Secret Shopping Services, has anyone gotten paid?
Unfortunately, after repeated emails back and forth with SSS, this matter has yet to be resolved. Anyone else having better luck recently in getting paid for their assignments? And does anybody else have assignments from 2011 still unpaid?
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
I am sorry you're having trouble getting paid fully for your work but am somewhat surprised that SSS actually responds to emails. Can you share what excuses SSS is using? Thanks.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/23/2012 08:41AM by BusyBeeBuzzBuzzBuzz.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/23/2012 08:41AM by BusyBeeBuzzBuzzBuzz.
SSS does not respond to all emails, nor do they/she/The Wizard of Oz reply promptly. Excuses have run the gamut from "Assignments showing pending payment status does not mean that they have not been paid" to "You must have changed your PayPal status". And, of course, the usual "I will call to discuss this with you", which has yet to happen.
It's ridiculous to have this much hassle to try to get paid for such a small amount of fees paid. If even a very minor value were applied to the amount of their time spent on this dodgy issue, the payments pending could have been paid several times over already.
It's ridiculous to have this much hassle to try to get paid for such a small amount of fees paid. If even a very minor value were applied to the amount of their time spent on this dodgy issue, the payments pending could have been paid several times over already.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
If shoppers give up, it benefits SSS, and I suspect TWoO is hoping for that.
There are almost no MSCs that I wish would fail, especially when I know they still owe shoppers. Freeman was one exception. SSS is another.
There are almost no MSCs that I wish would fail, especially when I know they still owe shoppers. Freeman was one exception. SSS is another.
Well, BusyBee, the TWofO can hope I will give up, but she will be very disappointed. I do not condone this type of business practice, and I will not make it easy for her to ignore this matter, regardless of the amount owed. I would encourage others in my situation to do the same.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
After reading all of these posts I checked my shop log for this company as well. I have only completed a couple of shops for them as this company does not have many jobs in my area. To my surprise I was not paid for a shop from February 2012. As well, it said, "Payment pending." After several emails I received a reply and eventually was paid although a processsing fee was charged. I cannot believe that this company has the nerve to deduct a fee for processing a payment from a shop that was completed nine months ago. I am sure that if I would not have persisted, I never would have been paid. I wonder how many times that this company has avoided making payments to shoppers. Deceitful. I will never shop for them again.
Is anybody else having any luck recently on collecting for long overdue assignments with SSS? I'm still waiting for my payments pending issues to be resolved.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
Just a quick update...nothing has been done to resolve my pending payment situation. I have lost count of how many times I have contacted TWoO, only to receive more dodgy answers - that is, if my messages are replied to at all. All of my communications have been polite and respectful. That is, up until this morning. I have sent out my last civil message. Anything after this that transpires is not going to be pleasant. The TWoO tried engaging in yet one more subterfuge yesterday that was transparently shady and deceptive, and I have now reached my limits.
This is frustratingly humiliating to have to beg someone for such a small amount, and I am completely po'd now.
OMG! As I was writing this, a message came in. TWoO is claiming ignorance of the whole situation as she does not work in accounting. Oh, and this is the first time according to her that I have sent a message. But she will do me a huge favor and forward it to them and have them contact me. Wow! I feel ever so much better.
Bah humbug, Laurie. This is total crap. Thanks for playing such nasty little games, especially at this time of year. #@%$!
This is frustratingly humiliating to have to beg someone for such a small amount, and I am completely po'd now.
OMG! As I was writing this, a message came in. TWoO is claiming ignorance of the whole situation as she does not work in accounting. Oh, and this is the first time according to her that I have sent a message. But she will do me a huge favor and forward it to them and have them contact me. Wow! I feel ever so much better.
Bah humbug, Laurie. This is total crap. Thanks for playing such nasty little games, especially at this time of year. #@%$!
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
I am very sorry you still have to deal with TWoO/Laurie. I went through something very similar with her PLUS she insulted me and yelled at me repeatedly. The only consolation I have is I see her posting her own shops (though very few) now. I sincerely hope no scheduling company will work for her now so more shoppers don't have to go through what you're going through.
Check it out. As I was reading your message, Buzz, yet another message came in, this one supposedly from accounting saying that Laurie had forwarded on my correspondence and asking me if I was expecting to be paid EARLY. The TWoO is definitely keeping herself busy today with all of her gamesmanship. Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhh!
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
I, too, have been ignored by this company. Over four months with no pay and no return calls or emails.
Just got home from a very loooong and challenging day out in the field. The answering machine had more unpleasant news to chirp about before I could even pour myself a glass of vino. Tried unsuccessfully to deal with those situations, and then came up to my home office to see yet another email message from the faceless entity in accounting at SSS.
I am so tired and discouraged that I give the hell up. I had told the TWoO that same thing this morning. Thought that would end this whole farce. But no, she/they/accounting/whoever had to respond to assure me that she would look into the situation. I am so done.
As hubby said this morning, having multiple split personalities does not count as having additional employees. I would laugh if I weren't so weary of it all.
I am so tired and discouraged that I give the hell up. I had told the TWoO that same thing this morning. Thought that would end this whole farce. But no, she/they/accounting/whoever had to respond to assure me that she would look into the situation. I am so done.
As hubby said this morning, having multiple split personalities does not count as having additional employees. I would laugh if I weren't so weary of it all.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
@Shopgal:
Should I ask if you have called them?
