I finally resigned from the position

D

Disgustedman

Senior Member
Now that I'm no longer a Walmart Reviewer, I can speak about the fun and games, goodies and why.

I started with them some three years ago. I ordered 28 products received about 26 products, 25 reviewed. Two were denied (undersupply and huge demand as it was a uv light disinfectant)

The last one was the breaking point. I've received items ranging in value from $2-$175. Everything from bedspreads, jackets shirts, blender, shorts, trolley table and sun bonnet (Sun deflector for windshield)

The rules (Which I admit I broke often) were to request items YOU would use in your home. That's the main one. You weren't supposed to tell others and such. I'd say "I review items for big W"

Submit photos, a personal review and nifty title and that's all. Cool, easy to do and fun. Now? Oh boy.

1. Review
2. Two photos
3. YouTube video (Didn't waste time finding out how long it had to be)
4. Location (where video taken)
5. Name
6. Address
7. Phone (They already had it, wtf?)

So. The last item rang in at $13.58 retail. I'm not about to do anything more than 2 photos and a review for such a cheap pos.

Now had it been a generator, or kayak or canoe, sure, but a gym bag? Yeah, hard pass. So, now I can't be the freebie king I was.

It hurts as I was giving the items to four ladies who run a mail service. Let's see, queen comforter set, table trolley (The $175 item) file holders, peg board hangers, gym bag, tennis shoes.

Well, I do see why they're forcing it, they want to have a greater presence on the web, for free. As a billion dollar company, they could pay for it themselves. So, now I'll have to be satisfied with my free meds and doctor visits.....
 
I never heard of that one. I do online surveys for cash and gift cards. I have done a couple of product reviews through them, toothpaste and razors. Both of which were wonderful. I will continue to do those. There are others I have been offered but as I don't have a cell for pictures or videos could not participate.

I am not in any financial trouble but like to earn a little bit, try new free products if offered. I have even looked into donating plasma as a simple income stream. Have not done it yet but it is a possibility.
 
Blessed said:
I never heard of that one. I do online surveys for cash and gift cards. I have done a couple of product reviews through them, toothpaste and razors. Both of which were wonderful. I will continue to do those. There are others I have been offered but as I don't have a cell for pictures or videos could not participate.

I am not in any financial trouble but like to earn a little bit, try new free products if offered. I have even looked into donating plasma as a simple income stream. Have not done it yet but it is a possibility.
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Ms. Radishrose, why are you giving me a wow. Is this shocking, that I try to earn extra money where I can. I have a good retirement but as we are all seeing the cost of living has increased dramatically. Costs will continue to rise, medical care is through the roof. I have already had about three thousand out of pocket this year. Even if one has done okay, saved for retirement etc. that does not mean we should not budget. If I can have a supplement to my income that is a blessing.
 
RadishRose said:
I don't understand... how does donating become income?
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Well, ignore the post I just made. Here, in Texas, they pay you a certain amount for plasma donation. The procedure take a few hours of your time, coming to the facility, and in my case the IVs which I hate. Many young people do it for an extra couple of hundred a month but when you are in college that makes a great deal of difference. I would do it to pad the income but also for public supply that might need plasma due to medical issues.
 
Disgustedman said:
They pay you for plasma. $70-$100 depending 0n facility. I may be looking into it. My SNAP was finally reduced to $38 a month, from $375.

Because SS went from $956 to $1,039. An extra $140 a month can't hurt.
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It is wise to watch our funds. I have not had to struggle and I do not want to struggle. I realize how lucky I am and have no hesitation to make a little extra where, when and how I can. If we qualify for plasma donation we are not only helping our income but providing a life saving product for so many that may need it. It is a win win situation. I would take a on a part time job but I realize that I would not be a good employee, I can't count on being present when I have a migraine attack.
 
@Disgustedman , why have they cut down your benefits so much? Are or have you been able to work part time recently? Seems to me they cut benefits if you are trying to do the best you can, that does not mean you do not need benefits.
 
Blessed said:
I never heard of that one. I do online surveys for cash and gift cards. I have done a couple of product reviews through them, toothpaste and razors. Both of which were wonderful. I will continue to do those. There are others I have been offered but as I don't have a cell for pictures or videos could not participate.

I am not in any financial trouble but like to earn a little bit, try new free products if offered. I have even looked into donating plasma as a simple income stream. Have not done it yet but it is a possibility.
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I do surveys for cash and gift cards also, and it gives me something to do when I am just at home and not doing anything in particular. The gift cards allow me to splurge for little things that would not be affordable to me otherwise.
 
