The Mystery Shopping thread - part 6

Cherry_pie_5

blindman wrote: »

If you still want them (140 questions!) then ring RE and ask why you can'y see them.

I'm amazed at how many people here moan about not seeing certain jobs on RE's (cr*p) web-site but then do nothing about it.

I will, I can cope with the ridiculous RE questions for a night in a decent hotel. They do a hotel in London that I stay in fairly regularly and LOVE, it's nice to get that one reimbursed even if I have to tell them what the chambermaid had for breakfast

As for why I haven't rang them, I thought I might just be out of rotation for a while as I did a run of them, but I've not seen a single one for about 6 weeks. That needs sorting out I think.

Cherry_pie_5

blindman wrote: »

This is the reality of Mystery shopping.

All newbies eventually get to this point (I did a long while back). It takes some longer than others but eventually they get the point that this is NO way to earn a living.
For some it is the only way and you have my sympathy:o however I hope you have tried every other avenue to earn income rather than this way.

If everyone actually sat down and worked out how many hours they spend on the jobs (include looking for them, reading the brief, printing, reporting, answering extra Q's and email etc) they too would find it's a fools game.

Thats the thing though, I'm not a newbie! Have been MS on and off for over 5 years! I just thought I'd conduct an experiment to see how far I could take it and what it was possible to earn if I pushed myself.

Conclusion: Nowhere near enough to justify the time spent! :rotfl:

It's been an interesting break from running my business and I suppose I've learnt from it, I think I now know all there is to know about mobile phones and savings accounts!

me_and

Scaredy_Cat wrote: »

There are no costs given on the drive-thru company's website so I can't check it there - oh and no phone numbers either so I can't phone another branch to check! I hope there is someone who has recently been there who can help. Pretty pleeeeeease!

Hey, I don't know if it's too late, but you could try phoning your bank and asking them -- you paid by debit card, so they probably authorised the transaction, and will probably be able to tell you how much they authorised it for.

Scaredy_Cat_3

Thanks! It's ok, I remembered the amount.

Have another question now. I grabbed one of the RE casino jobs and now I'm panicking about it! How hard are they to do and what do people wear in these places? Do you have to take cash or can you buy chips using a debit card???

It's a bit awkward for baby-sitting so I'm in two minds about it now but scared to release it because I don't want to lose points and everyone seems to say it's a good assignment. There seems a lot to do and I guess it's a bit out of my comfort zone! Any tips or advice please?

pebblespop

i have done a couple of casinos. one for re and one for another company. they are good fun. i had been to the casino before so i wasn't too worried about it. i think you need cash as you give it to the person at the roulette table or whatever - they don't take debit cards. they have cash machines in there though.

you can pay for food and drinks with debit card.

if you go as a new customer they will show you around and sometimes they have practise tables to learn how to play the games. if not, just tell the dealer you are new and they will be really nice and friendly.

people wear anything really for the casino. i usually wear jeans and top, my husband wears jeans and t shirt or casual shirt.

you will have a good time - just don't get carried away with the gambling!

lostweekender

Hey whitelabel

I have completed my car shop and it was only when I had done 1 that I realised my cars 'AO', were 'campaign cars' special editions?? There is a question to answer regarding the salesmans thoughts on what this car has over the standard vehicle. Luckily the salesman did cover this without me asking on my first shop. Phew!
Hope this info isn't too late for you

Blindman - spot on. I can not see me meeting the minimum wage doing this but it's more fun than looking for a job....at least until the food runs out!

Scaredy_Cat_3

lostweekender wrote: »

Hey whitelabel

I have completed my car shop and it was only when I had done 1 that I realised my cars 'AO', were 'campaign cars' special editions?? There is a question to answer regarding the salesmans thoughts on what this car has over the standard vehicle. Luckily the salesman did cover this without me asking on my first shop. Phew!
Hope this info isn't too late for you

Blindman - spot on. I can not see me meeting the minimum wage doing this but it's more fun than looking for a job....at least until the food runs out!

I'm not too sure about that! I am only doing this because I can't get a proper job! I've tried, and just keep getting knocked back, which is quite demoralising. I think I've been out of the workplace for too long and there are so many people out there looking for work at the moment that employers would rather choose someone who is bang up to speed with current work practices and computer systems. That's my theory anyway.

I do like the (supposed) freedom of this type of work, but there are times (like this week) when I would really love to reschedule but some companies don't really make it easy. I've had a really hectic week so far, and have been up til 11pm doing reports - partly because my computer has been on a major go slow so 2 mins to update after each question, and partly because there are other things in the house that need doing. It's been really hard to fit it all in this week, even though, on the face of it, I've not had many jobs, only 2 or 3 per day.

For the amount of time mystery shopping takes, the pay is well below minimum wage, but since I can't get a proper job this is the only way I can find to get a few quid in to contribute to the bills.

I'm glad I didn't take that Gap travel agent job earlier this week - the fee was rubbish but I was tempted as I had another job just a few doors away. Well, I did a travel agent for GR yesterday. Fee was ok, or so I thought, but I was an hour in the place!!! And then there's the travel time, petrol, parking charge etc. I won't be doing one of those again in a hurry!

kazimojo69

Hi

Sorry - being mega lazy - But I know someone had a spreadsheet they did where they kept a record of all their shops etc.

Does anyone have the s/s or can pm it to me?

Thanks.

xxxxxxxx

kman

Scaredy_Cat wrote: »

I'm glad I didn't take that Gap travel agent job earlier this week - the fee was rubbish but I was tempted as I had another job just a few doors away. Well, I did a travel agent for GR yesterday. Fee was ok, or so I thought, but I was an hour in the place!!! And then there's the travel time, petrol, parking charge etc. I won't be doing one of those again in a hurry!

I did a couple of the Gap travel agents - was only in the places for about 30 mins and the report was quite easy. I know the fee was rubbish, but it wasn't too onerous a task... the only hassle has been the phone calls from the TAs asking if I've decided on a hotel yet!

skywalker83

hey! just been accepted by JKS and Retail Active!!! Are they any good?? How and how often do they allocate jobs???