IT IS CURIOUS, BUT I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE AICS REP/PROCESS
As with others, it was a front-door solicitation. I went through it, but we sat in the shade in our front yard in cozy chairs during a very nice early evening. We don't let strangers in the house. It took about 75 minutes, but it seemed legit and I did get paid $75 cash for my time. The interviewer was professional, and being retired, it wasn't a significant burden on my time. She interviewed my neighbor as well...no issues there either. She did leave another document to complete, and she went through it briefly to cross off sections I could skip, because they don't pertain to my situation...trying to make the completion of that bulky document less burdensome. I will complete it while watching a baseball game on TV...and collect another $75 when she returns to pick it up. Net: I can see why some wouldn't want to invest the time, and it is good to keep strangers out of your home. For me, it wasn't a big deal, so I did it. If my home gets robbed, I will re-post. heh
I recently interviewed with AICS (American Institute of Consumer Studies.) An initial phone interview of about 30 minutes was conducted when I called to inquire about the position. After the phone interview, the recruiter thought I had enough potential to continue to the next phase. She FedEx'd me the information needed to conduct 10 small surveys in my area. The purpose of that was to experience what it would be like to work as a Field Interviewer. I will admit that that part of the pre-selection process is challenging. It is time consuming and it's a little unnerving to spend that kind of time for a job that you may or may not get. Because I was so interested in the position I continued to work the surveys until I got the 10 completed surveys I needed. It took me about 3 hours total over the course of 4 days. After returning the surveys I was contacted for a second phone interview and so on. My purpose for writing this review is that AICS is a very gracious and legitimate company that has a rigorous interviewing process for a reason. They invest a lot of money and time into building a productive field team and they want know that you won't quit after the first assignment.
I went through the same rigorous interview/ hiring process back in 2013 and got the job, went to Philly for a week of training and went out in the field to work. I can honestly say it was the best job I have ever had. I loved the work, meeting the people every day and working with the staff at AICS was wonderful. Unfortunately I had a previous back injury that decided to rear it's ugly head and I had to resign. I miss that job so much and had a hard time finally getting rid of my work materials because for a long time I had hopes of being able to go back. This is very hard work and not for everyone but it was the perfect job for me. I am sad I couldn't continue but grateful for the experience and working with a company who truly cares about their employees.
I was on my way out the door when I was approached by a lady with the American Institute Of Consumer Studies standing on my front porch. I told her I was needing to leave and she proceeded to tell me that she wasn't selling anything and if I would take a quick survey she would give me $45 for my time and then I could be on my way. I figured it couldn't be too bad to make $45 for a few minutes of survey questions but boy was I wrong. She started asking questions and then more questions. She handed me a stack of approximately 250 cards with magazine titles and asked me to place these cards in different stacks according to IF, WHEN, and HOW OFTEN I had read them. She questioned my internet habits, tv habits,
After about 45 minutes into the survey she could tell I was getting a little uneasy and said we were almost through and she would give me my money and I could be on my way. She proceeded to ask about my Income, my home value, how many autos I had, my political affiliation, etc. after another 45 minutes she said "let me pay you because I know you need to go". She then handed me a $5 bill and a book with 116 pages and told me to fill out the entire book and she would be back in a couple days to pick it up and at that point give me the remaining $40. I'm thinking now that this lady just held me up 1 1/2 hours on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and only gave me $5 when she had promised $45.
Anyways. I later looked into the 116 page book, I estimated it would take approximately 8 to 10 hours to fill out. This is no small book and the print is small. They want to know everything you buy and I mean EVERYTHING from toothpaste to bagels to coconuts to condoms, where you buy them, what brands, and how much you spend on them and if you purchased them with cash, credit card, or debit card. Can you imagine trying to remember how many cans of tuna you purchased last year, whether you paid cash or used a card, where you bought all of them and what were all of the brands? Now imagine that same question with EVERYTHING you purchased. Everything in a grocery store, discount store, department store is listed in this book. Same thing with autos, insurance, satellite or cable, phone, cell service, etc. They even want to know how much life insurance you have and if it is term or whole life and with what company as well as how much gas you use and what brand of wiper blades, oil, filters you bought last year. You have to complete all 116 pages or they will not give you the extra $40 they had promised you in the beginning.
