Merc Systems asking for two personal references

August 17, 2022 06:30PM

I was required to fill out the extended profile before being able to apply for jobs. I have been one of their shoppers for years and years. The last question asked me to provide full names and phone numbers of two personal references. I tried saving without adding those in but I was not allowed in to the job area without it. This seems very invasive to me. What do others think.

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August 17, 2022 06:32PM

I have occasionally been asked for personal references. It was so long ago that I don't remember which MSCs had the requirement. I provided the names of two friends that already knew that I was a mystery shopper. Neither was ever contacted.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008

August 17, 2022 06:36PM

I haven't seen that (yet). but like myst4au, i have a buddy who is a shopper. I would just put him down. i could make up an imaginary person for the 2nd person just to avoid someone potentially being bothered.

Maybe it was added/intended for "newer" shoppers, but they didn't know how to set it up to avoid asking everyone.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/2022 06:37PM by hbbigdaddy.

August 17, 2022 07:17PM

My personal experience with Mercantile Systems was terrible. I completed a shop for them 15 yrs. ago this month, with payment stated as "net 45." It took me 101 days, and several broken promises to finally receive my money. I immediately fired the company. Two yrs. later, a scheduler requested a second chance, but I declined.

August 17, 2022 08:08PM

I put in my kids finally and used the google number for one of them. I really do not want them reaching out to someone I know for a reference esp since i have shopped for them for so long with high scores always.
Shopper Bob, I started shopping for them regularly when one of my fave shops switched to their company. I have never had issues getting paid. If they have shops you like you might consider trying again.

August 17, 2022 09:22PM

Sandy,

Many decades in the past, I decided I would not be involved in second business chances and I have never regretted that decision.

August 18, 2022 12:25AM

I would give them the names and phone number of MSCs I have a long history with.

August 18, 2022 01:30AM

It would be funny to list their own phone number and see if they even notice it.

Merc can be one of your referrals for themselves!

@jgardn02 wrote:

I would give them the names and phone number of MSCs I have a long history with.

August 18, 2022 01:32AM

@jgardn02 wrote:

I would give them the names and phone number of MSCs I have a long history with.

That might prove to be a mistake. I don’t give one MSC information about me at another MSC EVER... And I wouldn't trust Merc Systems with any more if my personal info than absolutely necessary.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2022 01:33AM by Morledzep.

August 18, 2022 07:55AM

This does not feel invasive to me but I would be annoyed if Merc asked me to provide two personal references now. I, too, am a long-time shopper for Merc. I try not to let personal acquaintances know I am a shopper. It would seem silly for me to use family members for personal references.

Instead of personal references, I would probably end up using MS owners or schedulers who have known me and my work for years as references.

August 18, 2022 05:18PM

I'm hoping they ask me after all these years. I will enter their information as my first reference. They can ask themselves how good of a shopper I have been.

August 19, 2022 12:13AM

I'll have to check that out. I've been with them a long time, too. If needed, I'll use dead people as references. They never have bad things to say about me.

August 19, 2022 02:04AM

I don't think I was asked this question when I did my profile with them, but it was a long time ago.

I've never had one single issue with Merc Systems--no issues with shops themselves, no issues with payment. I found them to be one of the easiest companies to work with. Unfortunately, they basically had just one or two shops in my area--a great restaurant shop that I tried to do as often as possible and a storage company. Both seem to be gone now, and I never see anything from them. I'd love to shop for them again.

@shopperbob, I agree with sandyf. What happened to you decades ago doesn't seem to be the norm with them at all anymore. Companies, as well as people, can change. You might be missing out on some good opportunities. Second chances don't always burn people.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.

August 19, 2022 02:56AM

I signed up with them over 10 years ago and provided two friends' as referral. They did not contact either one. Do you have a sibling, aunt, neighbor you can use?

Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@

~Polish Proverb~

August 19, 2022 12:30PM

Birdy opines--Second chances don't always burn people.

Bob absolutely agrees--The problem stems for when to take a chance and when to pass. In addition, the occasions of which I an aware, from both a personal experience and related to me by someone trustworthy, are regretted situations. Cheaters and liars tend to be akin to leopards.

A final comment on the subject, although it was not relevant to my decision: The shop in question was in the fine dining category, absent of a fee and the reimbursement failed to cover, considering the least expensive items were ordered, by $8+.

Thank you to all who not only posted their thought on this matter, but also sent me messages. Your opinions and time are much appreciated.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/19/2022 01:48PM by shopperbob.

August 23, 2022 04:18PM

Just asked to fill out another full profile which asked me who my beneficiary is. So they want a reference after I die. They would not let me look at the job listing until I completed it.

August 23, 2022 04:31PM

Just asked to fill out another full profile which asked me who my beneficiary is. So they want a reference after I die. They would not let me look at the job listing until I completed it.

Hi Sandy
I wouldn't answer who my beneficiaries are, it too much personal information for me. If I really wanted to work for them I would just answer "my estate"
Just for fun, lol - Names I've used on surveys that ask too many personal questions, Paul Barer and Myra Remains.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/23/2022 04:52PM by 724PM.

August 23, 2022 05:45PM

That is just bizarre!

@sandyf wrote:

Just asked to fill out another full profile which asked me who my beneficiary is. So they want a reference after I die. They would not let me look at the job listing until I completed it.

August 23, 2022 06:45PM

I've seen it a couple times. Although I have my standard references for my regular work, mystery shopping is a side hustle and anonymity is golden in this work. Therefore, I have never told much of anybody that I do it, and they are going to have to settle for my kids as references on this one. With social media the way it is, not much of anything is a secret these days, except maybe who the real mystery shoppers are.

How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?
"Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."
-- Abraham Lincoln

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Merc Systems asking for two personal references

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