Those who got age & identity verified, did it make a difference for you? Did you have more available shops? Did you get assigned more of your requested shops? What were those shops like?

I'm thinking about spending the $10 to get verified, but I'm not sure if it is worth it.

I just did it now. Will post if it makes a difference once I figure it out.

Vanita @ Oct 1, 2018 12:29:08 PM

I just did it now. Will post if it makes a difference once I figure it out.

Thank you!! I'm curious to hear how it goes!

I'm following this thread as I am wondering the same thing. background checks can be pricey (livescan for instance is around $80) but I don't see any reference to the authority behind the verification.

The paywall for the ISS certification training throws up red flags as well. Most certifications cost something in at least administrative costs but this is asking for payment info to even access the course.

I am wondering if anyone has a spreadsheet templet that is used to keep track of things like shops, mileage, reimbursment, etc.?

Alison,

This is not a formal background check, which can indeed be very expensive. The service used relies on Public Records information. If there is a perfect match between the information provided by the shopper and the corresponding public records, the verification is immediate. If there is an imperfect match, the service scours Public Records and presents Challenge Questions (which may include past phone numbers, registered vehicles, names of other people associated with the applicant in Public Records, like Marriage Certificates, recorded Deeds of Trust, Vehicle Registrations, etc.) to help determine and confirm proper identity.

The reason there is a fee is because a lot has been invested to create a robust, sophisticated and secure system of verification, and the costs are ongoing, due to human review, challenge questions, etc. - resulting in ongoing costs to maintain the absolute integrity of the process.

As for the certification you are referring to, the Mystery Shopping Fundamentals - that is the only test on iSSPrep that has a fee, all others are entirely free. Of course, as all other tests, it is completely optional. It can be useful both to new shoppers, and those willing to engage in mystery shopping more actively and professionally. It's there to give shoppers an introduction to (and an overview of) the fundamental concepts applicable to collecting business intelligence from the field, as it provides insights into the the Mystery Shopping concept, complements the knowledge gained in the iSS 101 test, and gives a slightly larger points reward than any other test, ultimately equipping shoppers with the knowledge and shopper score increase that can be helpful in understanding more about the industry itself.

It was designed as a way for the people at iSecretShop that have been in the industry for over a decade and interacted with dozens of Mystery Shopping Providers, to share their knowledge and insights with shoppers that are really interested in fully understanding the entire concept, expanding their knowledge, and taking the "professional" approach to Mystery Shopping.

It is in no way a requirement for anything, nor promoted anywhere in particular, nor are the shoppers who take it favored over others - it's rather an optional "boost" to a shopper's knowledge, understanding of the industry itself, and their score, and can be handy for all shoppers that are eager to "dive into" the entire experience more and know more.

I hope this helps!

Tina_15403122773766 @ Oct 23, 2018 4:56:45 PM

I am wondering if anyone has a spreadsheet templet that is used to keep track of things like shops, mileage, reimbursment, etc.?

Tina,

I am interested in such a template as well. I am registered with over 24 mystery shopping companies. Has any responded to you privately?

I feel dumb for asking, but where is the link to get verified?

Tina_15403122773766 @ Oct 23, 2018 4:56:45 PM

I am wondering if anyone has a spreadsheet templet that is used to keep track of things like shops, mileage, reimbursment, etc.?

Hi Tina,

Great question. The task does not have to be difficult - a simple Excel spreadsheet is easy. Also, many MSC's will post your earnings on their site so check there as well.

Here is what I do: I keep a mileage log (purchased at Staples) in the glove box of my car and manually track each day's miles including the MSC in the comments section. At the end of each month I total up the miles on the log before beginning the next month. Each month I transfer the information from my mileage log into the Excel spreadsheet I keep, by month, for all of my shops. Note: The written mileage log also serves as back up for my taxes. I also separate my personal mileage from my shop miles.

Monthly Shop log: My spreadsheet has columns for date, MSC, Assignment (Shop ID#, shop type, location, etc.), Date Paid, $ Paid, $ Reimbursed, $ Not Reimbursed. The columns automatically total in the spreadsheet at the end of each month. Note: It is important to keep track of expenses that are NOT reimbursed so that you are able to deduct those expenses from your income. And, remember that Reimbursements ARE NOT income.

In addition, tracking the Date Paid is important as well. You are only required to report your income for the money you earned and were paid in a given year. Example: You may have completed shops in November and December 2018 but were not paid for those shops until January or February 2019. Those shops paid in 2019 do not count as income in 2018. (Always check with your Tax Person for their advice.)

I hope you found this helpful.

Thanks for explaining what you have on each column. I would also suggest including contact person and info for each assignment just in case.