Mystery Shopping Thread 22 *PLEASE READ THE OP FIRST**PLEASE NO CLIENT NAMES OR FEES*

Ziggy_Stardust

HeavensDevil wrote: »

That's exactly what I intend to do now, I very much hope some (or many) of the folks reading this do the same too. And if I/we get ignored, or a sniffy response, then that really proves they're not the sort of company I want to work for.

I really hope you get some joy, I signed up to various MS companies a few months ago RE being one of them but with what I read about them here and the silly fees they pay us I've never used them, I really don't intend to either.

HeavensDevil

Boredupnorth wrote: »

There are an estimated 180,000 MS'ers in the UK, a hell of a lot will be signed up with them so I doubt a few of us off here will make a dent in their business.

You're probably not wrong, and the almost anonymity of us and the vibe of 'there's plenty more where you came from' is another thing I can't stand - it relates to what I said earlier about feeling patronised and disrespected. The better companies are a lot better at not coming across that way, even if they have thousands of people on their books. Though it can't look great for RE being continually slated on here, and elsewhere, by a lot of different people - MSE is one of the biggest forums in the country, and I'll bet you a decent company's fee that a hell of a lot more people are reading these MS threads than are signed up and posting in them - I for one lurked here for a good few months before taking the plunge.

Think I'll stand back and take a breather until the money is safe and secure in my bank account! Then if I'm still feeling annoyed, vent my spleen to the CEO. It likely won't make a jot of difference, but no one likes criticism and someone will have had to have read it - and most importantly, I'll feel better for having had a good rant!

HeavensDevil

Ziggy_Stardust wrote: »

I really hope you get some joy, I signed up to various MS companies a few months ago RE being one of them but with what I read about them here and the silly fees they pay us I've never used them, I really don't intend to either.

Don't blame you! As others have said in the past, they're an alright place to begin and get some experience, but once you climb up the ladder and get better work and better pay with better companies, they're not good for much. I guess the upside is, you learn to appreciate those companies a lot better after working for RE!

Flygirl767

I was asked if I would like to be interviewed for the role of proofreader at RE. It involved driving to Milton Keynes at my own expense for a 7pm group interview. If successful, I would then have to drive hundreds of miles again to MK for training.

Natch I declined . I dread to think what the criteria was to be accepted. Did anyone else get invited and attend?

mysterious_girl

Flygirl767 wrote: »

I was asked if I would like to be interviewed for the role of proofreader at RE. It involved driving to Milton Keynes at my own expense for a 7pm group interview. If successful, I would then have to drive hundreds of miles again to MK for training.

Natch I declined . I dread to think what the criteria was to be accepted. Did anyone else get invited and attend?

Would love to be a fly on the wall at the training. I wonder what they pay? 50p per assignment? They must get an extra 20p if they have to query you, therefore all the questions.

GlennTheBaker

I have to admit to firing off the odd caustic response to a ridiculous RE proofreading query but in the main I take a deep breath, answer it and bank the money....then rant on here instead.

marvellousaunt

On the flipside, I did a spicy chicken visit last night, did the report this morning and the money is already showing as pending. The report was actually fairly quick and straightforward, even more so considering it was RE. Which was excellent, plus as I was going there anyway I was quids in. Service was pretty poor though, I wrote about that in plenty of detail.

Beggars can't be choosers this month, everything is dead for me, so I'm relenting and doing a couple of premiumed Gaps tomorrow. By the time the burgers are 3x fee they're actually not bad for the money as the report is so straightforward!

I am sick of seeing GR on zero every single time... where are all these travel alerts?! Boo.

HeavensDevil

On a more positive note, had quite a nice time this morning in GR's very child-friendly store - am very tempted to not bother returning the cartoon puppy electric toothbrush I bought as part of the assignment! And the free princess calendar they put in the bag...

marvellousaunt

I love the GR kiddie store! Always end up spending far more than I need to, both in time and ££ but it's a joy! Love it. Wasn't about to be upsold a GIANT stuffed toy lion, even if he is a hero, I don't need to spend twenty quid on that thank you very much. Even if it is on offer!

HeavensDevil

marvellousaunt wrote: »

I love the GR kiddie store! Always end up spending far more than I need to, both in time and ££ but it's a joy! Love it. Wasn't about to be upsold a GIANT stuffed toy lion, even if he is a hero, I don't need to spend twenty quid on that thank you very much. Even if it is on offer!

It can be a bit pricey, I did have to ask the lady to show me stuff a little closer to the minimum spend. I'm taking it as a good sign that I look as if I have money to spend though - the female target in the RE electrical store I did on Sunday asked me whether my handbag was Vivienne Westwood - I said no, admitting in a quiet voice that it was actually from George at Asda...

I was a bit unsure what to expect today, when I did the kiddie shop a few months ago, I ended up chatting to the MOS for about half an hour (I was in the store for 45 mins in total!) - not just about my scenario, but everything and anything! I'm surprised GR and the client never questioned it, unless it happens to a lot of the customers she deals with She was great, but I didn't have quite that amount of time to spend in store today, so was quite glad when I saw a different lady - she was a star too, top marks for her. I say I love a good moan, but being able to give positive feedback is lovely, even if it makes me ramble on a little and take longer to complete the questionnaire