Blessed said:
@Disgustedman , why have they cut down your benefits so much? Are or have you been able to work part time recently? Seems to me they cut benefits if you are trying to do the best you can, that does not mean you do not need benefits.
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SNAP cuts down at $800 a month. I've met some on SSI & SSDI their money isn't considered "Income" my SS is considered such.

I knew it was coming, but hoped I'd be left at $75 a month. Oh well. I like ramen and I bought a lot of canned chicken a few weeks ago. I'll get by.

I'd like to work part time, I have looked at "Rail Crew Transportation" but you have to live within 30 minutes of facility for vehicle base and I'm just a bit outside of that.

I might consider moving to Oregon, if they won't tax my SS. Senior housing is very tight in Portland metro. So it could be years either side.
 
Disgustedman said:
SNAP cuts down at $800 a month. I've met some on SSI & SSDI their money isn't considered "Income" my SS is considered such.

I knew it was coming, but hoped I'd be left at $75 a month. Oh well. I like ramen and I bought a lot of canned chicken a few weeks ago. I'll get by.

I'd like to work part time, I have looked at "Rail Crew Transportation" but you have to live within 30 minutes of facility for vehicle base and I'm just a bit outside of that.

I might consider moving to Oregon, if they won't tax my SS. Senior housing is very tight in Portland metro. So it could be years either side.
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Man, that must be tough!! They are not giving you enough to live on. How on earth did they/we think that was enough to live on. I think I read you are making your home in your van. That is not why I paid taxes all these years to have people suffer, not have a roof or enough to eat. I have never voted, maybe it is time I look at this stuff. Have you ever thought you might do better in the southern regions or areas where there may be more senior housing and more opportunities to get fresh food from farms. Do not take that the wrong way, I have never been in your situation but at my age I think I would do better, easier weather, plenty of fishing and farms to get easy work for vegetables.
 
Blessed said:
Ms. Radishrose, why are you giving me a wow. Is this shocking, that I try to earn extra money where I can. I have a good retirement but as we are all seeing the cost of living has increased dramatically. Costs will continue to rise, medical care is through the roof. I have already had about three thousand out of pocket this year. Even if one has done okay, saved for retirement etc. that does not mean we should not budget. If I can have a supplement to my income that is a blessing.
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Wow... is not a bad response. It could be wonderful. In this case it was simply surprise.
 
Blessed said:
. Do not take that the wrong way, I have never been in your situation but at my age I think I would do better, easier weather, plenty of fishing and farms to get easy work for vegetables.
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Not taken wrong at all. I was never mentored by anyone regarding investing, saving. I got tired of paying $500+ in rent. So moved into living in vans since 2012.

On the bright side, my last job had a 401K I buried 6% of pay then 10% in 2021. When I caught covid, was able to drain $8K out and survive on that till August.

Believe it or not, I really have to cut back food-wise. We have a church that comes in in Monday and Friday with soup, sandwich, cookies and fruit. On Wednesday, Salvation army couple (He's a retired veterinarian, free health checks for animals) plate of food and sack full for dinner.

Tuesday Baptist Church with Rice, Chicken and steamed broccoli in a pkg and spoon. Thursday is living Hope Church with vegetables, meat, cheese, milk, bread, eggs. (Depending on donations, eggs and chicken are scarce)

Saturday, Baptist drops by with 2-3 containers of 7-11 donations. So, charity isn't lacking here.

Fishing? Yes, I'm waiting for spring. One of the "Freebies" I got was a fishing pole....yes, no reel, go figure. So just have to buy it, get license and it's 9 miles to Lacamas lake. Scaler, and filet knife. Then batter dipped....

I also have a bus pass, got lucky as I'm not 65 yet, but C-Tran made an exception. I'm able to ride for $2.50 everyday. No matter how far the buses (C-Tran & Tri-met) go, it's one time pay.

So while I'm not living in actual luxury, I'm way, way better off then those living in tents. For those people, I do pray.
 
Disgustedman said:
Not taken wrong at all. I was never mentored by anyone regarding investing, saving. I got tired of paying $500+ in rent. So moved into living in vans since 2012.

On the bright side, my last job had a 401K I buried 6% of pay then 10% in 2021. When I caught covid, was able to drain $8K out and survive on that till August.

Believe it or not, I really have to cut back food-wise. We have a church that comes in in Monday and Friday with soup, sandwich, cookies and fruit. On Wednesday, Salvation army couple (He's a retired veterinarian, free health checks for animals) plate of food and sack full for dinner.

Tuesday Baptist Church with Rice, Chicken and steamed broccoli in a pkg and spoon. Thursday is living Hope Church with vegetables, meat, cheese, milk, bread, eggs. (Depending on donations, eggs and chicken are scarce)

Saturday, Baptist drops by with 2-3 containers of 7-11 donations. So, charity isn't lacking here.

