Maximising income - Mystery Shopping? Surveys? (Part Three)

auntypog

YEOSAL wrote: »

Hi all

I am an MS newbie, done 7 in the last week. Done some jobs for RM, GB and one for RE. Where I have had to submit reports on line for food outlets, it has taken me about two hours to do this. Why oh why would anyone pick these assignments if the reports take so long? Am I being slow? RM have been great as ring and take details.

I thought the whole point was to assess the stores accurately, so I am disappointed to hear people not getting assignments because the stores are rubbish. I worry that I may be over critical so could well be sacked within the week!

Any hints/tips would be be welcome!

I use voice activated software. It makes the filling in go a lot quicker but you have to check it over carefully after -- in case it misheard you. (I am completely honest and have not been sacked -- so far.)

soolin

I'm really unhappy at a MS company today. I just went to do a shop assignment, spent about 20 minutes in the shop asking questions, checking out toilets and doing some shopping when the alarms went off and the store was evacuated. I waited a further 15 minutes outside but the police were saying it would be better to go away and try again later as the fire brigade would need to attend and do a sweep of the place and that could take a while.

Came home, rang the MS company explained that I had lots of the info, but had no receipt for purchases as I had to leave my shopping, and have been told I will not get paid. I was given the option of going back another day and starting again but this is not convenient as I fit in the MS around my other work and don't like to rush either job.

So just be warned, you can spend the best part of 45 minutes working for a MS company and not get paid.

wantmorejobs

soolin wrote: »

Came home, rang the MS company explained that I had lots of the info, but had no receipt for purchases as I had to leave my shopping, and have been told I will not get paid. I was given the option of going back another day and starting again but this is not convenient as I fit in the MS around my other work and don't like to rush either job.

So just be warned, you can spend the best part of 45 minutes working for a MS company and not get paid.

What company was this with? I would definitely push it and you will get paid, unless it is for GAP of course. If it is with TNS, which for a supermarket I think it may be, then I would force the issue as they will be able to clarify the issue of a fire alarm with the store.

This happened once with RE and a pub I went to. When I went to order my meal, they had to close because of a gas leak. I got the fee and reimbursement after forcing the issue!!!

soolin

It was for GR as I only shop for them.

I have sent them an email, but I couldn't do it through the proper links as they took the assignment off my 'to do' list while I was on the phone. Luckily I had a note of the assignment number. I do lots of different jobs outside of ms and this is the first time I have ever put myself out and worked for nothing..never again. I told them that this policy will encourage shoddy assignments as instead of doing it all properly and taking proper time to record everything and ask all the right questions, people will be just concentrating on the money shot and getting a receipt for goods and rushing round blindly trying to get it all done , just in case.

I wonder if it is worth calling again in case I get someone different?

johnny_c-l

Call them and try again - it's disgusting that they won't pay you.

Hollypear

soolin wrote: »

It was for GR as I only shop for them.

I have sent them an email, but I couldn't do it through the proper links as they took the assignment off my 'to do' list while I was on the phone. Luckily I had a note of the assignment number. I do lots of different jobs outside of ms and this is the first time I have ever put myself out and worked for nothing..never again. I told them that this policy will encourage shoddy assignments as instead of doing it all properly and taking proper time to record everything and ask all the right questions, people will be just concentrating on the money shot and getting a receipt for goods and rushing round blindly trying to get it all done , just in case.

I wonder if it is worth calling again in case I get someone different?

I would try calling again. This is dreadful and not a way to treat your shoppers. What annoys me is there is a Code of Practice for Mystery Shopping but we at the tough end have no protection.It's thanks to this forum and I may say the generosity of those on it willing to give their help advice and support that you don't have that alone feeling I first had when I started MS as I knew no one else who did it.
I think all of us make a big effort to compile accurate reports by asking everything we are asked. This kind of attitude would encourage people less scrupulous as us to fiddle the reports. It would have been easy to dive in buy something first then just make up the answers when you get home by ticking every "Were you told about???...did the assistant smile and what greeting did you get"
I went to a shop under the digital television scheme which will be gradually introduced through Britain to check the salesman knew when my area would be all digital and would my current tv, video etc still work. Got there and they had a sign saying they are closed and have moved to a business centre and don't deal with the public anymore. I reported this back, gave the new address and postcode and they said not to worry I would still be paid.

Good luck and don't let them away with this as it is sooooo unfair.

robrymond

Just been phoned by GAPBuster. They wanted me to do a 52 mile trip back to Birmingham to do a drive-thru Golden Arches for £10.49. I said I use £20 worth of petrol and he said he could offer me yellow station jobs but then went onto say they were on 26th May which were no good.

There were two yellow jobs for today he could offer in the Stoke area but north of here about 20 minutes away but I can't see them listed on the website. I wouldn't mind doing those but I'm not travelling over 100 miles roundtrip for £10.49!

soolin

I phoned back and got someone else and they are apparently going to look into this for me. They did confirm it seemed very harsh especially as they can check with the store about the times I was there to confirm the store was e evacuated, and I have details of other members of staff that I spoke to on various counters that they can confirm as well.

wantmorejobs

soolin wrote: »

I phoned back and got someone else and they are apparently going to look into this for me. They did confirm it seemed very harsh especially as they can check with the store about the times I was there to confirm the store was e evacuated, and I have details of other members of staff that I spoke to on various counters that they can confirm as well.

I should hope so too! All they are worried about is that they won't get there fee and couldnt be bothered to query it with the store, but if you force it then they will contact them, they will get their fee and they can then pay you!!!!

bulktrans

i am unable to see any new jobs on the TNS website; is any1 else encounterin similar problems.....