Mystery Shopping Thread 21 *PLEASE READ THE OP FIRST**PLEASE NO CLIENT NAMES OR FEES*

ajdj

Agreed, why have a facebook page as well as this?

I use facebook to interact with real life friends, privately.

A group like this allows helpful chat anonymously via MSE. It seems to me that the only person who can communicate anonymously on the facebook page is the creator, as you can hide behind the group name. I'm sure it was set up with the best of intentions, but I will not be a part of it.

Also, an 'us vs them' attitude towards the mystery shopping companies seems to be akin to biting the hand that feeds you. If you don't like the look of a fee, don't take the job. Likewise, if a company has a reputation for not paying, don't work for them.

Mystery_shoppers_united

Hmmm, good points and all well made.

I have this idea that we need to form a sort of union or pressure group. One that offers great advice, assistance, a huge knowledge base and a very loud voice. Then when companies like BARE Europe continuously pay late, ignoring their own contracts, or Retail Eye who ask for clarification on questions that weren't even asked, then perhaps we could do something to change their practices.

FB might not be the right platform to launch from then, as remaining anonymous is important. I tried to cover myself but then forgot about everyone else showing full names and photos.

I am aware of most of the various groups already on FB, aswell as this one, and various other sites. I just wanted to try and group everyone together, because 500 disgruntled shoppers will have more impact than a dozen here and a dozen there.

I'll have to rethink this one then. But thanks for pointing out the floors in my idea, without getting personal or offensive.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or ideas. Or is this a doomed idea? Does anyone else think that something like this is necessary, or is everyone happy with the way things are already?

And before you ask, I'm still going to remain anonymous, but this time to reduce my embarrassment

Still love y'all anyway.

Boredupnorth

Mystery_shoppers_united wrote: »

Hmmm, good points and all well made.

I have this idea that we need to form a sort of union or pressure group. One that offers great advice, assistance, a huge knowledge base and a very loud voice. Then when companies like BARE Europe continuously pay late, ignoring their own contracts, or Retail Eye who ask for clarification on questions that weren't even asked, then perhaps we could do something to change their practices.

FB might not be the right platform to launch from then, as remaining anonymous is important. I tried to cover myself but then forgot about everyone else showing full names and photos.

I am aware of most of the various groups already on FB, aswell as this one, and various other sites. I just wanted to try and group everyone together, because 500 disgruntled shoppers will have more impact than a dozen here and a dozen there.

I'll have to rethink this one then. But thanks for pointing out the floors in my idea, without getting personal or offensive.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or ideas. Or is this a doomed idea? Does anyone else think that something like this is necessary, or is everyone happy with the way things are already?

And before you ask, I'm still going to remain anonymous, but this time to reduce my embarrassment

Still love y'all anyway.

It's doomed and naive do you know how many shoppers are registered in the uk? Do you know how many it will take to do as you suggest? I for one have the balls to say to them face to face ( well openly on the phone) what I think if they are wrong and I personally make the decision as to if I work for someone or not. I suggest you do the same and stop hiding

jen_br

Mystery_shoppers_united wrote: »

Hmmm, good points and all well made.

I have this idea that we need to form a sort of union or pressure group. One that offers great advice, assistance, a huge knowledge base and a very loud voice. Then when companies like BARE Europe continuously pay late, ignoring their own contracts, or Retail Eye who ask for clarification on questions that weren't even asked, then perhaps we could do something to change their practices.

FB might not be the right platform to launch from then, as remaining anonymous is important. I tried to cover myself but then forgot about everyone else showing full names and photos.

I am aware of most of the various groups already on FB, aswell as this one, and various other sites. I just wanted to try and group everyone together, because 500 disgruntled shoppers will have more impact than a dozen here and a dozen there.

I'll have to rethink this one then. But thanks for pointing out the floors in my idea, without getting personal or offensive.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or ideas. Or is this a doomed idea? Does anyone else think that something like this is necessary, or is everyone happy with the way things are already?

And before you ask, I'm still going to remain anonymous, but this time to reduce my embarrassment

Still love y'all anyway.

Just by this post I think I have a pretty good idea who this is

The thing is you couldn't use FB as a tool against the "man" you are still unable to talk about fees clients etc. I feel more people/companies etc use MSE to check up on how they are doing. I know for a fact BARE reads the comments etc. On MSE I can call people out but at least they don't know my last name when im doing it!! FB is too personal.


I see where your coming from yet I dont believe the wheel needs re-inventing.

