1. Forums
  2. Member Introductions

Off/on shopper/new to forum

April 09, 2011 03:15AM
I have supplemented my income as a writer the last ten years by mystery shopping. However, with gas prices rising, I am finding it is not cost effective as it once was. Interested on different views of making it work from other shoppers.
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

April 09, 2011 12:36PM
Welcome to the forum. You will find tons of good ideas for more cost effectie MSing. Just read, read, read.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
April 09, 2011 05:36PM
Hi iam6of11,
I just signed up today, thought I would try Mystery shopping myself. I have been doing online survery's for years now, some pay pretty well, some don't...it's really a game of finding out which one's are worth your time! I do a lot for Opinion Outpost, Send Earnings, & My Points, the are reliable & pay by check or gift cards. I do several others occasionally, but only if the price is right. At least you don't have to drive to get your money! I have an SUV thats not great on gas mileage, so this may not pay for me if I have to drive long distances for a job? Good luck & if you have any further questions just let me know, I'll try to help all I can. smiling smiley
Reply
April 09, 2011 06:35PM
Thanks!
Reply
April 09, 2011 06:45PM
Your Welcome! smiling smiley
Reply
April 14, 2011 12:57AM
I incorporate mystery shopping into my "other driving". If I am not going that way I will not subsidize companies that do not realize this is a BUSINESS,

Unless it is a food shop, and I need to eat lunch, I will let a philanthropist give their time and money to companies that offer $5 for a shop. They probably still think candy bars are a nickel, and you can get a big bag of penny candy for a quarter.

For you younger folks that scenario I just mentioned happened on this planet about 50 years ago. Gas was a quarter a gallon. You could "fill er up!" for the change that could be found in the seats and under the mats.

It's spring, you can hear "cheep cheep cheep" Sorry that is me thinking about the nickels they are throwing around like manhole covers.
Reply
April 14, 2011 04:44AM
LoL....but you are right....kinda hate admitting I remember the 25 cent gas but I do and I quit doing the less than 20$ jobs a long time ago. I may go a couple of months without doing a job but then I will get several high paying ones that make up for it. Most shoppers do not like the out of pocket cost for larget jobs and I don't mind so I get calls for high end hospitility jobs which is what I love doing. I am thinking the shopping companies will start dwindling as gas prices keep going up.
Reply
April 14, 2011 10:40PM
We are dwindling as gas prices go up!! I've started offering bonuses to shoppers who will drive a few miles out of their way or offering route shops to do more than one in a particular area to make the drive worth it. It's a tough job as a scheduler trying to place shops, but with some creative thinking and good customer service, it can be done!!
Reply
April 14, 2011 10:49PM
And you are right....I have done a route of as much as 300 mile round trip to make it worth my time and effort as well as my scheduler. They take good care of me and then when they have an emergency situation they know they can count on me to go out of my way for them.....it all boils down to a good working relationship and mutual respect....smiling smiley
Reply
April 15, 2011 12:41AM
Amen on the "Good working relationship and mutual respect!" That is certainly the key and is an opportunity with some companies and not with others.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login