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

whitelabel

The_Reaper wrote: »

Hi All,

Its been many, many years since I did any mystery shopping.

What is the general consensus on Frontline Focus? I can see they had a lot of problems but is there any sign that they have sorted themselves out?

paid out on person after threats of legal action to some one here (not to me - they
still ignored all my communications and payments) and to many others it seems

avoid like the plague

dbrookf

whitelabel wrote: »

paid out on person after threats of legal action
still ignored all my communications and payments and many others it seems

avoid like the plague

Any others to avoid because of low or slow pay? Or ones to particularly recommend?

DevilsAdvocate1

The_Reaper wrote: »

Hi All,

Its been many, many years since I did any mystery shopping.

What is the general consensus on Frontline Focus? I can see they had a lot of problems but is there any sign that they have sorted themselves out?

I thought they'd gone bust. They were the first company I did a mystery shopping job for. Used to really like their credit card ones.

LadyDon

I have been with them for a while and find that I continually have to chase them for payment but do eventually get it, it does take ages though however, they do offer a good bonus!

gemmacarolyn

Hi all. Firstly, thanks for all the excellent advice on this thread I have a couple of questions, as I haven't done any mystery shopping in years and then it was only a couple of jobs at Uni:

I've finally been able to sign up to the a company that pays for meals out in exchange for feedback. Since they normally only reimburse the cost of the meal, would I have to declare this to the HMRC?

Secondly, if I work for other companies that do pay a fee, how do I pay tax after I've registered with HMRC?

Sorry if I'm asking for answers that are already there-I couldn't see them.

Thanks in advance

hsa_3

Does anyone know if the very early morning hotel audits for Helion are still continuing? I did the first ones and then was away next time. Seems a bit of a waste of the training for all parties not to do it again if they are going on... if so who is the contact person at Helion these days?

Cybi-Ping

The_Reaper wrote: »

Hi All,

Its been many, many years since I did any mystery shopping.

What is the general consensus on Frontline Focus? I can see they had a lot of problems but is there any sign that they have sorted themselves out?

They still owe me money, avoid!

Macadamia

gemmacarolyn wrote: »

Hi all. Firstly, thanks for all the excellent advice on this thread I have a couple of questions, as I haven't done any mystery shopping in years and then it was only a couple of jobs at Uni:

I've finally been able to sign up to the a company that pays for meals out in exchange for feedback. Since they normally only reimburse the cost of the meal, would I have to declare this to the HMRC?

Secondly, if I work for other companies that do pay a fee, how do I pay tax after I've registered with HMRC?

Sorry if I'm asking for answers that are already there-I couldn't see them.

Thanks in advance

Welcome!

There is some excellent advice in the first few posts on this thread. Follow it and you wont go far wrong. You will see there is a bit of 'discussion' about reimbursement only and how this is regarded. (It has been a recurring discussion over the different threads.)

My advice would be to register self employment, keep excellent records, declare income (which will involve a tax return) and then pay any tax due, if and when it is demanded.

You put in your tax return after the end of the tax year. So for example, in 2013-14, you would have to submit a paper return by 31st October, or if you do it online, by 31st January 2015.

I believe if you only do minor reimbursement only restaurant jobs, you will not find yourself paying extra tax. For fee paying work, expenses can often balance the income.

But don't be tempted to use that as a reason to not declare. There are several on here that would echo me in saying that dealing with a tax enquiry is a far from joyful experience.

Aside from all that - I hope you enjoy your 'free' dinners!

whitelabel

dbrookf wrote: »

Any others to avoid because of low or slow pay? Or ones to particularly recommend?

the 1st page of here has lots of info on companies

I avoid AA and gyp 9unless a msasive bonus and free food) and MF

Big_Graeme

whitelabel wrote: »

the 1st page of here has lots of info on companies

I avoid AA and gyp 9unless a msasive bonus and free food) and MF

Actually AA have upped their game of late, I've done some video stuff for them and didn't have an issue despite a minor issue with the vid halfway through.