@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.)