10-4 {}

AustinMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> UnderCover Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thank you.
> > My wires must've gotten crossed. I thought
> company
> > names were not to be posted. Ugh.
> >
> Undercover, mystery shopping companies can be
> named but the clients of mystery shopping
> companies cannot be revealed.

From an introductory MS class I took, in the student manual it stated one of the advantages of being an independent contractor:

According to The Wall Street Journal, independent contractors are usually paid at least 20% to 40% more per hour than employees performing the same or similar work. Why you may ask? It is because the employer doesn't incur the overhead expense of employees. Those expenses include the cost of the office space, equipment, taxes and benefit packages. This makes independent contractors more attractive and helps to increase the business bottom line."

Has anyone read James Poynter's book, Mystery Shopping Get Paid to Shop? Is it worth buying?

A book reviewer stated, "Jim Poynter advances the Dollar per Minute Rule that is very appropriate in this age of high cost of business and a constant influx of newbies. This theory states that when the earnings from a shop are considered they should be paid an average of one dollar for each minute worked. This would include time reporting, driving as well as shopping. He suggests that shoppers not take jobs that provide less than $1/minute."

I might add that advertising and/or market research (which MS are "market researchers" of sorts) budgets are ususally significant so it seems that MS should factor into those given rates for performing valuable field (market) research.

Back to the topic of this thread....

just got my daily shops available from our fave. Two of the local box hardware shops are gone at $4. !!! Oh MY! A newbie had to have taken both. Poor thing. Yep. BUT~~~ the MSP is not going to worry about their fees being too low if $4 shops get snatched up.

While I agree the value is there getting that $60 per hour including everything is somewhat lofty. I'm sure many of us have hit that at some point, but with any type of regularity would be difficult at best. Many companies try to keep the hourly at below minimum wage or right there. The next tier of companies seem to price jobs in the $13 to $20 an hour range excluding travel. The closest to the formula are the video companies. They are inclined to want their shoppers making in the $40 to $60 an hour range including shop and report time. For them there is a real motivation because they do not have access to hundreds of thousands of new people on a regular basis. As long as Joe Blow can walk in with no experience and is willing to make $4 an hour some companies will never have a reason to change.

It seems that mystery shopping companies are a classic example of having your cake and eating it, too.

On the one hand, they want mystery shoppers to be independent contractors. On the other hand they want to pay the equivelent of minimum wage, or less.

Never mind that as independent contractors we are responsible for all taxes. General rule of thumb is to put aside 30% of independent contractor monies to cover taxes.

The more one looks at the mystery shopping industry, the bleaker it gets.

all of which is why I am no longer willing to take these rediculously low-paying shops. The one I negotiated with today was 'set' at $10 plus reimbursement for gas. I told them I wouldn't do it without a $75 bonus. I almost got the shop for a bonus of $50 but at the last minute another shopper got it. The scheduler told me she lived much closer than I did. I wasn't disappointed I lost the shop. Rather, I was durn proud of myself for figuring out what I needed to do make the shop worth while. I calculated my drive time, time on site, and reporting time. And I added in time to make corrections. I disregarded the gas reimbursement because of all the gas I would be using for travel.

as for being an IC...it's all a bunch of BS. As I have mentioned before, my CPA just laughs. She has shown me the IRS code a number of times. There is no way in hell we are REALLY ICs. We can call ourselves ICs all we want. We can call ourselves purple chairs, too. Good news is, the IRS will (eventually) come after the MSCs, not us.

Good for you jersey.

MAYBE.............

If EVERYONE on these threads sent an email to every offer coming to them- and each mail has to be worded the same way - (maybe it could be made a sticky and put in better legaleze or maybe it shouldn't be).IT COULD BE MADE A STICKY SO THAT ALL SEE IT>

"Dear Scheduler ,

I would really like to do this shop for you however gas is now _____ in my area.
In order to do the shop I would have to have gas re-imbursement and an increased fee. I hope you understand in these difficult economic times it just isn't possible for me to travel a half hour/30 miles (whatever) and then return 30 mile miles and then spend an hour or more working on a highly professional report which will satisfy both your client and editor.

Kindly consider raising the offer to cover mileage and increased fee or bonus so
that I may happily continue taking this shop for you."

