There is a large discussion on volition as to Sentry Marketing's credibility.
Many are saying unflattering things as being docked unfairly, and not being paid.

I recently completely 2 shops which looked good on paper and turned out to be nightmare. In one case, the report would not accept an "N/A", so I had to put an answer in that field, for this I was docked my entire fee, without being given the chance to correct -- Oh, the kicker, when I try to enter a "Ticket", Sentry's communication method, I get a big X from Microsoft, saying there's a problem with Sentry's server.

I emailed the scheduler, and now awaiting a response.
A test of any company is how they resolve a problem, so I'll update either way, but I just wondered what you guys think, since I didn't see them mentioned either way on this board.

If you use the "Search" feature and put in Sentry as the topic in a 1 year time frame you will find a lot of discussion about this company.

DaScubaLady, so far what I have learned about you from your postings is that you are new (about 2 weeks new) to shopping and that you have basically complained about most every situation that you have talked about here.

At one point, Flash suggested to you that you get your feet wet with companies with easy shops for newbs to attempt. I will second that. Stay away from big purchases, reimbursements over $10, shops with longer, more extensive narrative. Go for the CoRI and MFI little to no writing assignments. In general, the higher the pay the more complicated the assignment, but the low paying ones are sometimes complicated too. Ask questions up front, not after. Figure out what methods work for you. You will outgrow these MSC's quite quickly, but they are more to be easy assignments, sites that are likely not time you out, have forms that work, and have a help desk to turn to. FYI, the act of typing into a web form is not a "noticeable activity" and you can easily lose your work, too. Use a word processor to write-speaking from personal experience, every time I haven't for one reason or another, I have lived to deeply regret that. Only write about what they request you to write about in a form, and if it won't submit, save and contact the company, whatever company, ASAP.

I have been shopping for four years, but I've only considered myself to be a seriuos shopper for about the past year and a half. My first company was Trendsource and then CRI and MFI.

One thing I will suggest is that when you are starting out, do not do a large purchase shop that is more than you are willing to lose. My first shop was for a video rental store. If it hadn't been accepted, I would only have been out a couple dollars.

I know that is not what you asked, but my reply was more to agree with and add to what dee shops posted.

I started doing a huge volume of low-pay, easy shops, then graduated to higher-paying and I significantly cut down on the number of shops I do. A really good "training ground" company is Marketforce. Their pay is low and there are some negatives, but there are some very good reasons why they make a good starter company. They have a LOT of shops, you can log in and easily assign them to yourself, their instructions are usually (but not always) pretty easy to follow, and their report forms are very easy. Why not try a few of their shops to get a feel for shopping?

I have no problem with shoppers posting information about our company on public forums. Sometimes we are going to get compliments and sometimes we are going to get criticism. I think it is important for the information to be accurate.

I have been unable to find a large discussion on Volition regarding shoppers not being paid. There is a thread on Volition about TSMG which contains both flattering and unflattering comments.

We have had no other reports of issues with out ticketing system and several shoppers submitted tickets today/this evening.

Lastly, we will fully explain any fee deduction that is applied to a shopper's assignment. Obviously, we can't explain a fee deduction when a fee deduction was not applied to an assignment. Sometimes new shoppers get confused.

We are not perfect but we are trying to improve. Thanks for listening.

Dave



DaScubaLady Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There is a large discussion on volition as to
> Sentry Marketing's credibility.
> Many are saying unflattering things as being
> docked unfairly, and not being paid.
>
> I recently completely 2 shops which looked good on
> paper and turned out to be nightmare. In one
> case, the report would not accept an "N/A", so I
> had to put an answer in that field, for this I was
> docked my entire fee, without being given the
> chance to correct -- Oh, the kicker, when I try to
> enter a "Ticket", Sentry's communication method, I
> get a big X from Microsoft, saying there's a
> problem with Sentry's server.
>
> I emailed the scheduler, and now awaiting a
> response.
> A test of any company is how they resolve a
> problem, so I'll update either way, but I just
> wondered what you guys think, since I didn't see
> them mentioned either way on this board.

