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EIN NUMBER

June 22, 2012 11:48PM
Sad, sad, sad. Let's get back to regular programming. This has gotten out of hand. Anyone else getting e-mails from TS they weren't getting before? Anyone get an e-mail telling you to set your own price?
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June 23, 2012 12:15AM
You 2 are now in "Time Out". Getting back to the topic is where this thread needs to be.

Shopping Bama and parts of Georgia.
I'm still learning 24/7.
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June 23, 2012 12:38AM
That's where I went mrcomputer101 with my specific questions,
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June 23, 2012 12:42AM
I haven't gotten any calls but there are apparently regular TS shoppers here in my area. All I see available are fast food (the one that I NEVER eat at) in towns over 70 miles from me. I did get a call to do a site inspection which I did this morning, my first! And I enjoyed it but $17 really wasn't enough money for the job.

And occasionally they have that grocery store audit (25 items to price check) for $7. There is NO grocery store, in my opinion, worth doing that much work for $7.
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June 23, 2012 02:23AM
It does seem like a softening of their hard line, at the least.

However, I'm not sure I'd assume they're desperate based solely on begging and bonusing. It is, after all, near the end of a month, a quarter and a fiscal year for some.

That said, I don't plan to get an EIN, and if the right job is out there, I'll be glad to snatch it up (or, let them assign it to me, if that's the case)

Silver Certified - and, on occasion, Certifiable smiling smiley
To Live ~ To Learn ~ To Grow ~ To Share
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June 23, 2012 02:42AM
There has been a "softening" and backpedaling. Originally ICs without an EIN were going to be deactivated or something to that effect. Now everyone is welcome to work for them and only "preference" is being given to those with an EIN. Obviously something happened. Whether it was a revolt, jobs going begging or just TS coming to their senses, it no longer matters. This outcome was predicted and anyone working in an area with hard to fill jobs will most likely still be called.

BTW, I for one will be glad to see the arguments, misunderstandings, etc., now come to a close. There was a huge gulf created between those people who would be unaffected by the change and those of us that could not afford to even think about getting an EIN. I was glad to be among those making people aware of the potential issues and encouraging shoppers to check the laws in their states and local municipalities. Going forward I hope shoppers will continue to do so.

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.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/23/2012 02:46AM by LisaSTL.
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June 23, 2012 08:06PM
Laws in California have changed, and though I am not speaking for TS, feel at least in CA EIN# must be intact, and those with it have priority for self-assign. I have not seen any message's renigning EIN# or change or backtracking. I can only speak for CA, and they have not renigned on EIN# so far. Jobs here are many Medicare, pizza, business verification and upscale grocery (which I do and are going fast). Signed for one, and went back to asssign another to find it now a backup. I only get emails for pizza as I have written, and nothing else has changed, I wish I could say shops are highly bonused, just not so.

Live consciously....
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June 23, 2012 08:19PM
Irene. Read the MSI Homepage. Backtracking, backing up, changing is all posted there. That is posted for ALL locations including California...smiling smiley

Shopping Bama and parts of Georgia.
I'm still learning 24/7.
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June 23, 2012 09:01PM
OK. I am just getting in on this topic, but I find it very informative. A word to the wise. IF you have an EIN your check from that MSC will be issued in the company name of that EIN. IF you do not have a checking account in the name of that company good luck getting the check cashed.

I received one from the big M company and had to threaten to withdraw my checking, savings, and CDs from my bank to get it cashed. Then the bank said no more. Big M has refused to change the name on the check and has issued me another one. They said the name cannot be changed until the end of the year. I told them I will not shop from them again until next year, if then. I usually make over $2,000 per year from them.

This last check I am going to have to open a checking account to get the check cashed and then withdraw the money. And yes it is worth it. It amounts to 10 service stations with gas reimbursements and 6 fast foods with reimbursements. Money I really want back. Some of these had an incentive added on. When I discovered my check would not be changed I cancelled 15 shops I had scheduled.
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June 23, 2012 09:51PM
I will read it...
mrcomputer101 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Irene. Read the MSI Homepage. Backtracking,
> backing up, changing is all posted there. That is
> posted for ALL locations including California...smiling smiley

Live consciously....
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June 24, 2012 12:54AM
Good for you!
They started with no one will shop for them without an EIN number after may (17th?)
Then they extended it to June 21th.
Now PN Contractors can continue to shop for them without an EIN!
If thats not backing up I dunno what is.
I guess the 5,000 Contractors that signed up for an EIN were all in California...:p

Shopping Bama and parts of Georgia.
I'm still learning 24/7.
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June 24, 2012 01:24AM
number1nana50 - My EIN business name is my personal name. I'm wondering if you could change the name on your EIN to your personal name. I get checks made out to my business name (same as personal) and they go right into my personal account. Since you already have the EIN number, you might try to do this and get around having to have a special bank account. That would let you continue to shop for them without having an extra bank account. I don't know whether you can do this or not with the EIN number (change the name) but it would be worth a shot, in my opinion, since so much work and money is involved.

Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
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June 24, 2012 01:31AM
"and those of us that could not afford to even think about getting an EIN"

I am curious Lisa - what cost?
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June 24, 2012 04:04PM
Regarding the name issue; Part of getting the self-assign status and being one of their preferred shoppers means signing up for direct deposit with them anyway, so the name on the check would not be an issue it seems.

I am set up to have the deposit into my personal account.
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June 24, 2012 04:39PM
The additional costs in my area involve business licenses, personal property tax on business equipment and increases to my insurance. These will vary by state and municipality.

DeaconJohnB@gmail.com Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "and those of us that could not afford to even
> think about getting an EIN"
>
> I am curious Lisa - what cost?

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.
Reply
June 24, 2012 04:55PM
Plus in some areas zoning prohibits businesses, even home based where no clients ever appear at your location.
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June 24, 2012 05:12PM
Okay Lisa and Flash. Understood. But, in reality, you are already operating a home based business, even though you may not be taking a home office deduction. It still goes on schedule C.

Good point Steve - that is what I have done. But Maritz uses checks, and that is beginning to be a problem.
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June 24, 2012 05:20PM
Correct, and in my area it is perfectly legal to have a home based business. It is just the expense, nuisance and nonsense that arises locally as soon as you get an EIN for anything other than an Estate that becomes an issue.
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June 24, 2012 05:42PM
Thanks to Flash for adding the zoning issues. Those apply in my area as well.

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.
Reply
June 24, 2012 06:52PM
I wanted to say this exact thing, but thought I'd be torn down by the forum police as usual. I as most have direct deposit, and have been paid for my last two shops without problem. I promised myself I'd leave this thread to the others, I feel this is important and wanted to support what Steve said. I don't live my life following every move TS makes. I was told 5,000 signed, I don't care, what is important to me is I get paid and I have.
SteveSoCal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Regarding the name issue; Part of getting the
> self-assign status and being one of their
> preferred shoppers means signing up for direct
> deposit with them anyway, so the name on the check
> would not be an issue it seems.
>
> I am set up to have the deposit into my personal
> account.

Live consciously....
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June 24, 2012 06:58PM
This thread has evolved over time to address many points that started with Trendsource changing their policy to require an EIN for continued shopping.

I guess the next logical question is regarding access to shops and payment for shoppers without an EIN for this company. Or is that a new thread????

Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut
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June 24, 2012 07:01PM
Payment will not change. No shopper without an EIN will be allowed self-assign status, but can request shops. Preference will be given to those with an EIN.

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.
Reply
June 24, 2012 07:07PM
Irene. As long as your posts remain factual and do not peg everyones FOS Alarm, I am reasonable sure the "Forum Police" will gladly leave you to your own devices...winking smiley

vlade5394 and LisaSTL. Interesting! Everyone still gets paid. Self assignment seems to still be available to some PN Shoppers.

Trendsource really messed up on this one. Have they backed up to the point where they will stop loosing money and ticking off Shoppers? I dunno. Time will tell...winking smiley

Shopping Bama and parts of Georgia.
I'm still learning 24/7.
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June 24, 2012 07:13PM
I could not do enough of the dog shops to keep my PN status alive anyway. My "status" was waiting for them to call with a big bonus on something they could not get done. Apparently now that will remain in effectsmiling smiley From what I read there must be more and better shops available in other areas. Here I'd have to work from morning to night to make about $50.

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.
Reply
June 24, 2012 08:17PM
Sorry to hear that. On the bright side for you - There are probably companies paying decent in your area and peanuts in mine. Thats just the way of our biz, Lisa...smiling smiley

Shopping Bama and parts of Georgia.
I'm still learning 24/7.
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June 24, 2012 08:24PM
Absolutely! Many people can't get diddly from CORI and I can score big with them every monthsmiling smiley Like they say, it's Location, Location, Location.

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.
Reply
June 24, 2012 09:27PM
> Trendsource really messed up on this one. Have
> they backed up to the point where they will stop
> loosing money and ticking off Shoppers? I dunno.
> Time will tell...winking smiley


Yes, time will tell. However, I really think their priority is to not piss off their clients by failing to have enough shoppers to provide the requests reports.

As for my area, there are more shops than normal, more bonuses (excuse me, PAD) offered, and more email solicitations. In addition, although I have not tried it, I can still apply for shops in the same self-assign manner as in the past.

Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut
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June 24, 2012 09:36PM
Enjoy the shops folks and may you command fantastic bonuses. Philosophically this round, combined with last round, combined with former unethical practices leaves me unwilling to deal with these folks further. As an Independent Contractor I want to work with fellow professionals and it is hard to envision Trendsource as such.
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June 25, 2012 04:40AM
deaconJohn -- I think Lisa and Flash's point is (and both of you correct me if I'm wrong) getting an EIN can send up a red flag to the local government that can initiate the need for the licenses, etc. So, even though we may be technically running a home business, we do not want to do anything that may trigger egents that may require licenses, etc. that can include fees and other items that are a PITA to deal with.
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June 25, 2012 11:32AM
Point taken, however, that means the IRS would have to be reporting that, which I do not believe they do, any more than they report those addresses that file schedule C.
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