The Mystery Shopping thread - VIII

Arbie

I once again appeal to the collective wisdom of the board!

I recently did a slimy vegetable shop for RE (my first for a couple of months), and was docked a point for being contacted after proof reading (despite the RE staff on the phone declaring that they didn't know why it had been flagged and that they didn't need any more info). Subsequently, I logged in and noticed that my status had been reverted to 'probationary' - obviously, this means I can only do one shop at a time. I have a score of 138 (which I thought was coming along nicely), but there seems to be a distinct lack of variety in the shops I'm offered - usually just betting, pharmacy (how many sick people DO MSing?!) and some of the chain pubs. I've contacted RE reference the status, but no reply. Any ideas on why I may have been reverted, or on how to get better assignments?

Thanks!

Arbie

ukmonkey

Arbie wrote: »

I once again appeal to the collective wisdom of the board!

I recently did a slimy vegetable shop for RE (my first for a couple of months), and was docked a point for being contacted after proof reading (despite the RE staff on the phone declaring that they didn't know why it had been flagged and that they didn't need any more info). Subsequently, I logged in and noticed that my status had been reverted to 'probationary' - obviously, this means I can only do one shop at a time. I have a score of 138 (which I thought was coming along nicely), but there seems to be a distinct lack of variety in the shops I'm offered - usually just betting, pharmacy (how many sick people DO MSing?!) and some of the chain pubs. I've contacted RE reference the status, but no reply. Any ideas on why I may have been reverted, or on how to get better assignments?

Thanks!

Arbie

Have you tried calling them? I've had need to call them a couple of times and found them pretty good on the phone.

bullshot

Arbie wrote: »

JediTeacher,

I did some TNS car shops about 18 months ago, and although I think that the remuneration has fallen considerably, the content remains similar. I ended up visiting each dealership twice, spending about an hour each time (mine included test drives, although I don't think the later ones do). IMHO, the fee I've seen offered for the latest ones is somewhat derisory IF you have to do two visits - remember, not only do you have to research the car(s) you're shopping, you also have to negotiate confidently and genuinely, handle all the follow up calls etc - it's quite a lot of work. If you'd like any more details, just PM me.


Arbie

Have to agree with the above...not worth the money for the time involved...all the negotiating is quite tedious and the follow up calls from the dealerships can be tiresome....you have to get the best price and most of the dealerships I visited are very reluctant to give you this info unless you opt for the test drive to show you are really interested..I got, "take a test drive and then we know you'll just really want it, and then we can talk prices"...and of course you don't have to test drive for TNS..so getting the price is harder than you would think...but car dealers are all the same 'idiots'....after doing quite a few of these I was well prepared when I actually bought a new Subaru just before Xmas...and you know how I got the best price...went to 1 dealer and he said he would have to check with his boss before he could get a price for me( just like TNS visits)...then checked on the net for cheapest price...then rang a dealer about 40 miles away and told him I really want to buy a car at the very best price...local idiot won't give me a price, the internet says 'this much'...what can you do...he said I'll phone you back...rang me 10 minutes later with a price that was fantastic...cheaper than anywhere on the net..(£500 cheaper) plus he said he would fill the tank, car mats, paint finish , the lot...hadn't even been in the show room...all this offered on the phone....bought it and love it...most of the car dealers I've dealt with for TNS are not really in the business of selling cars!!!

jediteacher

Thanks for the replies about the TNS car jobs. I have looked over the very brief, brief and have come to the conclusion that it is not worth the money. I have now cancelled the job.

Thanks again guys for the heads up on this one. :beer:

angel13

anyone having problems with ABA-i site??

mharzuk

angel13 wrote: »

anyone having problems with ABA-i site??

Seems to be working fine for me at the moment.

angel13

its working for me again now so no idea what that was about!

angel13

saffie14 wrote: »

Just wondering what people think are the best mystery shopping companies to work for, got experience of GFK, Gapbuster, Retail Eyes, Tern and Grassroots.

ive been doing this one full month now :eek: and GRs and Bare are my favourites. ABA-i seem ok but I am still waiting payment, so I would add them to your list as well.

Timmne

Does anyone else feel that the alerts thread is a little too busy with "a retail shop in the outer hebridies" type alerts?

I thought the original aim for the thread was a bit more like "retail shops just released on RE" - where more than one person had a chance of getting it.

As someone who doesn't do shops unless I'm called by the company or I see one on the offchance on a site, it doesn't bother me too much but I remember the days when I'd get the email on my phone, race back home/to a computer only to find it was nothing worth worrying about. That was annoying when that happened but it must be worse nowadays!!

I'm trying not to upset the people who do post there as I'm grateful as a lot of people are - just thought I'd mention it.

Any thoughts anyone?

kitchpoo

Hi, I've been MS'ing for over 3 years now, for around 8 companies and recently (4 months ago) joined ABA-i. All well and good, the petrol nes are fine and have done some high street clothing stores. BUT, I have noticed on the alert board fruity phones being on offer, I only have a few icons to choose on the right of the login screen....

ABA-panel
A catalogue-based high street retailer
A shop rhyming with Pilkinsons
Petrol stations with a flower
and a group of shops in an arcade.

How do I add other retailers?