MYSTERY SHOPPING THREAD 17 - please don't mention client names or fees on here!!

mysteryshoppingninja

kessik wrote: »

This might have been answered before and maybe I'm super-cautious but those of you who have registered and shop with Max's new company, did you have any qualms about scanning in your passport for ID? Or did you just not do that bit? I don't have a photo driving license you see.....

It was fine, they delete the images after they've seen them. It's really just to prove you are you... There's nothing they could really do with a copy of your passport anyway in all honesty! :cool:

mysteryshoppingninja

forestroxydog wrote: »

I do pay tax under the PAYE system anyway so I don't mind paying the tax I need to just after all my mystery visits I don't have tech much profit so I have been thinking about putting down 20p per mile instead? What does everybody think?:undecided

Claim everything you're allowed!!!

If you make a loss on your self employment earnings (we do this to help enhance customer experience remember, not to make money ) then this can be offset against the tax you've paid via PAYE and you will get a nice refund off the tax man instead of a bill

Monkeynut

kessik wrote: »

This might have been answered before and maybe I'm super-cautious but those of you who have registered and shop with Max's new company, did you have any qualms about scanning in your passport for ID? Or did you just not do that bit? I don't have a photo driving license you see.....

I've uploaded my photo, but not ID, as I would have to upload my passport too. I think my main qualm is that it seems a bit unnecessary.

Max lurks around here, so maybe we can draw him out of the woodwork so he can explain the reason behind 'needing' it?!?


Just out of interest, as I'm relatively new to MSing, which company did he used to be with?!?

mysteryshoppingninja

DevilsAdvocate1 wrote: »

I think this can be suspicious and can lead them to ask why you are doing it. So I have always included enough expenses to get a bit below the tax free limit and leave it at that. However, I'm not employed, so everything I earn comes from self employed earnings. A bit different if you do pay tax.

D.

Just a little point you might like to note - by under claiming your expenses you could be doing yourself an injustice if you're eligible for income support / tax credits / anything by falsely reporting your earnings as being too high...

The official mileage rates and allowable expenses etc are there for a reason

Also just another point without wanting to get into an argument on the subject if you do a job that involves eating then the food is an allowable expense... Otherwise how could you assess the quality of the food, service time etc? Lets face it none of us would really go to the burger place etc otherwise would we?

mysteryshoppingninja

Monkeynut wrote: »

I've uploaded my photo, but not ID, as I would have to upload my passport too. I think my main qualm is that it seems a bit unnecessary.

Max lurks around here, so maybe we can draw him out of the woodwork so he can explain the reason behind 'needing' it?!?


Just out of interest, as I'm relatively new to MSing, which company did he used to be with?!?

Bare.

It's to stop things such as shoppers opening duplicate accounts so they can get more work and also provides them with proof they have verified who they're paying. I think there was some rumours flying around a while ago about people registering under false names and falsifying reposts etc. Most companies ask for your NI No this is more or less the same. I uploaded mine no problem and have done work for them a few times since.

DevilsAdvocate1

mysteryshoppingninja wrote: »

Just a little point you might like to note - by under claiming your expenses you could be doing yourself an injustice if you're eligible for income support / tax credits / anything by falsely reporting your earnings as being too high...

The official mileage rates and allowable expenses etc are there for a reason

Also just another point without wanting to get into an argument on the subject if you do a job that involves eating then the food is an allowable expense... Otherwise how could you assess the quality of the food, service time etc? Lets face it none of us would really go to the burger place etc otherwise would we?

I'm not entitled to anything, so this doesn't affect me (husband earns too much!). But I realise everyone's situation is different. Think I might have to pay tax this year though - had a good year.

D.

Lil_Me_2

Monkeynut wrote: »

I've uploaded my photo, but not ID, as I would have to upload my passport too. I think my main qualm is that it seems a bit unnecessary.

Max lurks around here, so maybe we can draw him out of the woodwork so he can explain the reason behind 'needing' it?!?


Just out of interest, as I'm relatively new to MSing, which company did he used to be with?!?

kessik wrote: »

This might have been answered before and maybe I'm super-cautious but those of you who have registered and shop with Max's new company, did you have any qualms about scanning in your passport for ID? Or did you just not do that bit? I don't have a photo driving license you see.....

Generally when someone mentions Helion, Max appears just a little after

Becles

Monkeynut wrote: »

I've uploaded my photo, but not ID, as I would have to upload my passport too. I think my main qualm is that it seems a bit unnecessary.

I think it's to prove you are allowed to work here legally. Companies get hammered with fines if they employ illegal immigrants.

Monkeynut

Becles wrote: »

I think it's to prove you are allowed to work here legally. Companies get hammered with fines if they employ illegal immigrants.

Not that we are 'employed' by them! :D

I guess all good reasons then, so maybe not as unnecessary as I'd first thought. It was more that they were the only ones who seemed to ask for it. I forgot others asked for NI number as I didn't think twice about providing that.

When I can dig my passport out (it has been put "somewhere safe" since I very nearly posted it inside the pocket of a handbag to an ebay buyer!! :rotfl:)

I've not had any problems with being refused work or anything for them. Have done a fair few phonecalls for them. In facct if Mystery Shopping dries up for me, I should apply for a job with their storage company as I am pretty well up on them by now!

kman

I have now made space in my inbox, so those of you who've been trying to send me a PM you can do now...