If you have no problem with shoppers posting information, why would you send me a PM stating: "I would like to respectfully request that you refrain from commenting about my company. It's clear that you do not like me or Sentry Marketing although you have no first hand experience with our company. There is no reason for you to comment about us any further." The OP stated "I just wondered what you guys think, since I didn't see them mentioned either way on this board." My comment was to refer her to the Search feature as your company HAS been mentioned on this board. Grow up!

This forum is for shoppers, by shoppers. Some gall for an MSP to come here, feel free to self-promote and then PM a shopper to not post. Furthers my low opinion of Sentry.

Flash,

In the past, both publicly and privately, you've demonstrated an ongoing animus toward our company. In addition, you have never completed a shop for us and have no first hand experience with TSMG. For these reasons, I politely asked you to refrain from commenting about our company. It's interesting that you chose to publish a PM when you have been so vocal in the past about parties taking disputes offline. Your actions seem inconsistent with your words.

My goal here is not to pick a fight or create hard feelings. This is a public forum and comments made here can impact a MSC's business. All we're looking for is fair shake and for shoppers to give the same measure of respect that they expect.

For the record, I think publishing a PM is despicable. If a MSC did it, they would be hammered without mercy on this forum.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/19/2010 07:48AM by Sentry Marketing.

Oil and water will never mix. Can we take this to PM's, please? Yes, I realize the degree of irony here, BIG TIME. See land and birds in another thread.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/19/2010 08:32AM by dee shops.

DaScubaLady, I am going to attempt to answer your question or comment directly on what you are asking. First off I have been shopping since Dec 2004, I shop on a weekly basis and most of my scores are Great. I know there is room for error so I;m okay with that. I usually gets calls requesting I shop for XYZ company. To the point.

My experience with this company, everytime I complete a shop I always receive an email asking for the most tedious information. So I slowed up taking shops (my decision). I then thought well maybe it was me and if I take my time then I won't be asked to do anything additional. I just received an email for them asking me to add more commentary for a section that I thought I had made clear. In addition, my words were edited and stated something that I KNOW that I did not write. I did what was asked but this may be last shop with this company. Everyone has there standards and I can accept that but I choose to do work with companies that I am successful with. Like Dee said, you may want to start with those companies that require less of a narrative and headache. You'll gain more experience and probably have a better felling. Plus those companies have a faster turn around time for paying.

DaScubaLady Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There is a large discussion on volition as to
> Sentry Marketing's credibility.
> Many are saying unflattering things as being
> docked unfairly, and not being paid.
>
> I recently completely 2 shops which looked good on
> paper and turned out to be nightmare. In one
> case, the report would not accept an "N/A", so I
> had to put an answer in that field, for this I was
> docked my entire fee, without being given the
> chance to correct -- Oh, the kicker, when I try to
> enter a "Ticket", Sentry's communication method, I
> get a big X from Microsoft, saying there's a
> problem with Sentry's server.
>
> I emailed the scheduler, and now awaiting a
> response.
> A test of any company is how they resolve a
> problem, so I'll update either way, but I just
> wondered what you guys think, since I didn't see
> them mentioned either way on this board.

Any of our shoppers who feels that the content of their shop has been changed should contact me directly. This is a clear breach of our company policy and not something that would be done with our consent or knowledge. The role of an editor in our company is to check shops for factual consistency, required documentation and to make the shop presentable from the standpoint of proper grammar, paragraphing and similar elements. If this is going on in our company, it is something that needs to be corrected as soon as possible.

At this time, all of our projects require some narrative. We are not a good match for shoppers that like to do shops with little to no narrative.

