A Spontaneous Day Off...

A spontaneous day off is always cool, isn't it? If so, why do I feel like I'm behind?! As much as I enjoy life and living for me, yesterday mommy had to take the backseat. I didn't see the Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez fight.

I didn't get my laundry done. I did no field services work. Not a door-knock, not a mystery shop, not a nothing! 

When I realized in the early afternoon that my daughter wouldn't be back with the "get-away" anytime soon, I determined the day was a wash! May as well eat pizza, donuts and watch videos. Heavy sigh.

So, now it's around 5 am and I must produce today. As I schedule my day, there is a mystery shop in Beverly Hills and loads of SNAP/EBT (food stamps) store reviews all over the Los Angeles area.

Is it just me, or does everyone else see the economic downturn of the US. Not just see it, but experience it? I cry on the days that I go to Malibu, Huntington or Redondo Beach. Some of the most affluent communities in the nation are requiring government assistance in the form of "food stamps". Of course they haven't been called food stamps by the government in a long time, but it's hard to change such brand recognition.

If I was really on the ball, I'd schedule myself a nice mystery shop lunch, but that would be too much like RIGHT!  Doing the right thing isn't so much fun, is it???  Or is it? My pocketbook would be happier to receive the check back, but fitting it in the schedule and NOT going bonkers isn't a better price to pay. So "Brown Bag Cafe" it is! If only I were that organized! HA! I will probably end up choosing something terrible to eat while out and about.

I plan to do better next week! Which is tomorrow, for me.

If you want to check the eligibility for SNAP/EBT (food stamps) for you, a friend or family member, click here.



by Michelle Brown

Door-knocking and car chasing

I was laughing out loud at the thought of a debtor trying to hide their vehicle in the parking area of the apartments next door. Imagine open, courtyard-type parking for neighboring apartments, sharing one driveway.

Before knocking on the particular door, I briskly walked to the rear parking area. A quick peek behind the debtors building - nothing. 

But! I glanced at the neighboring building's open courtyard-type parking and VIOLA! Paydirt! The make and model were correct from the rear. One quick dip around the front and the VIN matched, too! YES! By locating the collateral and recording the license plate number my contact percentage rate will increase.

Wait! Is the airbag deployed? Scratched front bumper and a cracked windshield? The collateral was wrecked! Apparently the owner doesn't want to pay for the car since it can't be driven. The nerve of some people! Just kidding. I have been there and done that. I was young. Maybe she is too. Maybe she is in the struggle to survive in this day upon the apocalypse. 

Door knock is a term you can search for when looking for field services work. In addition to mystery shop, inspect, or review. I have done just about everything in the field that does not require licensing or certification, although some companies will certify you to work with their proprietary software or equipment. I inspect cars, businesses, heavy equipment, damaged freight, and foreclosed properties. With 15 years experience, I have learned about some good companies and some not-so-good companies. I have learned what works for me and what does not. I learned these things through trial and error. 

Normally I would advise against paying to become a mystery shopper; but, here's a quick and easy way. It is a compilation of real time shops available in one spot! Free oil changes, amusement park tickets, demo jobs, movie checkers, and merchandiser positions, all in one area. 

Times are different from when you worked at one job (for an employer) and retired into your golden ages from there. Emerging from recession has changed the times. Lots of people now have bad credit as a result of the mortgage fiasco and subsequent recession. Because times have changed, creditors have changed as well. That's where we come in. It is unfortunate that people have lost their jobs and livelihoods, homes, and cars, but someone has got to service those bad debts. More and more creditors are sending people to the last known address of a debtor to make some sort of contact. Door knocks have become a by-product of the debt-ridden society we live in today. Because of those bad debts I have a job and you can too.

I've worked my way up to premium field services jobs in the last 15 years. Here's a little about my story 15 years in and counting!


You've got to start somewhere. You can do a lot of research for yourself, finding companies to work for and applying, or you can try this directory. All of the leg work is done for you.

Happy shopping!

by Michelle Brown

****************
Photo Credits:

http://fashionzona.com/tag/online-shopping/

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-air-bag-deployed-car-wreck-aftermath-image7781316

http://cms.ac-martinique.fr/circonscription/trinite/file/Didapages/LVE/STORYTELLING/26554-door_rather_knock.jpg