Needless to say they will not get this book back from me. My biggest complaint is that she had every opportunity to tell me at the start that I would only be getting $5 for her quick 1 1/2 hour survey and then $40 more if I filled out the book instead of leading me on that I would walk away with $45 after her questions. I will never again let myself be mislead into another deceptive survey. I imagine that the real info this company is seeking was gotten by her questions and that this book is their way of getting out of paying the $45 since probably no one unless very desperate for money would ever go to the trouble of filling it out and on the other hand, no one would spend 1 1/2 hours answering personal questions for $5 either. So all and all, my thought is they promise you $45 for the info they can sell, get that info and give you only $5 for it. If they can prove otherwise then I am open to listen.
I was also approached by someone on my front door asking that I let her interview me for $40 and complete a booklet/survey for an additional $40. The rep was very nice and professional. The interview took about an hour and a half. She left the booklet and was to return on Monday. The booklet took longer than I thought it would so she came back on Tuesday, allowing me more time to complete it. Although the booklet was detailed and rather lengthy, some sections do not apply to all people. It was an easy $80. It was actually nice to have an opportunity to give companies input on my likes and dislikes and the products I like and use. The reps are only given a few houses (approx. 20 or less) in a selected neighborhood. I thought I was lucky to get chosen.
Yes I was hired by American Consumers Studies around the beginning of 2014. I too received my packet with a request to complete 10 interviews before decision of hire would be made. Since my resume lists above and beyond he requirements listed for the job I saw little reason in this. The prove yourself attitude is in the resume or on the job like any other job I see AICS as nothing special that they should be expempt from the rest of the job world in this.
The issue of sending people to the publics homes without proper hire and background checks seems irresponsible data collection. THe collection of names, addresses etc. is personal identifiable information and should be monitored striclty during any data collection. I don't know which if any labor or other laws that may be violated here but just saying this is not responsible data collection. Even if you feel the need field reps need to prove themselves first, not following safe and proper procedures first can result in safetly issues in the field, and ten interviews? THat seems a bit exc essive for them to "prove" themselves for free.
If ACIS were serious about their clients surveys they would follow protocols that seem to be standard in any serious outfit that is in this business.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, you are misrepresenting. Only those candidates who do NOT have experience in this type of in person interviewing is asked to do what you do. It's only to see if you would be comfortable in this difficult position. This type of job not for everyone. They are the best in the recruiting process and even pay other candidates who may have worked for other companies to shadow a current Interviewer and pay to have them travel to do this plus put them up in nice hotel. No other company does this in this industry. You had qualification but not necessarily in this specific type of interviewing. The company has the best training program in the industry - bar none. Very small classes with individual attention to prepare you for your first assignment. And I'm not in home office but am employed in field. This is tough work. Not for everyone but rewarding for those of us who understand all aspects
I went through the rigorous interview/ hiring process back in 2013 and got the job, went to Philly for a week of paid training and went out in the field to work. I can honestly say it was the best job I have ever had. I loved the work, meeting the people in the field every day and working with the staff at AICS was wonderful. I remember every night sitting in bed and thinking about the interesting people I had the opportunity to meet and get to know that day. Unfortunately I had a previous back injury that decided to rear it's ugly head and I had to resign. I miss that job so much and had a hard time finally getting rid of my work materials because for a long time I had hopes of being able to go back. This is very hard work and not for everyone but it was the perfect job for me. I am sad I couldn't continue but grateful for the experience and working with a company who truly cares about their employees.
>> " During the research process, survey respondents’ personal information and survey responses may be disclosed to third parties, but these parties are contractually required to treat the information disclosed strictly for research purposes in accordance with the CASRO Code. " <<
They key statement in their Privacy Policy. It is not a double blind study/interview. Think about it.... Shared on demand. Watch your mailbox and phone... and our faithful gov't.
Why argue lady? I said no. Are there people out there that actually give in to this horrible badgering??
When she was kicked off the property after being asked to leave (and returning) 4 times, they swapped her out for some other guy and now he's knocking/leaving cards and envelops. Late evenings, early mornings, weekends, AGAIN AND AGAIN - Geez people - NO MEANS NO!! Obviously this company doesn't do any screening of their employees - who would want to be represented this way?
You can call the office and refuse. But your answers determine a lot of things offered or removed in your area. Some people say no because they don't know they can make an appointment. Some people are rude and make appointments for a time they know they will not be home. That wastes time. If you want to refuse just call the office.