Each of our projects is designed to collect information based on the client's requirements. What may seem like "tedious" information to a shopper could be crucial data to a client. Shop data is also distributed to different areas within a client's organization, so what may seem repetitious to a shopper may be necessary to meet the client's needs.

I de-activated a long time ago...too much work for too little pay. I support Flash and my fellow shoppers. The experienced ones will not complain if a company is fair, obviously, somethings wrong at Sentry,,,,,that's all.

Back to the OP question - I completed two shops for Sentry about two years ago (my timing could be off it could even be three years ago). To me, they were reasonable in amount of work for the pay. I was not contacted by an editor, but I did not receive pay within 90 days so I sent an email. I was promptly paid the full amount after I sent the email with no further issue or comment.

My personal rule is to not shop for any MSC that I have to contact for payment. I just do not find it worth my time (there are already low margins here) chasing payment - even if that is just a quick inquiry email into payment. I will make an exception if I have a long history with the MSC and/or I receive a note or apology or there is some extenuating circumstances.

That is my personal philosophy, which some may find too harsh, which is fine.

Wow,

First of all, yes Dee Shops, I'm new to Mystery Shopping, however I'm degreed in Market Research and have been in a related field for 20 years. I'm currently working toward my MBA and thought Mystery Shopping would be an excellent way to supplement my income.

In my 3 weeks of shopping, I have worked everyday, sometimes doing 4-5 shops a day, some for free ( just reimbursement), some for $10, and luckily some for $25+

The other 5 MSCs have rated my work highly; I have an average of a 9, with no shop less than an 8.

This was the first time, where I felt where I couldn't win. The shop itself had a glitz where an n/a wouldn't take, it forced you to enter a rating. Even though I notified the scheduler, I received the feedback, and none too nicely, that I threw the shop rating off, and thus deducted.

David will now come on and put his pov, I'm getting that's the way it works. Bottom line, I'm not here to fight, I'm here to work, and make money for all concerned.

I take this seriously, my time is valuable, and I don't want to waste it making mistakes, when others have already paved the way. I appreciate this board, and read it religiously prior to shopping,

FYI, I did a search for Sentry prior to making my post, and my search came back with Nada -- I believe I put in Sentry Marketing. Is there a trick I should know about when searching?

Lastly, I received a very nasty email from David berating my comment here.
I thought this board was for us to speak freely. Oh well.
And, David, don't bother resonding, you've run me off already-- you won, feel better?

As far as Sentry, I'll treat it as live and learn, I guess everyone takes their lumps, and I felt I took mine by putting out $125 in cash, and 8 hours of my time, only to have grief.

On the bright side, it made makes my $13.50 shops that I can do in 15 minutes look GREAT, and editors who work with me, even call me directly look like angels !!!

Happy Shopping !

OMG !!

I just did a re-search on Sentry Marketing -- and yes it came up with all the Warnings.

And yes folks, beware, I'm now getting emails from David, he's now trying to totally invalidate my statements, even questioning my travel time between shops when I had a guest with me, and there are surveillance cameras which can be brought up in court should my integrity continued to be questioned.

I feel as though I stuck my toe in doo-doo and can't get it off.

I will not be "resonding" to this these comments.

DaScubaLady Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wow,
>
> First of all, yes Dee Shops, I'm new to Mystery
> Shopping, however I'm degreed in Market Research
> and have been in a related field for 20 years.
> I'm currently working toward my MBA and thought
> Mystery Shopping would be an excellent way to
> supplement my income.
>
> In my 3 weeks of shopping, I have worked everyday,
> sometimes doing 4-5 shops a day, some for free (
> just reimbursement), some for $10, and luckily
> some for $25+
>
> The other 5 MSCs have rated my work highly; I have
> an average of a 9, with no shop less than an 8.
>


Again, that is all I have seen from you is posts of what is wrong. If you are so skilled and doing so well, why not post some POSITIVE posts, also? I get bored seeing newbs come here and just complain. YMMV.

Sorry you're upset Dee Shops, and you're right, I should focus on the positive.

