Mystery Shopping Thread 25 *PLEASE READ THE OP FIRST**PLEASE NO CLIENT NAMES OR FEES

whitelabel

yup its late
in essence im saying they would like to if they could, but they have no way of knowing who it was so have no way of doing so, and yes i bet they wish to bury it too.

my guess given it has got the coverage it has - is that the email and leak came from the pr department of the supermarket in question, which was passed it by a shopper... perhaps or perhaps not, the one who had that dilemma a few pages ago on here and worked for said supermarket...

jen_br

This is a HUGE loss to poor ol IMS, they are base in Thame along with three other huge companies who do this kinda work and manage to do it covertly... I am sorry but if I was IMS I would take whomever tot he cleaners just for fun.

Shoppers if this was a shopper who spilled the beans needs to be smarter this can loose contracts and loose work I bet Tea Company next time will pull this in house.

Nebulous2

I have been mystery shopping for over a month now. I'm almost at the point of getting some of the money I have laid out back! I have a few random thoughts and another question though;

Firstly congratulations to anyone who makes a living at this. I'm sure as your ability and relationships grow you will get bettter gigs, but I'm also sure it is always going to be a difficult way to make money.

Secondly I couldn't find an old Nokia, we must have sent them all for recycling, but I have a work Blackberry and it is working well as a timer, hidden in my pocket.

Finally, and the question. How do you take photos in the dark? I'm doing visits in the evening, which works for me, as it doesn't interfere with my work, but photograhy is a challenge. Some stores have big floodlights and dark areas and my phone isn't coping. I have a decent compact camera, which would handle conditions better, but it would be even more conspicuous. Would companies accept less than perfect photos in difficult conditions?

bylromarha

Just heard this on the news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25098810

Basically, as the payday loan stays on your credit file for 6 years, it could adversely affect your mortgage applications.

Doesn't matter if you paid the loan back in full and on time, the fact you took one puts you in a higer risk category.

So think twice about taking these jobs if you're a mortgage borrower (which I suspect most of us are...). I think I'd only take one now if locked into a 10yr plus deal or mortgage free.

And sorry to be the bearer of bad news to those who've already done one of these jobs. I truly hope it doesn't affect you in a negative way.

JohnnyG

ljshopper wrote: »

It will never happen. IMS will just want this to go away. There isnt a chance in hell that they will take any action that would drag this out.

Yeah, can't see IMS taking any action. Financially, it won't be worth their while, all they'd achieve is to make an example of someone.

bylromarha wrote: »

Basically, as the payday loan stays on your credit file for 6 years, it could adversely affect your mortgage applications.

Doesn't matter if you paid the loan back in full and on time, the fact you took one puts you in a higer risk category.

Must admit, I've only done one TNS finance job that involved a credit check and have never even considered the payday loan jobs. In fact, I don't consider any jobs now that involve a credit check, and I'm all but mortgage free.

hayley11

Nice seeing payments coming in

Does anybody know how long it takes Assosia to pay?

whitelabel

usually 14-30 days after depending on the job. they pay twice a month.

superliss

I think any job that involves credit checks contains an element of risk. I heard this new revelation about Payday loans today on the radio and it doesn't surprise me.

I think that anyone considering taking any credit check assignment reads the various articles written by Martin Lewis if you haven't already. The MS companies are not going to be quick to tell you that it may have an adverse effect on your credit score as they just want to fulfill the client's needs.

MysteryMe

Well we don't know what happened so no one should be quick to judge or start blaming other mystery shoppers for spilling the beans. I don't work for IMS, didn't get the email so only know what I have read on here. Judging by the info in the newspaper why anyone would want to do such ethically questionable work for the pittance on offer is beyond me. It's one thing doing competitor visits, price checking etc but what was proposed by the tea company was very questionable IMO.

MysteryMe

Nebulous2 wrote: »

Finally, and the question. How do you take photos in the dark? I'm doing visits in the evening, which works for me, as it doesn't interfere with my work, but photograhy is a challenge. Some stores have big floodlights and dark areas and my phone isn't coping. I have a decent compact camera, which would handle conditions better, but it would be even more conspicuous. Would companies accept less than perfect photos in difficult conditions?

Make sure the flash is off, get your camera ready and just take a pic. It takes a second and you would be unlucky to be seen.