Mystery Shopping Thread 24 *PLEASE READ THE OP FIRST**PLEASE NO CLIENT NAMES OR FEES

Siouxsie32

B!!!!!r :mad: I seem to have dropped a ticket somewhere. I retraced my steps but the ticket office is closed now so I can't check if they only gave me part of what I bought. I have 5 of the 6 tickets and a receipt - hmm, hope that's enough for ESA?!

enevel

Thanks for the responses on the ESA ticket jobs - much helpful info in there. My issue is not with the realistic/pessimistic (depending where you stand) expectation of the reimbursement date, but more with the 'you shouldn't have done it' attitude exhibited in one post.

I've been self employed 10 years, and know very well what is and isn't reasonable when it comes to both payment and disbursements. All such outlay is put in the first instance on a cash-back credit card, and cleared in full each month. I've done a fair bit for ESA, and have never had a job not paid within the payroll of same month it was completed (ie. on the 10th of the following month).

These jobs were originally set to conclude on 24th (since extended to 27th). My first batch of tickets was returned to them, Special delivery, on 23rd (and thus confirmed as received by lunch on the 24th). That should be plenty of time to get them paid by 10th of the following month.

In addition to that, the sums here are very large. Some posters in far flung corners of what still passes as the empire may not realise that tickets for £114 (as purchased by me this morning) are commonplace down south. Also, it is largely impossible to budget in advance: this job is (among other things) checking for unwarranted upselling - of which I have experienced a fair amount (in one case being sold something £30 pricier than it should have been). My expenditure now exceeds £400 on this wave of jobs alone.

It would be reasonable in the circumstances to expect to get that back on the 10th of next month. If it is not received then, it would be reasonable to receive interest and/or compensation to cover any losses (ie. bank/card charges). If that is not forthcoming, then it would also be reasonable to pursue such sums via formal means.

ESA has made a bit of a hash of this wave of jobs. The briefing notes are far more complicated than they need to be, the questionnaire a disaster, and the timing of the wave within the pay calendar amateurish. As my initial post on the subject says, I hope they have taken the size of this wave into account in allocating staff to the processing of returns. Because if not, there will be further cost implications for them in the very near future.

superliss

enevel wrote: »

Thanks for the responses on the ESA ticket jobs - much helpful info in there. My issue is not with the realistic/pessimistic (depending where you stand) expectation of the reimbursement date, but more with the 'you shouldn't have done it' attitude exhibited in one post.

I've been self employed 10 years, and know very well what is and isn't reasonable when it comes to both payment and disbursements. All such outlay is put in the first instance on a cash-back credit card, and cleared in full each month. I've done a fair bit for ESA, and have never had a job not paid within the payroll of same month it was completed (ie. on the 10th of the following month).

These jobs were originally set to conclude on 24th (since extended to 27th). My first batch of tickets was returned to them, Special delivery, on 23rd (and thus confirmed as received by lunch on the 24th). That should be plenty of time to get them paid by 10th of the following month.

In addition to that, the sums here are very large. Some posters in far flung corners of what still passes as the empire may not realise that tickets for £114 (as purchased by me this morning) are commonplace down south. Also, it is largely impossible to budget in advance: this job is (among other things) checking for unwarranted upselling - of which I have experienced a fair amount (in one case being sold something £30 pricier than it should have been). My expenditure now exceeds £400 on this wave of jobs alone.

It would be reasonable in the circumstances to expect to get that back on the 10th of next month. If it is not received then, it would be reasonable to receive interest and/or compensation to cover any losses (ie. bank/card charges). If that is not forthcoming, then it would also be reasonable to pursue such sums via formal means.

ESA has made a bit of a hash of this wave of jobs. The briefing notes are far more complicated than they need to be, the questionnaire a disaster, and the timing of the wave within the pay calendar amateurish. As my initial post on the subject says, I hope they have taken the size of this wave into account in allocating staff to the processing of returns. Because if not, there will be further cost implications for them in the very near future.

I completely understand what your saying. I've had a couple of issues with visits (closed office and the fact that you cant get a train from notts at the mo). Have you tried calling them?

Just so you know where you stand with the reimbursement?

Also in regards to the timing, it may be poor for us but may be spot on for the client... we really don't matter that much.

Big_Graeme

Cut off for payment with ESA is the last day of the month, anything not processed just doesn't get paid that month, it has been happening for at least a year that I know of. The pay date is the 10th, don't get the two confused.

enevel wrote: »

It would be reasonable in the circumstances to expect to get that back on the 10th of next month. If it is not received then, it would be reasonable to receive interest and/or compensation to cover any losses (ie. bank/card charges). If that is not forthcoming, then it would also be reasonable to pursue such sums via formal means.

And you've been doing this for 10 years you say? Well that's given me a laugh anyway.

Catlin

With the ESA ticket jobs are we reimbursed for the online booking fee and credit card fee? I didn't see it mentioned anywhere and didn't put it in the questionnaire. Have I missed something?

Ta

awaywiththefaeries

superliss wrote: »

use your phone to record audio if possible. take questionnaires in a rucksack or something. (I tend not to use a handbag) you may have to spend 5 min in a toilet cubicle filling in the basics.

Name, description, timings etc. All the stuff that you can see as apposed to hear.

Thanks for the advice. Can't say my tourist attraction day was the easiest day I've ever had, but guess that was my own fault for taking all of my kids with me. Took me nearly all of the 8 hours the attraction was open to do everything the questionnaire asked for. In large parts you weren't allowed to use your phone (as they want to try to sell you photos), so I had post it notes in my pockets to remind me of certain things, the hood of the push chair works to hide a few scribblings, and then had to take notes on my phone when there was time. Took me 3 hours to write the report up last night, so even though it's a cheap day out, I've had easier jobs.

skivenov

Wish I'd kept my mouth shut about having a quiet spell.

I have found 70 call(s) which require you to select a planned visit date.

And that's just one client :eek:

PinkWing

Big_Graeme wrote: »

Looks like that dining company has nicked a MF client, shame the reimbursement is as poor, some of them it will cost you to buy the least expensive options.

Which client? The cutlery one?

superliss

awaywiththefaeries wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. Can't say my tourist attraction day was the easiest day I've ever had, but guess that was my own fault for taking all of my kids with me. Took me nearly all of the 8 hours the attraction was open to do everything the questionnaire asked for. In large parts you weren't allowed to use your phone (as they want to try to sell you photos), so I had post it notes in my pockets to remind me of certain things, the hood of the push chair works to hide a few scribblings, and then had to take notes on my phone when there was time. Took me 3 hours to write the report up last night, so even though it's a cheap day out, I've had easier jobs.

Yes they aren't the easiest of assignment to write up. It can get a bit monotonous.

Look at it this way though. How much did you save on entrance tickets? food? Its a family day out which we know can be expensive and also with that client you are gaining some reputation.

fionajbanana

Does anyone have a direct number to TNS for their banking assignments? I did mine assignment for them on 20th June and missed the cut off date for the payment in June. Checked my statement online just now and its not there either!

Needing the fee to cover 80% of the cost of three fillings and a microwave!