Really good idea!

shoppinalong Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MAYBE.............
>
> If EVERYONE on these threads sent an email to
> every offer coming to them- and each mail has to
> be worded the same way - (maybe it could be made
> a sticky and put in better legaleze or maybe it
> shouldn't be).IT COULD BE MADE A STICKY SO THAT
> ALL SEE IT>
>
> "Dear Scheduler ,
>
> I would really like to do this shop for you
> however gas is now _____ in my area.
> In order to do the shop I would have to have gas
> re-imbursement and an increased fee. I hope you
> understand in these difficult economic times it
> just isn't possible for me to travel a half
> hour/30 miles (whatever) and then return 30 mile
> miles and then spend an hour or more working on a
> highly professional report which will satisfy both
> your client and editor.
>
> Kindly consider raising the offer to cover mileage
> and increased fee or bonus so
> that I may happily continue taking this shop for
> you."

These assignments should be win-win situations...

I love it. And I am willing to do it. In fact, I have started doing it on my own with Maritz and other companies, but not on a consistently.

I am dealing with a situation now with BARE..... When I applied for a particular shop, I indicated I would only take it if I was also awarded nearby shops, making a route. This request has always been honored in the past, but not this time. So...I can either turn down the shop (it only pays $10 and is an hour away!) or ....

I emailed the scheduler and am still waiting to hear back. In the email, I copied the comment indicating my terms for taking the shop and reminded her of the distance and gas prices. I am not willing to do a shop the execution of which will actually cost me money (in time and gas).




shoppinalong Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> MAYBE.............
>
> If EVERYONE on these threads sent an email to
> every offer coming to them- and each mail has to
> be worded the same way - (maybe it could be made
> a sticky and put in better legaleze or maybe it
> shouldn't be).IT COULD BE MADE A STICKY SO THAT
> ALL SEE IT>
>
> "Dear Scheduler ,
>
> I would really like to do this shop for you
> however gas is now _____ in my area.
> In order to do the shop I would have to have gas
> re-imbursement and an increased fee. I hope you
> understand in these difficult economic times it
> just isn't possible for me to travel a half
> hour/30 miles (whatever) and then return 30 mile
> miles and then spend an hour or more working on a
> highly professional report which will satisfy both
> your client and editor.
>
> Kindly consider raising the offer to cover mileage
> and increased fee or bonus so
> that I may happily continue taking this shop for
> you."

You did the right thing by making your requirements clear from the beginning. I had a similar situation with them last month. The scheduler missed my comment and since I communicated the problem right away she was willing to remove a shop without penalty.

I am not getting the warm and fuzzies. Haven't gotten a response at all. I will give them to the end of the day and then call. I have had similar experiences with them not communicating/responding to communications...

Am signed up to do a project with them which requires lots of emails and phone calls. I applied for the project last week. Got the assignment yesterday with the requirement the initial emails go out nlt today! I had to go throught the websites to organize last night and take care of other commitments (OMG, I have OTHER things to do!!!) I noticed two problems which I have brought to the attention of the scheduler. Who has not responded.

I am willing to communicate....and to "assume good intentions." But, at some point, I have to figure, they are not holding up their end of the bargain.

Like any other company some of them are good with communication and some are not. What I meant was including the caveat in your apps was good CYA. They are a company that answers the phone. Why don't you call and get it off your plate?

As far as being assigned the day before a project after waiting a week, that happens all too often. The delete button next to pending applications has become my best friend. Unless for some reason it is a project I really, really want to do (and those are few and far between) or it will slide into my schedule easily there is a set amount of time I'll wait and it's usually in the 24 to 48 hour range.

I considered that if MSs and MSC schedulers, editors, etc. had a better handle on what each other is responsible for and how a typical assignment goes or what a typical day entails (as if typical is the norm...), there would be more or better understanding (respect?) between all parties.
Then the issue becomes, how do we facilitate such knowledge and/or understanding among all parties in order to foster respect and quality communication. Do we have a take-your-MS-to-work day?

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Like any other company some of them are good with
> communication and some are not. What I meant was
> including the caveat in your apps was good CYA.
> They are a company that answers the phone. Why
> don't you call and get it off your plate?
>
> As far as being assigned the day before a project
> after waiting a week, that happens all too often.
> The delete button next to pending applications has
> become my best friend. Unless for some reason it
> is a project I really, really want to do (and
> those are few and far between) or it will slide
> into my schedule easily there is a set amount of
> time I'll wait and it's usually in the 24 to 48
> hour range.

