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Dear WAHFAQ,
I have a dilemma. I really don’t like one mystery shopping company I have been working for. They’re realllllllly picky about the assignments, they send them back to me all the time for re-writes, they don’t pay that great, and my scheduler constantly calls and emails me to remind me of shops. I work for a bunch of other companies, and I don’t have that problem with them so I don’t think it’s my work. I don’t want to burn bridges, but I don’t think I can work for this company anymore. What do you suggest?
The wonderful thing about being self-employed is that you can choose the companies that you wish to do business with. You do not have to work with anyone that you don’t want to!
Before you’re ready to sever ties, though, I want you to take a long hard look at your work. Are you sure you’re doing the best for them? Are they just one of those companies that are extra picky? Keep in mind that schedulers have to deal with flaky shoppers all the time. Your scheduler is probably just trying to protect herself to make sure that the job gets done.
If you do decide to give this company a few more chances, ask the scheduler why she is being so demanding. One of my schedulers recently wanted me to wear a wire for some of my shops (2nd party recording without consent is illegal in my state) because I was doing multiple shops for him. I asked him about why he was so adamant about wearing the wire, and he expressed he was concerned I would forget details. I put his mind at ease by letting him know I had scheduled the shops far enough apart to write up the forms in-between so each shop would be fresh. Sometimes that’s all they need: to know that you know what you’re doing!
If, however, you really just can’t stand working for these people anymore, it is certainly OK to let them go. You don’t necessarily need to tell them why, (although a frank conversation might help them improve and save other good shoppers) just let them know you’re scaling back on your shopping, or you’re too busy to take on additional work. You could just tell them to remove you altogether and just get on with your life.
Just remember, this is YOUR business. You can do with it what you choose. If you don’t want to work with someone, then don’t! Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.
Think about all the extra money you could make by being a mystery shopper, starting your own business, or working from home for a legitimate company. Take control of your income and check out our LEARN page for a list of classes, books, and more!
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