So far the MSCs who have been great are:

Intelli-Shop = lots of work, with bonuses if you catch it at the right time ( I'm thinking it's the end of the month)
The editors call you on the phone, and if they can't reach you, let you know you have an email.
The editors are a pleasure to work with, and give positive reinforcement.

Jancyn= Easy shops. Not high paying, some just for reimbursement.
Self assign feature is great.

Kern = Love the shops, wish there were more in my area.

RaMack ( I think they may have another name) Casino Shops, Long, Long Long, but fun, and the editors are great !!!!!

Monterey= Just starting with them, but they seem to another on the Positive side.

That's it for now... I'll copy/edit in the appropriate forum when I get a chance -still defending my honor with the company I found out I shouldn't tangle with.

Hey there, DaScubaLady. Welcome to the forum, where shoppers' shared experiences are welcome and can be beneficial. It would seem you've landed your newbie self in the middle of an unfortunate situation. Sort of a twisted initiation ritual. A valued contributor here, as I recall, found this forum about the same time she was embroiled with an MSP.

Good luck maneuvering through the mess. There are many shoppers willing to listen and offer opinions or advice, if needed.

Mert Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> A valued contributor here, as
> I recall, found this forum about the same time she
> was embroiled with an MSP.
>


Really? I must have missed this, somehow. :-)

Thank you Mert, I appreciate your kind words, as yes, I am finding many others in my same situation -- they are privately sending messages about their experiences.

I'm hoping that my good work speaks for itself, and this situation will resolve amicably without escalating.

I also hope to be a valued member of this board, and look forward to chatting, and maybe meeting some of you soon.

Anyone in Denver Metro or Central NJ -- I'm in Denver right now, but NJ is also home base.

DaScubaLady....we were all new once. Your opinions are valid, you will gain experience, and it's not right to be brought down for that. You sound like a bright lady in all aspects, keep writing...if we have to listen to one, we should have to listen to all. I'm experienced (5yrs.), and still learning, so, no one should get on their high horse and put anyone down. I have a long way to go in my endevaor's, and sometime's feel inexperienced while doing a shop I'm new at....once we think we know it all, we stop learning.

The issue cannot be taken to PM when one party has publicly stated their intention to publish any PM's.

dee shops Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oil and water will never mix. Can we take this to
> PM's, please? Yes, I realize the degree of irony
> here, BIG TIME. See land and birds in another
> thread.

I'm in Denver!!!

PM me.

DaScubaLady Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thank you Mert, I appreciate your kind words, as
> yes, I am finding many others in my same situation
> -- they are privately sending messages about their
> experiences.
>
> I'm hoping that my good work speaks for itself,
> and this situation will resolve amicably without
> escalating.
>
> I also hope to be a valued member of this board,
> and look forward to chatting, and maybe meeting
> some of you soon.
>
> Anyone in Denver Metro or Central NJ -- I'm in
> Denver right now, but NJ is also home base.

DaScubaLady Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sorry you're upset Dee Shops, and you're right, I
> should focus on the positive.

We get a lot of hit and run complainers. That makes me leery of newbs posting until they have a track record of posting that contains more than complaints or a one shot "I love this place" post. If you hang around long enough, you will find this for yourself.
>
> So far the MSCs who have been great are:
>
> Intelli-Shop = lots of work, with bonuses if you
> catch it at the right time ( I'm thinking it's the
> end of the month)
> The editors call you on the phone, and if they
> can't reach you, let you know you have an email.
> The editors are a pleasure to work with, and give
> positive reinforcement.

I shop for them, but on a limited basis. They pay per their contract, but their terms are VERY slow. Some of their shops pay fairly, and some pay horribly.

edited to add: I live in a time zone not convenient to them. I have NEVER gotten a phone call from them, but did one time have a shop pulled the plug on when I was editing it to respond to the request to edit it. I find them user unfriendly, unless *they need something from you*, in which case I have gotten the huge suck up emails begging me to do something...In my personal experience, I have found that many times they just do not respond beyond the email stating that "we got your email and will respond."