Good idea, but I'd rather pass, LOL! I think people get wrapped up in what they have to do and forget that we have lives as well. It also seems they don't think about the fact that many of us have schedules and other companies to keep to happy.

Hey gal,

I know which jobs you are referring to - I average about 25 of these per month (the emails/phone calls). I have been doing these since November, and absolutely LOVE doing them. I actually have a system down for taking care of them.

If your scheduler's name starts with a C - she WILL get back to you. Usually it's about 24 hours after your initial email. I love this scheduler. She also really DOES listen to the shopper; and she's a gem to work with. If you end up needing an extension on these particular shops - just *Let Her Know*.

ALSO - very important. If you do NOT do anything on the survey - after 24 hours it will kick you out and remove the job.

So - you MUST go into the survey ASAP after being assigned these jobs and at least click on one of the radio buttons.

The other scheduler I've worked with for these particular jobs is rather new. His name starts with an M. He's been very very easy to work with, but I've been slower to receive responses from him.

Whenever I have a problem though - I usually end up calling "C"; and then I also do a follow-up email.

If you need any tips on those jobs & reports, just send me a PM!





jersey07032 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am not getting the warm and fuzzies. Haven't
> gotten a response at all. I will give them to the
> end of the day and then call. I have had similar
> experiences with them not communicating/responding
> to communications...
>
> Am signed up to do a project with them which
> requires lots of emails and phone calls. I applied
> for the project last week. Got the assignment
> yesterday with the requirement the initial emails
> go out nlt today! I had to go throught the
> websites to organize last night and take care of
> other commitments (OMG, I have OTHER things to
> do!!!) I noticed two problems which I have
> brought to the attention of the scheduler. Who
> has not responded.
>
> I am willing to communicate....and to "assume good
> intentions." But, at some point, I have to
> figure, they are not holding up their end of the
> bargain.

Not on the main subject but just in response to the statement that seniors do the cheap shops for food and it is better than eating dogfood....I happen to know many seniors...and have read about the dogfood however, please stop and think....if you are eating dogfood because you have no money, how likely are you to have a car, a printer, a scanner, a fax machine, not to mention even know how to turn on a computer that is new enough to use for mystery shopping. Most of the seniors in this situation are not 65 or 66, they are the more elderly in their 80's and infirm...they are not about to have any idea how to use a computer much less have one they can operate with a bunch of other expensive equipment. Granted there are seniors who probably do these shops but i am betting for the most part they are not in the habit of eating dogfood otherwise. They are more likely to be doing it to pick up extra spending money or to divert their food money to some other use for themselves or in many cases just to give them something to do. If you are a senior and in good enough health to shop, you might want to do it to keep you occupied for some part of the day...options are slim for some seniors...no friends to go hiking with, no full time job or often children and grandchildren to visit who live nearby, etc. I see mystery shopping as an entertainment value for some seniors who otherwise might have a lot of time on their hands. And also to bulk up income to some degree. There are many who have not hooked into that many other activities and still want to keep active and engaged. I have often thought the bulk of people doing some of these inexpensive shops are stay at home mom's fitting a small route on the way to or from dropping and picking up kids somewhere in the day. But I may be wrong on this completely.

cheap jobs in your town can be a good thing, no driving, your at the mall anyway being flexible with hours, easy report and I love Boston Market and had a damn good sandwich at Arbys. I love cooking and certainly eat well, so, lets not get into a frezy about seniors eating dog food, just not so, I know tons of seniors, we're home cooking from scratch and there are senior centers in every town that provides free lunchs daily funded by the city. Many have lost loved ones, but for myself, I have friends younger than I, thanks to the computer, remember homes are paid for (mine is), kids are gone...I hang out at Starbucks every morning and schedule jobs. Supplementing income and improving your lifestyle as a senior, msing iss perfect for the senior that has time, car and able to write, and don't forget you need $$ to do this job, pay for meals, take chance not getting paid or waiting 3 months, pay for wifi, gas for car (as Sandyf said), how can a couple 4$ jobs really help!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2012 02:19AM by Irene_L.A..