Fishing? Yes, I'm waiting for spring. One of the "Freebies" I got was a fishing pole....yes, no reel, go figure. So just have to buy it, get license and it's 9 miles to Lacamas lake. Scaler, and filet knife. Then batter dipped....

I also have a bus pass, got lucky as I'm not 65 yet, but C-Tran made an exception. I'm able to ride for $2.50 everyday. No matter how far the buses (C-Tran & Tri-met) go, it's one time pay.

So while I'm not living in actual luxury, I'm way, way better off then those living in tents. For those people, I do pray.
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I know you are strong, you have found a way to have a decent life, have food but you should be entitled to have a more solid roof over your head. Those living in tents should have the same chance. I realize that many of the homeless suffer from drug or alcohol addiction, mental illness but that does not make them any less deserving of basic human needs. Everyone should have shelter, food and medical care. Every American that pays taxes has contributed to the welfare of those that need care. I know if I was in that position I would want just a tiny space, a bath, a kitchen so I could take care of myself the best I could. We all deserve that. If we are or become ill we should be able to access care.

I realize that many that are homeless, on the streets, refuse intervention, that is also their choice. I know that in the large cities around me, they are looked after the best they can. I also know if these people refuse to go to shelter or medical care it can not be forced upon them. It is only with severe physical or mental illness can they be put into care. They have rights just like you and I, if they are not a danger to themselves or others, there is little that can be done.

Still, the truth remains across this great nation, there is not the availbility for housing, healthcare, food, schooling, job training that should be provided. No one seems to want to look into their eyes and see the pain of the place they are in. The situation is not something they wanted but now, they are there. They need help to recover, to get their balance, to be the person they are. There is still a stigma placed against people who are struggling, they are made to feel less than human, that they don't deserve anything, much less a chance at a plain normal life.
 
Like most developed countries, the UK does not permit selling your blood or plasma (or any other bits of your body). It is donated in good faith.

I fill in loads of consumer surveys in return for 'air miles'. I use these to get reduced price flights with British Airways and partner airlines. Most of the surveys are badly written and full of questions that you can't (truthfully) answer.

I must admit having to translate a lot of the terms used in these posts, but in most cases the UK has similar, but differently named products.
If I'm correct, SS = State pension in the UK. Social Security is something quite different. 401K = Contributory pension scheme.
There seems to be dozens of other benefits payable to some people like pensioners or disabled people.
 
I think that most places have some sort of low-income housing that goes by the amount of money you have coming in. Right now, I live in my daughter’s rental house, so I pretty much have home security; but I know that they have rent-adjusted apartments and I am sure that this has to be more places than in Alabama.

I would like to try one of the delivery jobs, like grocery shopping and delivery, but I am just not comfortable driving that much any more, and the pickup is a large vehicle. If I could have a small car, then I might be able to do it, but i am getting too close to that big Eight Zero mark, and think I probably should not even try doing any delivery jobs.

So, the surveys are something that I can still do, and even though it is not much, every little bit helps. I would like to try the Walmart program, but you have to have a lot of reviews to be invited, it looks like, and I don’t have any to speak of there. I leave reviews on Amazon in the hopes of being invited to Amazon Vine, but so far that has not happened either.
Any suggestions on how to be invited, @Disgustedman ?
 
I didn't know WalMart does this, too... after wanting it for a long time, Amazon *finally* invited me to Vine in November. I was so excited about the things I'd get to choose for review and I was going to write the best darn reviews for them. THEN came the "we're glad you will be joining us. Please send your SSN immediately." Nope.
 
Happyflowerlady said:
I think that most places have some sort of low-income housing that goes by the amount of money you have coming in. Right now, I live in my daughter’s rental house, so I pretty much have home security; but I know that they have rent-adjusted apartments and I am sure that this has to be more places than in Alabama.

I would like to try one of the delivery jobs, like grocery shopping and delivery, but I am just not comfortable driving that much any more, and the pickup is a large vehicle. If I could have a small car, then I might be able to do it, but i am getting too close to that big Eight Zero mark, and think I probably should not even try doing any delivery jobs.

So, the surveys are something that I can still do, and even though it is not much, every little bit helps. I would like to try the Walmart program, but you have to have a lot of reviews to be invited, it looks like, and I don’t have any to speak of there. I leave reviews on Amazon in the hopes of being invited to Amazon Vine, but so far that has not happened either.
Any suggestions on how to be invited, @Disgustedman ?
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If callmekate is right, you have to give up an ID that could be exposed to hackers. Walmart didn't ask me for that, so I'd be very leery of their security.
 
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