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Like watching a train wreck

April 15, 2012 02:04AM
New shopper checking in. I started about a month ago and have done 25 shops so far. It's crazy but I still can't tell if I'm going to stick with it. It is kind of like watching a train wreck, it's kind of grusome at times, but I can't stop doing it.

Some of the shops have been fun (car dealerships, some of the retail and fast food/restaurant places.) Others have been a pain in the butt, mostly because of reports that ask you the same question 40 times or don't let logic enter into the equation. I also can't quite figure out why people want to bust their chops for $10 or less for two, three or four hours work, including reading guidelines, drive time, shop time and writing reports. People, that's WAY below minimum wage.

But for me, as a way to supplement my income, it's a nice gig. At least it will be when I figure out who to work for and who not to.

I've been reading this forum for about a week, and it's great. Lots of helpful information and lots of fun stuff, too.

Shopping from the Twin Cities
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April 15, 2012 02:16AM
Welcome to the forum! You are obviously a quick study in what works for you and what doesn't! And you hit it on the head, "But for me, as a way to supplement my income, it's a nice gig."
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April 15, 2012 03:31AM
I agree that the pre and post time involved can be rather lengthy. I am doing it for a while to see if it gets any faster. Hoping to get the hang of these evaluations and become able to whip them out! I guess if I do it for the money, then it better be worth it. On the other hand, if I do it for a hobby, then I can get paid to have a little fun. OK, is it really fun or a lot of paperwork?
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April 18, 2012 06:17PM
I agree, the reporting can be quite gruesome!! Most shop boards though will let you review the report before you sign up. With that said, the higher paying shops do require a lot more reporting for their money's worth. Beware to watch your grammer, spelling and punctuation or they will reject your report or reduce your pay for editing.

I'm with you on the small paying shops.... not worth my time and trouble. I mean they want to pay me $8 plus $1.25 reimbursement for 15 minutes of my time in the store, Haa! Who are they kidding. Even if the report is all multiple choice it still takes another 15 minutes to complete it.

I hate purchase/return shops too! They require two trips to the store and pay little for your trouble.

It is worth your effort to cruise the web and sign up for every job board you can. It is easier to pick and chose if you have a large selection.
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April 21, 2012 03:07AM
Trepidation, indeed - yes, this is what I am now experiencing after reading this post. Probably, this is good: caution is always your best buddy.
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April 22, 2012 03:01PM
There are good and bad to msing, we've all seen it. I get burned out and swear this is it, yet I find myself looking for jobs. This gets additing, so my bet is you'll keep going...6 years later, I'm doing less, but still doing.

Live consciously....
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