience, it's more likely with smaller MSCs. I've had some actually proactively reevaluate the reimbursement amount based on my purchases, in comparison to current prices and adjust. In terms of pay, only if I really did have valid reasons and can articulate the complexity/effort versus the requirements. I had one scheduler recognize the different amount of work required between two of the same projects that paid the same but with different clients, and would adjust pay given the number of required photos and documentation a project required let's say. Also, in some ways, while I don't work with them as much, I do like Coyle. I've had some applications accepted and some rejected with my proposed rate and reasoning, and sometimes feedback given. It's been professional, where no offense or slights have been taken either way. In all of these examples, I would work with these MSCs more because of how easy they are to work with, open to communicate both ways, and willing to listen and make adjustments.

Going to go a little off topic now. Not really related to routes. Sorry for the length. During my period of unemployment earlier this year, I was getting both severance and unemployment. I do a lot of trading with excess funds. Some individual trades alone are going to be weeks of mystery shopping. For me, I was aware of that and that made financial sense. However, personally, and I think others have mentioned, I realized mystery shopping to me, was also a good way to get out of the house and to stay sane. Getting out of the house and having interactions were important at the time. The only interactions I was having was with my girlfriend, a couple of close friends, and service appointments. That's personally up to everyone to determine what works best for you (you know yourself the best versus anyone else on the forums).

Also, I read a post on the forums that really made an impression on me. You take the feedback and advice from everyone to be a better version of yourself and improve, whether it be as a mystery shopper or person. You can take away something from everyone. Try to emulate certain shoppers and philosophies you agree with, and apply it to your own situation. If you like the way a forum member treats other members, let that be a takeaway and strive to be better and like that. Other shoppers where it doesn't work out for you or don't really want to emulate, it just serves as a reminder and example of what you don't want to be. Take something positive from that. (I really hope this doesn't come off as offensive or sounds like it's targeted at anyone. That wasn't my intention, but rather take everything with a grain of salt and best apply it to your own personal set of circumstances and situation. Also, there's some good examples and people out there.)

I completely understand and agree. I appreciate the companies that will treat an increased fee request professionally, no hard feelings.

I started MS'ing back in about 2006/2007 when I lost a job and agree that getting out of the house, having something productive to do, having interactions, etc are all valuable in other ways besides just profit, and learning from others can be either in negative or positive ways.

September 17, 2024 02:18AM

Joanna,

I did try to talk to a scheduler one time about the differences in reimbursement and the actual cost of the required purchases, I was told that I committed to the job so I had to go and do it, even if it cost me money. I didn't.. got a "1" that I deserved, because I wasn't going to drive to the OC to do a job that wouldn't even cover the cost of the gasoline to get there, let alone the cost of the gasoline to get back to Riverside, and I would be out of pocket on the required purchase too.

I am much more careful about choosing which shops I want to do now. I make sure that I'm going to make a profit, whether it's one shop or a route, I need to cover all of my costs and get paid too.

I do still occasionally take jobs that will cost me more than I'll get paid in the long run. But they are places that I want to go, and they aren't the jobs that I'm trying to use to make ends meet.

September 18, 2024 02:29PM

I think it’s possible that the MSCs have tracking set up on certain email addresses associated with taking low paying shops. They may restrict bonus offers to these addresses or provide differing pay for low population areas where they have enough shoppers willing to take the bait. I doubt it has anything to do with less demand/customers the MSCs have at any given time. If that was the case, conversely they would be willing to pay the ICs more if demand increases - which they never do. These companies are versed in performing data analytics in every form, and would rather pay their IT geeks big money over their lowly, stupid shoppers. Since they heavily rely on the ICs, keeping that segment of their company financially stable is key. Showing no respect for them, as if they don’t need them, is part of their repertoire.

Taking low paying shops will never be to your benefit. When you factor in admin time searching for shops, training and gas used to go to several locations, you can’t win. The free gas gets you to the next location, not to your next vacation.

The OP’s time would be better spent complaining to their state labor dept. instead of a MS forum. It’s very easy to prove that several MSCs are still not meeting minimum wage requirements. They’re just banking on no complaints from ICs (who may not be claiming their income) to step forward. I think they’re monitoring certain areas where they’re less likely to get away with offering below minimum wage pay without getting pinched. To combat this they’re simply offering less shops for these locations. There’s been a drop in low paying shops where I am as well - not that I care.

If we were all willing to stick to a minimum $20 fee and up for performing ANY shop, the MSCs would be forced to open their greedy fists, instead of taking advantage of people who don’t fully understand the losses they incur trying to make it work as a full time gig. Another hourly part-time gig would be much more efficient and profitable. It could also lead to better opportunities. Reward only the companies who reward you and treat you well.

September 18, 2024 06:11PM

@Morledzep wrote:

Joanna,

I did try to talk to a scheduler one time about the differences in reimbursement and the actual cost of the required purchases, I was told that I committed to the job so I had to go and do it, even if it cost me money. I didn't.. got a "1" that I deserved, because I wasn't going to drive to the OC to do a job that wouldn't even cover the cost of the gasoline to get there, let alone the cost of the gasoline to get back to Riverside, and I would be out of pocket on the required purchase too.

I am much more careful about choosing which shops I want to do now. I make sure that I'm going to make a profit, whether it's one shop or a route, I need to cover all of my costs and get paid too.

I do still occasionally take jobs that will cost me more than I'll get paid in the long run. But they are places that I want to go, and they aren't the jobs that I'm trying to use to make ends meet.

yep, I get it. I'm much more picky than I used to be, I'm not really interested in spending time out of my life or driving my vehicle and using my phone to break even or lose money, that's for sure.