sandyf Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not on the main subject but just in response to
> the statement that seniors do the cheap shops for
> food and it is better than eating dogfood....I
> happen to know many seniors...and have read about
> the dogfood however, please stop and think....if
> you are eating dogfood because you have no money,
> how likely are you to have a car, a printer, a
> scanner, a fax machine, not to mention even know
> how to turn on a computer that is new enough to
> use for mystery shopping. Most of the seniors in
> this situation are not 65 or 66, they are the more
> elderly in their 80's and infirm...they are not
> about to have any idea how to use a computer much
> less have one they can operate with a bunch of
> other expensive equipment. Granted there are
> seniors who probably do these shops but i am
> betting for the most part they are not in the
> habit of eating dogfood otherwise. They are more
> likely to be doing it to pick up extra spending
> money or to divert their food money to some other
> use for themselves or in many cases just to give
> them something to do. If you are a senior and in
> good enough health to shop, you might want to do
> it to keep you occupied for some part of the
> day...options are slim for some seniors...no
> friends to go hiking with, no full time job or
> often children and grandchildren to visit who live
> nearby, etc. I see mystery shopping as an
> entertainment value for some seniors who otherwise
> might have a lot of time on their hands. And also
> to bulk up income to some degree. There are many
> who have not hooked into that many other
> activities and still want to keep active and
> engaged. I have often thought the bulk of people
> doing some of these inexpensive shops are stay at
> home mom's fitting a small route on the way to or
> from dropping and picking up kids somewhere in the
> day. But I may be wrong on this completely.

I am in full agreement. Seniors may not find employment due to their age and could be mobile and active enough, physically and mentally. Mystery shopping is a very good option to stay active and be productive. Remember that they could be highly educated and have held very responsible jobs in their younger days. Mystery shopping could be a better option to baby sitting their grandchildren full time which could be more taxing mentally and physically or could be more interesting than just hangng out in the mall. As well, maybe it is one of the best ways to keep one's mind active to possibly drive Alzheimer or any sickness away.

In my retirement homes shops, I've met many able-bodied seniors who can afford to live in high-end facilities and just want activities to fill their time and mind. Many shops could be just around the corner and less hassle, so why not? I doubt they feel it is degrading to accept these cheapies. Most jobs that do not have old age restrictions are simple but require thinking. As well, it allows them communication and interaction with the outside world. Who is thinking about dog food?

Young stay at home mothers could be more interested in getting some FF food reimbursements than the pitiful fees so why not? As I always say, mystery shopping is "to each his own."

Technically as a 'true' IC, a MS should be allowed to set fees or negotiate the job rates otherwise it is no different than an employer setting the terms and conditions of the work.

jersey07032 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> all of which is why I am no longer willing to take
> these rediculously low-paying shops. The one I
> negotiated with today was 'set' at $10 plus
> reimbursement for gas. I told them I wouldn't do
> it without a $75 bonus. I almost got the shop for
> a bonus of $50 but at the last minute another
> shopper got it. The scheduler told me she lived
> much closer than I did. I wasn't disappointed I
> lost the shop. Rather, I was durn proud of myself
> for figuring out what I needed to do make the shop
> worth while. I calculated my drive time, time on
> site, and reporting time. And I added in time to
> make corrections. I disregarded the gas
> reimbursement because of all the gas I would be
> using for travel.
>
> as for being an IC...it's all a bunch of BS. As I
> have mentioned before, my CPA just laughs. She
> has shown me the IRS code a number of times. There
> is no way in hell we are REALLY ICs. We can call
> ourselves ICs all we want. We can call ourselves
> purple chairs, too. Good news is, the IRS will
> (eventually) come after the MSCs, not us.

On several occasions, I have contacted a scheduler and asked for more money to do a particular shop. I do this when I know certain shops have gone a few rotations unassigned. For the most part, I have found them to be cooperative and helpful - they want to have their shops covered. As an example...I applied for a bank shop that I had been watching for awhile. The pay was $55 for a 3-part shop. It was a bank customer shop and I didn't have an account. So I emailed my scheduler to see if an "open an account" shop was available. There wasn't and I was asked if I would go down and open an account anyway. She offered me $25 for the inconvenience PLUS all the account fees and charges to be reimbursed upon proof of closure (after 4 months). I had just turned a $55 shop into an $80 shop - and no extra report writing!!

I believe the same principle could apply to the cheapo shops being talked about. Especially at month-end when schedulers get desperate.
It's certainly worth a try - and a reason to nurture a friendly relationship with your scheduler.