Well, a lady showed up on my doorstep this week uninvited and was very insistent that I take the time to answer "a few question...only 10 minutes. We can even sit outside here on your bench instead of inside". When I said "not interested" she persisted and offered me $80 for my time. After repeatedly telling her I wasn't interested I actually had to close the door on her and she still continued pitching to me through the closed door! I actually became worried t this point that she had a partner trying to get into the back door of my house! Nevr had an experience like this. Very poor methods! Should have called the police.
You were sent a letter before someone showed up on your door. If you didn't even allow her to offer the money before refusing, you made an uninformed decision and she may have been trying to let you know what the study is about.
I had an interviewer come . I told him I didn’t have time. Mainly because he showed up and I was alone and didn’t know him. He came back a week later with a woman and asked if I had time now. I agreed to a 30 min interview. For 25$ . It took an hour and a half with some pointed questions about income . They left the book and said the company would send a 40$ check if I filled it out.
The form is very tedious and time consuming. Took me 6 full hours. There are questions hidden in the survey about political affiliations and religious views not a section.I felt more like they were gathering information for political and government use. I will not be sending it back even though I spent the time to fill it out. The interviewers were fine but they already have my income bracket and race I am not giving them my religious or political status!
Absolutely the worst experience we have ever had with a sales person! Her first visit was 7:30PM and it was dark outside. She was carrying a brief case and had papers in the other hand. We did not answer the door. She sat in her car for awhile that night and made notes. A few days later she returned during the day. We do not answer our door if we do not know who is at the door. That day she sat in her car for a while again. She returned another day after and again knocked on our door. By then we became a little afraid that she was wanting to see if we were home in order for someone to break in our home. That day she went to the neighbors house and then across the street to another house. No one was home. She would park her vehicle down the street from us numerous times. It seemed she was stalking us again. We have a No Solicitors sign on our door. She returned today and caught our son outside and tried to get him to take a survey. After a few minutes he came in the house and gave us the papers she gave him. Immediately someone knocked on our door again! It was Gloria Mercado. My husband went to the door with me. We asked her to leave and she started arguing with us that she wanted to speak to our son. After several minutes we ordered her off our porch and slammed the door!
Absolutely the worst experience we have ever had with a sales person! Her first visit was 7:30PM and it was dark outside. She was carrying a brief case and had papers in the other hand. We did not answer the door. She sat in her car for awhile that night and made notes. A few days later she returned during the day. We do not answer our door if we do not know who is at the door. That day she sat in her car for a while again. She returned another day after and again knocked on our door. By then we became a little afraid that she was wanting to see if we were home in order for someone to break in our home. That day she went to the neighbors house and then across the street to another house. No one was home. She would park her vehicle down the street from us numerous times. It seemed she was stalking us again. We have a No Solicitors sign on our door. She returned today and caught our son outside and tried to get him to take a survey. After a few minutes he came in the house and gave us the papers she gave him. Immediately someone knocked on our door again! It was Gloria Mercado. My husband went to the door with me. We asked her to leave and she started arguing with us that she wanted to speak to our son. After several minutes we ordered her off our porch and slammed the door!
Apparently your son (who was over 18) was selected to take part in the interview. Sounds like you were just as rude and now you have posted someones name on the internet - WOW talk about aggressive and rude!
American Institute of Consumer Studies Reviews
IT IS CURIOUS, BUT I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE AICS REP/PROCESS
As with others, it was a front-door solicitation. I went through it, but we sat in the shade in our front yard in cozy chairs during a very nice early evening. We don't let strangers in the house. It took about 75 minutes, but it seemed legit and I did get paid $75 cash for my time. The interviewer was professional, and being retired, it wasn't a significant burden on my time. She interviewed my neighbor as well...no issues there either. She did leave another document to complete, and she went through it briefly to cross off sections I could skip, because they don't pertain to my situation...trying to make the completion of that bulky document less burdensome. I will complete it while watching a baseball game on TV...and collect another $75 when she returns to pick it up. Net: I can see why some wouldn't want to invest the time, and it is good to keep strangers out of your home. For me, it wasn't a big deal, so I did it. If my home gets robbed, I will re-post. heh
AICS Interview IS legitimate
I recently interviewed with AICS (American Institute of Consumer Studies.) An initial phone interview of about 30 minutes was conducted when I called to inquire about the position. After the phone interview, the recruiter thought I had enough potential to continue to the next phase. She FedEx'd me the information needed to conduct 10 small surveys in my area. The purpose of that was to experience what it would be like to work as a Field Interviewer. I will admit that that part of the pre-selection process is challenging. It is time consuming and it's a little unnerving to spend that kind of time for a job that you may or may not get. Because I was so interested in the position I continued to work the surveys until I got the 10 completed surveys I needed. It took me about 3 hours total over the course of 4 days. After returning the surveys I was contacted for a second phone interview and so on. My purpose for writing this review is that AICS is a very gracious and legitimate company that has a rigorous interviewing process for a reason. They invest a lot of money and time into building a productive field team and they want know that you won't quit after the first assignment.