Boredupnorth

Mystery_shoppers_united wrote: »

Hmmm, good points and all well made.

I have this idea that we need to form a sort of union or pressure group. One that offers great advice, assistance, a huge knowledge base and a very loud voice. Then when companies like BARE Europe continuously pay late, ignoring their own contracts, or Retail Eye who ask for clarification on questions that weren't even asked, then perhaps we could do something to change their practices.

FB might not be the right platform to launch from then, as remaining anonymous is important. I tried to cover myself but then forgot about everyone else showing full names and photos.

I am aware of most of the various groups already on FB, aswell as this one, and various other sites. I just wanted to try and group everyone together, because 500 disgruntled shoppers will have more impact than a dozen here and a dozen there.

I'll have to rethink this one then. But thanks for pointing out the floors in my idea, without getting personal or offensive.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or ideas. Or is this a doomed idea? Does anyone else think that something like this is necessary, or is everyone happy with the way things are already?

And before you ask, I'm still going to remain anonymous, but this time to reduce my embarrassment

Still love y'all anyway.

I am sorry everyone but this has wound me up.

I agree that some of these companies take the p*&S with fees and payment terms etc. However the only way you will show them that you will not work for the fee is to not take the job, what happens with the companies when they can’t shift the work? They put the fee up a couple of quid, then another and then another until someone takes it. That’s the way they work, what does Mystery Shoppers United think they are going to do, start a strike? I am sorry but this Arthur Scargill wannabe has got it totally wrong.

If you think RE’s proof reading queries are crap then don’t work for them, if you think the fees AA pay are too low then don’t work for them if you think Bare take too long then don’t work for them.

I personally don’t work for AA as I think their fees are a joke, obviously others don’t as they do work for them and they seem to shift the jobs they have. The real question is if the quality they are getting will allow them to keep the clients or not. If you pay peanuts you will undoubtedly get monkeys.

We are independent contractors, we choose who we work for, they set a fee, we decide if we want to do the work or not. Simples really

Only when they don’t shift the work will the fees go up.

Becles

I think we all need to remember how disposable we are. If we kick up a stink about a companies working practices, then it's far too easy for them to say bye bye then.

Some problems are common, as in Bare as everyone who works for them is affected. Some problems are not so common as in a lot of people complain about RE proofreading queries, but I rarely get my reports returned so it's not something that would bother me enough to set up a protest group.

There's also the confidentiality agreements we sign. FB is linked to our real names and countless pieces of personal information. I wouldn't feel happy discussing a protest or anything negative about a MS company under my real name, in case it comes back to bite me on the bum!

Brian_Damage

Mystery_shoppers_united wrote: »

Hi guys How's everyone's weekend going? Busy or quiet?

You all know who I am, but I'm posting anonymously incase of any comeback or hassle.

I've set up a facebook page for us to chat on and share experiences. Generally to just have a bit of craic and to give each other help and advice. My ultimate plan is to have enough members to have a little bit of clout and leverage when mystery shopping companies start messing us about with non-payments and ridiculous fees, but to also give credit where it's due to the companies that always pay on time and offer us decent assignments.

Next time you're on facebook check out 'mystery shoppers united'. I've only started it today so there's not much there, but leave a message and lets get the ball rolling.

Love y'all.

So, where's this Facebook page - I can't find it...

mysterious_girl

Brian_Damage wrote: »

So, where's this Facebook page - I can't find it...

It was there a couple of hours ago, now its disappeared...think the owner removed it as there was no positive interest.

superliss

yonk wrote: »

The people that use FB to have MS groups have them as a closed group, so that privacy is maintained. I don't want my identity posted in an open group. Sorry, good idea but needs a bit of tweaking.

Its bad enough getting identified on this bloomin horse every time I do a gap burger....

I see the idea behind it but like others say. I'm happy knowing I can find everyone on here when I need some or to offer a little advice. It's like my separate little bubble from Facebook. I haven't even joined the fb groups for various MScompanies as I don't want all and sundry knowing my business.

Sorry if I'm just repeating what others have said or for pi**ing on your chips so to speak.

superliss

I can see this has really got B.U.N worked up! (have a green tea) I do think your right though about fees. RE were my stepping stone for my first few months. I think the fees are poor and scenarios daft. BUT I will use them as a filler if it's slow. I agree with you about AA but they did pay me a ridiculously good premium last week. My point is these companies don't need us as much as we need them. Most of them have their uses so unless I felt majorly agreeved I won't be telling them where to stick it as I might need them to cover my mileage and lunch on a busy day soon....