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Just got back into Mystery shopping was gone for years!!!!!!!

October 10, 2012 08:45AM
Just trying to make some extra honest money to fill some gaps. Plus its fun. Just need a little help on legit companies. I just need a lil guidance. Hello everyone. Nice to be here.
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October 10, 2012 11:33AM
Hi, SpeciaK, welcome to the forum. There's a great list of companies available here. Just click on the blue link at the bottom of the page, Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies. All are legitimate reliable companies. Sign up with as many as you can to give yourself a good variety of potential shops.
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October 11, 2012 01:55PM
And if they aren't legit and reliable... tell us!!!!!

Welcome!
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October 14, 2012 03:03AM
Thanks 4 the info...
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October 15, 2012 04:01AM
Hi!

Me too, I haven't shopped in a few years but it is fun getting back into it. I am from Michigan.
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October 15, 2012 12:19PM
Hello Everyone!

Me too! Got back into MS 7 months ago. I have been reading the forum for several months and just decided to post.

Things have changed in twenty years. I remember searching for jobs in the newspaper! Of course back then, a bank platform job would have landed you $100. What the heck happened to the fees? OMG!!!

When I joined the first online company several months ago and began browsing the job listings, the disgracefully low fees took my breath away. Is this all about corporate greed or what? I am really wondering if anyone is actually making any money, or if everyone is just volunteering their time?

I know, I know...if I don't like it, don't do it. But the problem is that I DO like it, and now that the kids are all grown up, I would like to pick it back up...but I expect to be compensated fairly. $8 for a gas shop is JUST WRONG!!!

What happened?
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October 15, 2012 03:00PM
Hi, IGOOgleit, welcome to the forum. Some of us are making money, but mystery shopping doesn't generate huge wads of cash. I've only been shopping since 2008 and I'm jealous to hear about $100 bank platform shops - the going rate now is usually $15. I think the internet happened. It is now super easy to recruit shoppers and there are a lot more shoppers. The internet makes it very easy for shoppers to sign up and easy for schedulers to "advertise" jobs that shoppers can either self-assign or apply for. There are a lot of shoppers and there is a lot of competition for jobs. Then add in the economy - many companies who were shopped went out of business and some decided the MS expense was too much and either stopped or scaled back their MS programs. There are those making a living from it, but I would say most of us see it as a little extra.
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October 15, 2012 06:22PM
Yes, AustinMom, you are right! Is is much easier and quicker to find and fill jobs nowadays. Supply and demand. I guess technology is not always a good thing. At least you don't have to fill in the reports by hand, send them snail mail and wait 3 months for a check!
I was just really shocked at the pay rate...it is almost an insult. But I will definitely pick and chose my jobs. I do hope more shoppers stop and take a look and think a little more before accepting these low paying shops. If we stick together, we can change this craziness. If nobody takes them at bargain bill prices, then they will have no other choice but to change the starting rate higher...I know, stop my dreaming - right?
Hey - good chatting with you girl, and happy shopping everyone!
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October 16, 2012 01:47AM
I started mystery shopping 5 years ago basically for free pizza. Then, when I was laid-off and took a $6 per hour pay cut, I had to find a way to make some cash. Luckily, I live in a rural area that has several small cities within a 70 mile radius. I generally look for a high paying shop ($50 or more) within that radius, then add smaller paying shops in the same city to round out my day. I can usually make $100+ in a day, and often more. I think the problem lies with inexperienced shoppers that don't realize that with most companies, the pay increases as the deadline approaches. Patience is a virtue in mystery shopping.
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October 17, 2012 09:13PM
I am very excited to have found this forum. This answers my question posed in the "new member" forum. Still, the more storied I hear about how folks are doing this to make a living, the more encouraged I feel. I really enjoy role playing and being a mystery shopper.
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October 18, 2012 01:43AM
bohemianlibra Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am very excited to have found this forum. This
> answers my question posed in the "new member"
> forum. Still, the more storied I hear about how
> folks are doing this to make a living, the more
> encouraged I feel. I really enjoy role playing
> and being a mystery shopper.

Welcome, make yourself at home!
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