Do to a family emergency, I did not fax in three reports. They deactivated my account. I understood why and did not try to fight it. That was over 6 months ago. I would like to start doing their shops again. Is this possible? (They are the only shops around me!)

Ha! I'm out 4 years now and they won't even talk to me. I was challenged on a shop one time shortly after Marketforce bought Shop & Check and they wrote me a letter asking if "Me, any family member or anyone I knew was employed in any of the following industries." Then they listed off like 25 different industries. I wrote them back with how absurd that was that just by emailing them then I have to answer that question as yes. I told them that everyone I know works in at least one of those broad industries (Automotive for example.) That would include oh so many things. I gave them honest reports, and I'm the only one in a rural area. They deactivated my account. Like you I decided I was mad and being impertinent so I figured I'd let it go. I waited 9 months and still they would say nothing to me except my account was deactivated. So earlier in 2011 I decided to see if I could get any answer at all. I asked them to be honest. It was my account after all and I deserved an answer to why I was deactivated and when if ever they would reactivate me. They replied that according to their agreement either party can discontinue the relationship for any reason. That's it. I did ask them to tell me if they ever had any intention of letting me be a part of their organization again and they never replied to me. I had my wife apply to be a part since there were so many jobs and they paid alright. She filled out all the information and they never even responded that she had applied. They must have linked the two by address or something. Good luck with them. Marketforce is now an industry giant. I always fear that they may someday make a blanket signon for all the companies I work for and then I can't do any of the other companies. I have been with Certified (The purple portal) for years, but they must operate them separately so far because I've been able to continue a great relationship with them and they call on me regularly.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/2012 09:06PM by vadershero.

swillson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do to a family emergency, I did not fax in three
> reports. They deactivated my account. I
> understood why and did not try to fight it. That
> was over 6 months ago. I would like to start doing
> their shops again. Is this possible? (They are
> the only shops around me!)

I've no idea whether or not you could ever persuade them to reconsider. But as for them being your only choice, I'm certain that's not so. Look down at the bottom of this screen for the "Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies." Sign up with all of them. You'll find plenty of shops in your area from other companies, whatever your area is.

If they do not reactivate you, you can be sure their clients will likely move on to other providers when their contracts expire. In the few years I am doing shops, it seems that a majority of clients switch msc's after a few years.

So hopefully your favorite clients will be shopped by other msc's that you work for now...

Dagosto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've no idea whether or not you could ever
> persuade them to reconsider. But as for them being
> your only choice, I'm certain that's not so. Look
> down at the bottom of this screen for the
> "Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies."
> Sign up with all of them. You'll find plenty of
> shops in your area from other companies, whatever
> your area is.


No, that's not the case for me either. Yes, occasionally, maybe 3 times a year there are other MS jobs near me (within 15 miles) but mostly I have to travel around to do any now that I am not with MF Blue. I do a lot of merchandising in my area, but nearly never MS. I am signed up with 100 or so MS companies so I get the emails so I can plan routes or know when I'm visiting family or the like to pick up a few things along the way. Often the price goes up enough though that I can go and justify the trip after a period of time.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/2012 09:05PM by vadershero.

Actually my account was deactivated by Market Force Purple because I disagreed with them as the assignment was a rush and they called me to take it without much particulars. Somehow, someone contacted me and I was once more activated. After some problem encounters with them wherein I explained my side, and asked that they remove my name, my relationship with them have become more smooth. They have paid me for every assignment I applied for or they offered me. I actually developed more respect for them. I believe the higher ups are professional or I would have stopped dealing with them a few months ago. They are reasonable and have proven to me that they value their shoppers.

I have had no problem with Market Force Blue. As a matter of fact, I thought they were the only Market Force, that I used to wonder why they were calling to offer me a theatre assignment when this was handled by Certified Field Associates. They normally are very accommodating when they know the problem is beyond your control. I wish I could do their airport assignments but I am contracted with another company. My only concern with them is that I cannot have Direct Deposit despite having applied for it because I am in Canada. I suggest you write them again but be mindful of your typos, spelling and sentence constructions. In short, proof-read more.

My experience with Market Force, both portals, have been nothing but positive. That does not mean that no issues have arisen. Courteous, honest, prompt communication can go a long way in maintaining a good working rapport. Remember schedulers at the other end are people just like you. Market Force has frequently called on me to fill difficult to assign shops. They are totally dependable for timely communication. Pay is good and dependable. I find that their shop instructions are clear. Report formats are easy to enter. Invoicing is simple. I do wish that direct deposit would be available in Canada.

I was just recently rehired.

However, due to them canceling a shop because I wrote 1/11/2011 vs 1/12/2012 (yes, very recent). I asked them why they could not fix that as every other shopping company does, since they ask us to be near our email just in case. They said no.

Seeing how my shop costs more than they reimbursed, and I have heard nasty rumors about them, I told them no thank you, Please DEACTIVATE my account, and delete my information.

You sure you want to work with a company like this? Its not worth it. And, I do take invalidated shops personally, because I have been doing this for 5 years, and havent had a shop invalidated in 4, and I take it very seriously. They are simply not worth it, from a veteran's point of view.

Purple portal is fine (different schedulers).

I spent a night in the hospital with a friend who had a newborn with an illness. This was unexpected. I did not get in a report and was deactivated. I emailed and they were rude and horrible to me. Could have cared less there was an emergency. Others companies were sympathetic and caring. I didn't do much for them but every now and again there was something that interested me.

Liz

I am sorry that so many people are having trouble with MFBlue!

Truthfully, they have been very fair to me. The first job I did for them back in October, happened on the same day as my adopted Dad's funeral service. I performed the job, but then I went to his service. As dad was Native American, this service lasted over 12 hours from dusk until dawn, and then we drove out to the reservation - about 90 miles - for the burial. I didn't get my report in until almost 24 hours after I had shopped it.

I emailed the help desk right after I submitted the report and explained what happened and why it was late. I received a very warm email response.

Earlier this month, I had several other shops for a weekend for them, and my daughter-in-law's father passed away. I had to cancel & ask for a reschedule for 4 shops. They sent me another warm/sorry for what your family has gone through email and told me to go ahead and reschedule, it wouldn't count against me.

I just had another shop for them, and I received an email from their quality control - they invalidated the shop. However, in my "additional comments" - at the end of the survey - I specifically stated what happened. When I got the notice about invalidation, I emailed them back and asked where I went wrong, and if there was something I could do to fix the situation. They replied that the report was invalidated, but I would still be paid.

They have been very nice, pleasant and easy to work with. I am just hoping that it doesn't change. But so far, so good!