As a new shopper I am finding out already the companies seem to love to use and abuse most of their shopper clients. Ok, maybe it is justified given the huge number of people who think this is some kind of game, (flake factor). I am finding if I inform the companies I run my shopping practice as a business and expect the same in return, I get a better response. If I follow the directions I make sure the company knows I expect them to adhere to the same standard. If I work to complete the shops on time I expect to be paid on time. I am therefore not at all put out when I have to send a payment due invoice or dunning notice. I am not at all shy about placing a company's account on hold and refusing to complete further shops until their account is current. Yes, I do get dropped by a company now and then, but lets face it which is worse, to spend your time and money to expedite a shop and not get paid or paid slowly or to save the expense and not take shops from laggards who don't pay or slow pay their shoppers? Personally, I just as soon save my money and time for more professional clients. I don't rant and I don't rave about it. What I plan to do is each month I plan to publish a "List of Shame" on this forum of companies with no pay or slow pay practices for all to see and be aware in the hope that others will become aware and avoid the bastards. Yes, there is a "flake factor" of fun and gamers who should really go watch the soaps and get out of the mystery shopper business for the good of us all. However, there is also a "Fake Factor" of companies who should go collect garbage for a living and stop all the BS regarding late pay no pay jobs. Who knows, maybe if more professional shoppers took a stand, it might create a change, or am I just being unrealistic here?

That is what this forum is for...to alert others, to warn others, to network with our peers.

I look forward to reading your "list of shame".

Wes, I love your idea...a list of shame, love it!! I too run my shopping as a business. I have a business license (in my mind) it is my business, I take pride in it. My business name is "Shop 4 U". I think the flakes don't get the good jobs, and we wouldn't want their jobs, we've been there when starting. I'm not sure if they are the cause or the excuse for Companies acting poorly regarding shoppers. My companies (for the most part) treat me well, of course the few that flake on us, are soon known, thanks to the forums. Boycotting them won't work, the industry is too spread out, and uncontrolable...some have tried, but the company stills get others to shop. I recently took a job (everyone knows), with a late paying MSC, but I did write the scheduler telling her I expect to be paid within the time frame of the agreegement. I will post if not and never work for them again. I did not get a response, we'll see how this plays out. Controlling this industry when we are split as shoppers is the real problem. Look at the other forum and you'll see, they alone have broken with many of us due to there need of control. Posting here will help inform many, so, do it...I'm behind you 100%.