The mystery shopping thread - part 4

cookinmummy

DeeDee98 wrote: »

I havent done a job for Gap in ages but just recieved an email warning me about the perils of using an analogue timing device for their evaluations.

Did anyone else get one of these? I'm presuming it was a generic email -either that or they're gearing up to sack me too ...

No - I had one of these too - sure its generic DeeDee.

Hollypear

You know how we have all been moaning about the company with the pharmacy ( hay fever) and off sales with low fees and mega long reports. I don't even do the off sales now as where previously at least I got reimbursed for wine now it has changer to lager which I hate.

Now I have 2 comments here and would welcome comments from you all.

Firstly over the time I have done MS'ing I have become friendly with someone who is an allocator who I have come to trust. So I have asked him some of the background to MS'ing. Such as why the companies vary so much.

Now like most of us I started off accepting any and every job I was offered. Then I realised esp recently with high petrol costs that some of the jobs were paying me in effect nothing if you factor in time, costs etc This allocator said they couldn't understand people taking these jobs and if shoppers refused them the MS company has to go to the client and say they couldn't fulfil the MS's. Clients then reallocate the tender to another company. In all likeliehood company 2 will pay a higher fee. So we and company 2 all benefit and the original stingy company learn a sharp lesson if they want to stay in business.

Then last night for the 1st time ever I got a phone call asking me would I do the jobs in my area and when I said no ( I wasn't offered a premium and the jobs are way overdue) I gave the reason why. ie that I don't have hay fever, don't like lager, think the fee too small and the report takes ages and is often queried over stupid things.

For instance when you asked for a wine recommendation you got to judge them ...like did they just point to one or shrug their shoulders. How can you judge them by buying a specified 4 bottles of lager. What does that prove. Yes you get reimbursed but if I did say 4 of them I have 16 bottles of lager which I won't drink kicking about the house. At least I used to drink and enjoy the wine.

I would welcome your opinions on this and I hope I have given this company some useful feedback. There are at least 36 jobs from this company in my area and have stayed there for 4 weeks so I reckon they are getting puzzled and worried as no one is taking them.

Scaredy_Cat_3

I agree completely, Hollypear. I'm very new to this so I'm not really qualified to comment - but I have seen a number of jobs on offer which I've ignored because I think the fee is too low. For example, fast food chains... fine if you're in town anyway and would have to eat anyway, but it's really not worth my while to drive out and buy a meal just to get £3/£4 fee. When you consider the time taken and the petrol used, it's just not worth it.

cookinmummy

Well I agree HP - I have point blank refused to do both the two jobs you have mentioned in my area and for the very same reasons! The list of jobs not taken is huge - and to be honest that is not my problem - there is no way I would do these as you do make a loss. It would not be so bad if you ended up with a fab product you wanted, but for these I suspect there must be a lot left on the system!

I cannot believe the comp is baffled by this - as nobody does something for nothing - and with no incentive - why would you?

Now come on HP - crack us a joke?!:rotfl:

Timmne

The MSing companies went from paying for a job, to paying a bit for a job but with a good reward, to not really paying for a job at all and with no reward!

It's incredible really that they have to beg shoppers to do them. In the world of MSing, if a release of jobs isn't completely allocated within say 3 hours then the job's not worth doing for the fee.

cookinmummy

Anyone having probs getting on Office?

Ignore that I am in now!

bobthego

Hollypear, you are spot on with what you say about the two jobs, I dont drink lager either so wont take any, but would have done if it was for wine and not out of my way. I am slowly (very slowly!) learning to not just take anything that comes along. I've still got a few jobs booked it that I wish that I hadnt' taken but I'll make me learn to be more choosy hopefully.

For me, I'm not so much bothered about the money side, but I love to take my family and friends out for a meal etc, or buy them a coffee and cake if we're in town, this is what I'm happy for MS to be for me

Hollypear

[quote=cookinmummy;

I cannot believe the comp is baffled by this - as nobody does something for nothing - and with no incentive - why would you?

Now come on HP - crack us a joke?!:rotfl:[/quote]

I know cookinmummy it isn't like me to be so serious but I am fed up with these companies behaving as if they are doing us a favour and take Timmne's remarks on board too. I am watching this site with interest to see what they will do. Up the fee maybe??

Crack a joke...well you asked for it as I am becoming the site joker. I was doing an optical visit last week and had to get an eye test. The bloke was really nice and I am sitting there in the pitch dark saying which lens I could see best with then took a fit of giggles.A joke I heard working in an opthalmic dept in a hospital one day popped into my head.

A famous opthalmologist was retiring and they got loads of money to get him a gift. But he had everything imaninable..Rolex watch ect so they came up with the idea of a painting of an eye to remind him of his career. They unveiled it then he made a thank you speech.

Whereupon he said "Thank you so much for such a thoughtful gift which will certainly always remind me of my career as an eye specialist.....BUT I can't help but think THANK GOD I HADN'T BEEN A GYNAECOLOGIST.

Do you reckon cookinmummy we will have to explain that one to Timmne!!!!!

Timmne

Ha! No got it - not sure if I should thank you for it though

sinderella_2

Totally agree with you Hollypear - and I am a big fan of comps like GFK who offer a good incentive if they want jobs doing at the last minute. The idea of going out especially to get a rubbish fast food meal when any fee is swallowed by your costs and then filling in the paperwork in return for the free food is not appealing to me. Then again, these jobs suit people who are already out because they then get fed plus a small fee to cover the report writing time.

I really appreciate you speaking to the allocator and posting this.