The mystery shopping thread - part 4

bobthego

ro55e30 wrote: »

Hi

I am new to this section and have a question about grassroots.

I've been with GR for a couple of weeks now and NEVER seen a job there or been offered one

BP56134

Scaredy_Cat wrote: »

Bare was a bit of an awkward one - they wanted a phone number as dialled from abroad! I wouldn't know where to start! Then they ask for my height in metres and my weight in kgs!!! I'm still imperial so I haven't a clue! And finally they ask for postcodes I'm willing to work, which again seems a bit odd as there would be loads of endings for each TS23 postcode, then the same for each TS18, or TS8, TS7 etc - surely you don't have to enter each one? I assume it won't just accept TS18? I think I tried that and it wouldn't.

I don't know if this is just for us northerners or Bare do this to everyone, but don't search just the county, make sure you're searching the country and trawl through the entire job board. They never put the county in for jobs in my area - they are listed by town/city and so you only see them on the full list. It takes a little while longer, but definitely worth it.

Saveit

wearside wrote: »

I have my first two assignments for GFK next week. One involves buying a ticket then getting it refunded. The brief says it could cost £100:eek:. The other one is a trip to the xxxxx. I may find a part time job there;)

Can a Mod take out the client please?

bimsbims

Bare usually pays but takes their time and you can actually ignore the areas you wish to cover.You will still get jobs anyway.I just tried completing my regs on TNS now on Mozilla it went ting tong but popped on to Safari and Bingo! Though I saw a store I wanted to pick but no link worked!!Pls help

Becles

nementai wrote: »

Just a quicky - are gfk usually reliable with pay?
I've spent a small fortune on shops and am starting to worry about not getting it back...
Anyone had much experience either way?
I'm also worried I've messed up and they'll not pay me or refund the costs (just being paranoid now!) - am I likely to be told if this has happened?

You will get it all back eventually, but be prepared in case you have the same problems as me!

On the last lot of ticket jobs, I posted all mine off before the 17th cut off date, but some did not arrive in time, so I didn't get reimbursed on 25th June. I've since been told by my husband (RM employee) that Freepost envelopes are dealt with after the regular 1st and 2nd class mail, so it may have been held up in the post. He suggested using stamps on the envelopes next time, although you won't get reimbursed for the stamps.

Anyway, they did an intrim payment at the beginning of July but mine was still short. One job was missed off altogether, and on some other multi ticket jobs, they've covered some of the tickets but not all of them.

I've been assured that the remaining reimbursements will be paid to me on the 25th July and I do trust them as they've open and honest right through.

Just thought I would let you know, as you could be out of pocket for up to six weeks if you are as unfortunate as me!

Becles

Scaredy_Cat wrote: »

I've been working my way down the list in the opening post here but they all seem so complicated. Firstly, most of them want my phone number and I'm not comfortable putting that in at this stage - I'd rather just communicate via email. Can't help it, but I'm a bit suspicious because it's all online, and I don't want to end up getting marketing phonecalls.

They need your phone number so they can ring you up with offers of work or if there is a query on your report. It's nothing sinister and your details won't be sold on to marketing companies.

One of them wanted 2 referees, and I can't think of anyone to put - I haven't worked for over 2 years.

Most employers ask for a reference, just to make sure you are who you say you are, and that you are reliable etc. Have you got a family friend or know someone of good social standing that could write you a character reference? I've had references from people I know - one from someone who has a management position in a utility company and one from the school headmaster.

Another couple wanted a photo - well, I don't have any recent pics of me anyway, but certainly none on the computer.

I think that's more for auditing/merchandising work. Some companies will make you a photo ID badge which you need to show when you are signing into the store to do work.

Others just like to see what you look like! I just met an allocator from a MS company a couple of weeks ago. I've talked to her lots on the phone and by email, so it was a bit strange seeing each other in the flesh as we had no idea what each other looked like.

As long as you stick with the reputable companies, it's fine giving all your personal details. Be wary of these sites that ask for a fee for info etc. I wouldn't put any personal details on those.

Hollypear

bobthego wrote: »

I've been with GR for a couple of weeks now and NEVER seen a job there or been offered one

Be patient Bobthego. I was with them for months then got offered a job by email. Then soon after another one. I like them. Their website is easy to use and they have a message centre and answer any queries promptly. Unlike Gyp!!! My new name for them who don't reply to you hardly, who's fees are not worth the bother and they didn't pay me.

On another note since I don't want to work anymore for them and am fed up with RE and their mega reports with restrictions ie pharmacies where you must have a prescription and must purchase a hay fever remedy even when you don't have hayfever I was looking for a change.

So I applead last week to Amber Arch. Got an acceptance yesterday with super duper jobs and really good fees.I have to reply with which ones I fancy. Is anyone else with them.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

apc4tr

Becles wrote: »

You will get it all back eventually, but be prepared in case you have the same problems as me!

On the last lot of ticket jobs, I posted all mine off before the 17th cut off date, but some did not arrive in time, so I didn't get reimbursed on 25th June. I've since been told by my husband (RM employee) that Freepost envelopes are dealt with after the regular 1st and 2nd class mail, so it may have been held up in the post. He suggested using stamps on the envelopes next time, although you won't get reimbursed for the stamps.

Anyway, they did an intrim payment at the beginning of July but mine was still short. One job was missed off altogether, and on some other multi ticket jobs, they've covered some of the tickets but not all of them.

I've been assured that the remaining reimbursements will be paid to me on the 25th July and I do trust them as they've open and honest right through.

Just thought I would let you know, as you could be out of pocket for up to six weeks if you are as unfortunate as me!

That sums up my experience as well, but everything will come good - Fortunately, as the tickets were on a credit card, all is fine as the bill doesn't need paying until after the next pay period...

cookinmummy

Freyagirl wrote: »

I have always been paid in cash (yes in an envelope in the post).

freyagirl

I had vouchers in the post again today from abai - I think it must depend on which client you do whether you get vouchers or cash.

woohoo_postingid

Does anyone have the postal address for GFK please. I need to send some receipts but I can't find it anywhere.

Please help!!