>
> Jancyn= Easy shops. Not high paying, some just
> for reimbursement.
> Self assign feature is great.

Easy to work with, easy to self assign, easy to get along with, rarely have ?'s. Pay promptly. Could certainly pay more.
>
> Kern = Love the shops, wish there were more in my
> area.

It is a scheduling firm. You need to watch which schedulers you deal with. Some are great; others not.
>
> RaMack ( I think they may have another name)
> Casino Shops, Long, Long Long, but fun, and the
> editors are great !!!!!

I would never go there. You need to read her lambaste of SMB on violation.
>
> Monterey= Just starting with them, but they seem
> to another on the Positive side.

Heard great things from those I respect. They have never had anything here.
>
> That's it for now... I'll copy/edit in the
> appropriate forum when I get a chance -still
> defending my honor with the company I found out I
> shouldn't tangle with.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2010 11:31AM by dee shops.

After being asked to parrott commentary to my report 3 times, I received this email from them 3 days ago

Project Name ABC Corp
Location Evaluated Anywhere
Assignment Date Anyday

"Comments Thank you for submitting your report. In the future, please
proofread and spell check your reports. I corrected numerous spelling,
grammar and structural errors. Also, your report is being deducted $2 for
not following proper ordering guidelines. Please review the ABC Corp
training."

On Sunday, I wrote back and asked for clarification and attached my receipt. I haven't heard from anyone yet. I also sent this to 2 different people. If I am wrong then I'm wrong but don't penalize me for the mistakes that are not mine.

I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt. I wrote back again today still awaiting a response.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/23/2010 03:06PM by prettygul1.

prettygul,

I apologize that you contacted our staff and we did not respond. Please forward your inquiry to me so that I can review. You will have an answer to your question(s) today.

Thanks

Dave
dave@sentrymarketing.com




prettygul1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> After being asked to parrott commentary to my
> report 3 times, I received this email from them 3
> days ago
>
> Project Name ABC Corp
> Location Evaluated Anywhere
> Assignment Date Anyday
>
> "Comments Thank you for submitting your report. In
> the future, please
> proofread and spell check your reports. I
> corrected numerous spelling,
> grammar and structural errors. Also, your report
> is being deducted $2 for
> not following proper ordering guidelines. Please
> review the ABC Corp
> training."
>
> On Sunday, I wrote back and asked for
> clarification and attached my receipt. I haven't
> heard from anyone yet. I also sent this to 2
> different people. If I am wrong then I'm wrong
> but don't penalize me for the mistakes that are
> not mine.
>
> I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt. I
> wrote back again today still awaiting a response.

Dee..how can you "watch your schedulers" as you suggested to DaSubaLady. We all know it's win a few, lose a few. We just learn by experience, not by someone telling us to "watch your schedulers". I had to respond, some of the advice and words you choose just become unreasonable. We are all human having good and bad days...give us a break!! No response is necessary....

Irene_L.A. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dee..how can you "watch your schedulers" as you
> suggested to DaSubaLady. We all know it's win a
> few, lose a few. We just learn by experience, not
> by someone telling us to "watch your schedulers".
> I had to respond, some of the advice and words you
> choose just become unreasonable. We are all human
> having good and bad days...give us a break!! No
> response is necessary....


Because it is a scheduling firm, you certainly can choose whose shops you respond to. If you search this forum for feedback on this firm, you will find that I am not the only one who thinks that some of their staff is better to deal with, more responsive, and less "last minute" than some of their other schedulers.

I LOVE some of the people at this firm, and shop for some of them monthly. Some I only needed to work for one time to know that I would not want to deal with them again.

If you don't like my advice, you are free to ignore it, Irene. I am still free to give my opinions, as are you.