I consistently do the same shops, sometimes swapping the location, but for the same company, and sometimes I get the bonus but sometimes I don’t. There isn’t anything in the instructions that tells me what to do to receive the bonus, and I don’t do anything differently each time.

does anyone have recommendations or insight on how to get shop bonuses? Is this just random, or is there a method to it?

How to get bonuses all depends on what company you are working for. If a scheduler is available, ask them and never feel ashamed (they will definitely tell you if they cannot bonus). If the system is automated, use a number you think it will never accept the first time and go down in increments to the lowest fee you can accept. I used to shop full time but now I only shop part time. I never take a shop without a bonus these days, and I honestly think I make more than I did when I was working twice as hard for base pay. The time of the month (or quarter) the shop is performed has a lot to do with how shops are bonused. Hope this helps.

If a shop shows a “bonus” will you always get it if the shop is approved? Or is that just up to their discretion?

no, you will get it if the shop is approved.

usually a bonus is when they're running out of time and they need to get the shops completed more quickly

What can you do if a shop was declined?

Well, no base pay,no bonus.

I haven’t heard of it being up to their discretion.

If a bonus is listed,then you get it if the shop is approved.

Bonuses are "no big deal". After a job sits a while, they add a bonus for incentive to pick it.

Bonuses are "no big deal". After a job sits a while, they add a bonus for incentive to pick it.

Depends if it's worth it, got a $50 bonus to drive 100km out of my way, at the time with cost/mileage was worth it, now who knows.