I am a highly experienced secret shopper and I have been trying to apply for a shop at an MSP that is new for me. This is similar to so many that I’ve done in the past, just basically a nearby restaurant shop. It’s frustrating because I keep seeing the shop being posted over and over and I have applied for it several times. It will appear on my list of applications, but then it will later on disappear as though the scheduler is deleting me. The shop has already gone into bonus. I feel like the problem is that I am older, even though there is no age restriction at the high end. This MSP has some other shops posted that I’m really not crazy about doing, but I think I will try and grab one of those to at least get some kind of rating going with them. I think I can mention the MSP as long as I also haven’t mentioned the shop. The MSP is KSS. Anybody have a similar experience?

MS007, first, unless there has been a very recent change, KSS is not a MSC; they merely schedule work. IF there were specific age requirements, that would be the client's condition.

Secondly, your comment concerning applying for less desirable shops is, in my opinion, excellent. According to my philosophy, it is better to try and fail, than to wonder "what if?"

Finally, in this work, age exclusion is a fact; I am 82 and encounter that situation. I completely understand the client's interest in targeting whom they desire. After all, this IS still business!

I think this was earlier this year, but I followed a restaurant client to another MSC. The MSC was having a hard time filling the shop for meal at the bar scenario and added a bonus. I live close to the location and didn't have any issues with the type of shop. In my application, I already let the scheduler know that I've done shops with this client before and am not located far from the location. After I did one and made sure to submit a timely and quality report, I was able to build a history from there.

Each MSC will be different, but in this specific case, it worked out for me. If it's an application process where you provide support, I would say, give them specific and tangible reasons why you should be selected.

I had the same thing happen to me. But, I was never rejected. They just didn't reply or deny my application. So, I saw which MSC it was that had the job and signed up with them and went and applied for the same job. I was approved quickly, and I was on my way.

At least you will be able to do most shops with ACL until you are 98! Once you turn 99, it's all over though.

@shopperbob wrote:

I am 82

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/25/2024 02:51AM by JimmyP.

KSS shops listed on their site are generally also listed on the performing company's site as well. So it's possible that it was already taken on that site.

As for age restrictions, not sure if this what's being referred to, but the Barcelona chain just had their age limit lowered to 50. This comes after Bar Taco lowered theirs to 55 (originally 45). I loved shopping both of these chains and while their target customer may be below those ages, do they really not want the opinion of all customers, especially when they often have trouble filling their shops?

Years ago I did a shop at Abercrombie and Fitch during the time when they had "models" instead of sales associates, loud music and dark lighting. At the time I was just under whatever the age range was for the job so I was able to get it but when I went to do the shop I was the youngest customer in the store. I know they were targeting much younger customers but the day I was shopping there the customers were an older couple visiting Calif and searching for a gift for their grand daughter, another older woman and an older gentleman with his young eye candy male companion who was carrying all the older gentleman's items for him. I thought based on that day they should have been targeting the older people for sure.
It was quite ridiculous. It was so dark it was impossible to read the tags on the clothing. The "models" carried little flashlights with them so they could help the customers read the tags. They could not even read them with their much younger eyes.
It is too bad many establishments are courting a younger crowd since the older crowd as a group has lots more money. (not as individuals though ) but the business owners get to make the rules.

@sandyf wrote:

It is too bad many establishments are courting a younger crowd since the older crowd as a group has lots more money. (not as individuals though ) but the business owners get to make the rules.

I enjoyed the story.

It's not about how much money you have. It is about getting lifelong customers. It costs a company a certain amount of money to acquire customers. They want more bang for their buck, meaning they want lifelong customers. No offense to you or anyone else who is older, but they see older folks who may very well have more money, as customers who are not necessarily a long term investment. Hence, they cater to the younger crowed. I'm 44 and I have phased out. With every 10-year-old having the world at their fingertips, companies seek a younger and younger audience. It helps that our buying habits are set at a young age. By the time I was 9, Coca-Cola was my favorite soft drink. Thirty-five years later, that is what I still buy. I'll drink Pepsi, but only if that is my only option. Even then, if Dr. Pepper or any of the root beers are available, I'll pick that over a regular Pepsi. Pepsi will gladly take my money on the rare occasion I buy it, but they are not likely going to spend thousands of dollars marketing to me in an effort to convert me, at the age of 44, to a Pepsi customer.

@MS007, I'm sorry the job you want isn't working out. I agree with your idea, which @shopperbob supported: Do a job that is less desirable and do it well. It may take a time or two, but I'm sure after you have gotten some type of rating with them, they will give you a chance on the job you want. Good luck, and let us know how this pans out.

@MS007 wrote:

I am a highly experienced secret shopper and I have been trying to apply for a shop at an MSP that is new for me. This is similar to so many that I’ve done in the past, just basically a nearby restaurant shop. It’s frustrating because I keep seeing the shop being posted over and over and I have applied for it several times. It will appear on my list of applications, but then it will later on disappear as though the scheduler is deleting me. The shop has already gone into bonus. I feel like the problem is that I am older, even though there is no age restriction at the high end. This MSP has some other shops posted that I’m really not crazy about doing, but I think I will try and grab one of those to at least get some kind of rating going with them. I think I can mention the MSP as long as I also haven’t mentioned the shop. The MSP is KSS. Anybody have a similar experience?

If you have the contact info available to you, maybe writing to the scheduler?

I have written a note before with a new to me company or scheduler to let them know my background and experience. I think it has helped every time except for elite csx and it turns out, I'm now glad it didn't!

Sometimes if there is an age or other type of requirement, depending on the MSC and client, you can request an exception. The more harder to fill / restrictive shops will start lifting requirements / restrictions as time passes. Some dining shops, if you're able to bring a guest who meets the age requirement, the client will allow it.