Secret Shopping Services or their other location at:
12414 - 158th Street Ct. East 15406 Meridian E Ste 209
Puyallup, WA 98374 Puyallup, WA 98375
Office: 253.770.0393 Phone: (253) 770-0393
Fax: 1.888.203.4419 Fax: (888) 203-4419
The contact numbers are the same so you might have to run the business entity filings with the Washington Secretary of State to get a physical location. Their addresss is to a business building not a residence so there will be a paper trail to them. They have to have a registered agent and business filings for taxes.
Should I ask if you have called them?
Secret Shopping Services or their other location at:
12414 - 158th Street Ct. East 15406 Meridian E Ste 209
Puyallup, WA 98374 Puyallup, WA 98375
Office: 253.770.0393 Phone: (253) 770-0393
Fax: 1.888.203.4419 Fax: (888) 203-4419
The contact numbers are the same so you might have to run the business entity filings with the Washington Secretary of State to get a physical location. Their addresss is to a business building not a residence so there will be a paper trail to them. They have to have a registered agent and business filings for taxes.
Shopping South Texas where there are miles and miles between each of the miles to every shop.
12414 - 158th Street Ct. East is a single family home. This is the address listed on SSS's website and most other websites, including the local chamber of commerce.
15406 Meridian E Ste 209 is a second floor office in the SilverRock Building (executive suites). This address is listed on the BBB's site but I would be surprised if the address were current. I suspect TwoO is operating out of her home now, with her "accounting department" and other "staff."
15406 Meridian E Ste 209 is a second floor office in the SilverRock Building (executive suites). This address is listed on the BBB's site but I would be surprised if the address were current. I suspect TwoO is operating out of her home now, with her "accounting department" and other "staff."
I have no desire to talk with whatever personality is prominent at the time via the phone. Email is bad enough. 
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
Update: I got paid today for both this year's and last year's assignments.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
shopgal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Update: I got paid today for both this year's and
> last year's assignments.
Sweet! Congrats!
-------------------------------------------------------
> Update: I got paid today for both this year's and
> last year's assignments.
Sweet! Congrats!
shopgal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Update: I got paid today for both this year's and
> last year's assignments.
Maybe there is something to the rumour that the companies have somebody monitoring the forums.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Update: I got paid today for both this year's and
> last year's assignments.
Maybe there is something to the rumour that the companies have somebody monitoring the forums.
Shopping South Texas where there are miles and miles between each of the miles to every shop.
Ummm...not a rumor. Many companies read and post.
I would hope that the MSCs did drop in and check out what is shared here on this forum. It would be an invaluable resource for them to develop new best practices, which, in turn, would ensure them a dedicated and loyal cadre of shoppers.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
I won't be shopping for this company, thanks to your postings.
Trust me, Spaz, that is a wise choice. You're not missing out on any wonderful assignments, and you are avoiding playing games with the TWoO.
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"$50 for ALL shops from now on! Secret Shopping Services Mystery Shop Posting"
ROFL. Desperate much? Why not $100 per shop? $1,000?
Won't matter much if "accounting" doesn't pay anyway.
ROFL. Desperate much? Why not $100 per shop? $1,000?
Won't matter much if "accounting" doesn't pay anyway.
Buzz, check this out. TWoO emailed me to ask if I would pick up an assignment. Are ya kidding me?!
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
I am really shocked to read some of these responses about Secret Shopping Services and Laurie Hines.
I wanted to share my experience with people... and I cannot believe I am reading about the same person.
I have shopped for the company since 2007 and was involved in their high-value purchasing shops until 2011.
I regularly used to put upwards of $50,000 on my credit cards.
NOT ONCE did SSS ever delay payment / forget to pay me / pretend to pay me...
I received checks within the 30-day payment period.
I am not owed a single cent from the company and thought nothing of it. I spoke with Ms Hines on a number of occasions and found her to upfront and honest.
Occasionally I would have to send an email just to double-check but I always received a response within a timely manner - never rude or accusatory.
I am really sorry to hear of some of the other experiences that people have had in recent times but I wanted to add my two cents to this thread.
Calling someone names is one thing but to actively try and bring down someones livelihood over a matter of $25/$30 is frankly petty and ridiculous.
I wanted to share my experience with people... and I cannot believe I am reading about the same person.
I have shopped for the company since 2007 and was involved in their high-value purchasing shops until 2011.
I regularly used to put upwards of $50,000 on my credit cards.
NOT ONCE did SSS ever delay payment / forget to pay me / pretend to pay me...
I received checks within the 30-day payment period.
I am not owed a single cent from the company and thought nothing of it. I spoke with Ms Hines on a number of occasions and found her to upfront and honest.
Occasionally I would have to send an email just to double-check but I always received a response within a timely manner - never rude or accusatory.
I am really sorry to hear of some of the other experiences that people have had in recent times but I wanted to add my two cents to this thread.
Calling someone names is one thing but to actively try and bring down someones livelihood over a matter of $25/$30 is frankly petty and ridiculous.
You might not find it so petty if you were the one owed money. The amount is not relevant. The OP entered into a contract and upheld her end. Is she just supposed to forget about the money? What does that do to the OP's business if she just donates her time and skills to this MSC. Why would you defend one business owner and not the other?
BTW, since you chose to use your first two posts on the forum to repeat the exact same thing on two different threads, I will be posting my response on both.
BTW, since you chose to use your first two posts on the forum to repeat the exact same thing on two different threads, I will be posting my response on both.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.