September 19, 2024 04:56PM

SA ~ I get what you’re saying somewhat, when you factor in AI. The people who will be on the chopping block are the schedulers. The problem with the beer money folks could be reliability, their repetitive writing skills, transportation, etc. If the pro shoppers get harassed by not meeting their standards, how does the beer $ crew fare? How many posters here can admit to doing it just for beer $? I’m not seeing any. They’re used as fillers at best. We’re the ones who care enough to submit reports that they don’t have to waste their time on. We’re the ones they make the most $ off of.

I have always stuck to the $20 min. and hardly ever go lower than $25 for anything. Maybe I’m lucky in that respect since the average pay for me is about $40/hr. It can be done for a decent profit in that case - but only in that case. Forget about full-time though.

The one company who would be hurt the most by an under $20 ban is Ipsos. A 3 month ban would send a clear message that their monopoly can be broken. How would they adapt to that with the current labor shortage? Ads are expensive.

September 20, 2024 05:47PM

SA ~ That’s a lot of stats! They may have tens of thousands - but millions? I question their reporting. We would have zero work if they were all active.
I agree that the board is a microcosm, but the pro shoppers who do at least 5 shops/month+ are their bread and butter. Even a petition from the shoppers on this board and others notifying them of 3 month ban would make them take notice. They have no clue how their MS operation is being handled and how much money the numbskulls in charge of it lose for them by giving them too much power and control - which is happening despite their use of algorithms.

When it comes to their verifiable shoppers, we all know it takes practice to get things right. Not many people have the will, skills or patience to achieve that, so it’s likely they have far fewer than what they purport to have. The ones who possess these traits often find better work, in they’re so inclined. Companies like Dip SOS know this, so instead of paying their shopper a fair wage for their efforts, they find a way to cheat them to save $ and devaluing them. Losing a ton of MSs along the way means nothing - at least to their middle management. In their case it’s a bit of a Ponzi scheme, which most people refuse to accept. They take on the role of the ‘pusher’ by offering big bonuses that lure people in and keep them interested, then quickly find a way to take advantage or lay blame. We all know who the biggest #1 culprit is as far as that goes. Many of the smaller companies are much better at starting with somewhat decent pay and treating their shoppers fairly. They play by the rules and deserve to be supported for it. They definitely need to be ready to invest so that DS doesn’t gain the upper hand. AI is moving very fast.

What I’ve observed is in populations of say 50-100K per 100 square miles, the MSCs struggle to find ICs. Even if they get a couple, the gas/mileage becomes the issue. You would think they would be using GoPro technology for gas station shops by now. As for videotaping, I’m not sure if AI can process that. If not, do they really want to take the time to watch recordings or read a 3 sentence report? I doubt they’ve figured that out yet.

If AI can fill some gaps - which I sincerely hope it can - the upside is there will be no more cheating, gaslighting, power tripping and general BS you get from humans, or the various sub-species they hire. I find much less stressful dealing with the 80-90% of the companies who play by the rules who appreciate what we do for them.

September 20, 2024 09:05PM

@ServiceAward wrote:

@F and L TeleComm wrote:

i will allow my husband to get an outside job
:-o

HaHa you noticed that too

Fun, Money Savings, Money Making -DustyzDealz Dot Com

September 21, 2024 11:59AM

I'm a proud beer money shopper...I'm here because I learn here which shops to avoid , which shops might be available when I travel to other areas - and y'all are a bit above the average person online in terms of being savvy and intelligent communicators - goes with the territory I would guess, so I enjoy the snappy retorts as offbeat as I am, lol.

If things were different, I would become a side gig shopper.
As mentioned already, the way things are going, I don't see that happening....appears that MS-ing is sliding backward in terms of the potential compensation, especially given the required efforts.
Increased electronic surveillance in all forms will eventually replace it all. Oh joy.
I've started to view it all similarly to casinos, most attractive to the lesser informed or people who don't value their time as much as some of us. Just my observation.
Speaking of time, gotta go, nice day here.
PS- there are lots of shoppers outside of this community....I see them all over Facebook in shopping groups there - do not appear to be the same folk here.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/21/2024 12:00PM by BarefootBliss.

September 21, 2024 12:29PM

Gas station job *fees* seem to have been pretty stable: Chevron Customer Firsts @ $8.50, Phillips 66 and Exxon @ $12, Shell @ $14. I'm banned from Sinclair, so I don't see their shops, and it's been years, so I don't remember what their base fee was.

FWIS, only Chevron and Phillips are worth doing at base pay. I might do an Exxon at base if I am out on a route and have 20 minutes in the schedule, now that only a single pump picture is required. Only way I would consider a Shell at base would be if it was a 4-pumper and convenient to my route. Even then I still might pass... the pictures/dollar ratio is high for those.

So a couple of clients are starting out chintzy. Not sure whether the MSC is to blame.

*Reimbursements* have been reduced, but those have little or no impact on the bottom line.

Have synthesizers, will travel...

September 22, 2024 12:54PM

Circle Ks start at $5 lol....but if they sit awhile, escalate to worthwhile.

September 23, 2024 01:26AM

Seems a bit foolish to drive an hour each way to do a $10 shop since gas costs a lot more than that - even in the lower gas price states!!

September 23, 2024 11:40AM

I wouldn't do them myself. I only do gas shops that are on my way to somewhere I'm already going.
I've done a very few gas route shops in the past, after they got bonused, but those were in Florida, the land of gas stations and restaurants.

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