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March 02, 2012 04:47PM
I've been mystery shopping southeastern Pa. for a couple of months. I am still only being offered low paying, "smaller" assignments. What gives?
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March 02, 2012 04:58PM
It may be the companies you are working with. Register with more companies. The usual big ones such as Corporate Research, Maritz, Bestmark, Market Force and Bare are ones I suggest folks START with because they have shops everywhere. But beyond that experience if you want to continue in this business you need to add other companies to your repertoire. Many of these do not want a brand spankin' new shopper so the experience you have gained with the big companies can help ease you in the door with others. Generally one in five companies has something in your area--perhaps not a job you are qualified for or would want to perform, but something. Once you identify who is working in your niche, it is time to start building your reputation with them.

Remember that when you see a shopper happy about a $50 or $75 shop it is highly bonused and they are pleased to have 'snagged' it. Very few of us get thrilled about $10-$20 jobs that are the meat and potatoes of the industry.
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March 02, 2012 05:10PM
All you can do is keep trying Peach!

We've all "BTDT" starting out. Heck, there are some companies with a particular scheduler who will just NOT assign me any jobs - but, same company different scheduler, I get jobs all the time!

I've been doing this since October - 5 full months now - I still do the $10-$15.00 jobs. I've gotten right around a total of 20 larger paying jobs (lucked out) I also still pick up those $7.50 jobs (with full reimbursements), and those $8.00 jobs - ALL THE TIME. It's what's available in my area.

I too would love to know where those higher paying ($20+) jobs are - because they definitely are not around here! LOL!

So - just keep plugging away!

~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~ + ~

Proud To Be A Soldier's Mom
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March 02, 2012 05:31PM
Hello Peach - I'm in my third year shopping and I don't see a lot of better paying shops. Most of what I do is between $10.00 and $20.00. I do some $40.00 and $50.00 shops, and I've had one that was $100.00, but that is not the norm. For me, the big money shop is the whoopy doo every now and then score. You'll read a lot about not taking the "cheap" shops, but shops under $20.00 are 95% or more of what I see. The reality of this for me is that if I want to have a good day, or a good half day, I have to string a bunch of shops together and get after it. If you ever luck on to that gravy train of high paying shops, I hope you'll send me a ticket. Best luck to you and stay with it. It doesn't get better but it gets easier.

Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
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March 03, 2012 11:14PM
Yes, I agree with all of the above. This industry is not a big money making type of job. Usually stringing together several small shops on the same trip make it worthwhile. It also depends on the type of Metro area you are in.

I'm happy to be pulling in $200-$500 a month, and I also chalk it up to being out somewhere I would have not otherwise have visited. I also get 'bragging rights' to getting paid to going out and shopping/eating.

The bigger/higher paid shops REALLY require a LOT of detail and effort. Sometimes it is not worth it. Be careful!

Best!!
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March 04, 2012 02:42AM
Thanks to all of you for the advice and support!! I already love you guys, talk to ya soon.
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