I too worked for AICS and miss it a lot
I went through the same rigorous interview/ hiring process back in 2013 and got the job, went to Philly for a week of training and went out in the field to work. I can honestly say it was the best job I have ever had. I loved the work, meeting the people every day and working with the staff at AICS was wonderful. Unfortunately I had a previous back injury that decided to rear it's ugly head and I had to resign. I miss that job so much and had a hard time finally getting rid of my work materials because for a long time I had hopes of being able to go back. This is very hard work and not for everyone but it was the perfect job for me. I am sad I couldn't continue but grateful for the experience and working with a company who truly cares about their employees.
I was on my way out the door when I was approached by a lady with the American Institute Of Consumer Studies standing on my front porch. I told her I was needing to leave and she proceeded to tell me that she wasn't selling anything and if I would take a quick survey she would give me $45 for my time and then I could be on my way. I figured it couldn't be too bad to make $45 for a few minutes of survey questions but boy was I wrong. She started asking questions and then more questions. She handed me a stack of approximately 250 cards with magazine titles and asked me to place these cards in different stacks according to IF, WHEN, and HOW OFTEN I had read them. She questioned my internet habits, tv habits,
After about 45 minutes into the survey she could tell I was getting a little uneasy and said we were almost through and she would give me my money and I could be on my way. She proceeded to ask about my Income, my home value, how many autos I had, my political affiliation, etc. after another 45 minutes she said "let me pay you because I know you need to go". She then handed me a $5 bill and a book with 116 pages and told me to fill out the entire book and she would be back in a couple days to pick it up and at that point give me the remaining $40. I'm thinking now that this lady just held me up 1 1/2 hours on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and only gave me $5 when she had promised $45.
Anyways. I later looked into the 116 page book, I estimated it would take approximately 8 to 10 hours to fill out. This is no small book and the print is small. They want to know everything you buy and I mean EVERYTHING from toothpaste to bagels to coconuts to condoms, where you buy them, what brands, and how much you spend on them and if you purchased them with cash, credit card, or debit card. Can you imagine trying to remember how many cans of tuna you purchased last year, whether you paid cash or used a card, where you bought all of them and what were all of the brands? Now imagine that same question with EVERYTHING you purchased. Everything in a grocery store, discount store, department store is listed in this book. Same thing with autos, insurance, satellite or cable, phone, cell service, etc. They even want to know how much life insurance you have and if it is term or whole life and with what company as well as how much gas you use and what brand of wiper blades, oil, filters you bought last year. You have to complete all 116 pages or they will not give you the extra $40 they had promised you in the beginning.
Needless to say they will not get this book back from me. My biggest complaint is that she had every opportunity to tell me at the start that I would only be getting $5 for her quick 1 1/2 hour survey and then $40 more if I filled out the book instead of leading me on that I would walk away with $45 after her questions. I will never again let myself be mislead into another deceptive survey. I imagine that the real info this company is seeking was gotten by her questions and that this book is their way of getting out of paying the $45 since probably no one unless very desperate for money would ever go to the trouble of filling it out and on the other hand, no one would spend 1 1/2 hours answering personal questions for $5 either. So all and all, my thought is they promise you $45 for the info they can sell, get that info and give you only $5 for it. If they can prove otherwise then I am open to listen.
Knock at my door
Thanks for your story.
When the lady comes back later this week, I will tell her no thank you.
Sounds like a waste of time feeling out that survey.
Legit Company
I was also approached by someone on my front door asking that I let her interview me for $40 and complete a booklet/survey for an additional $40. The rep was very nice and professional. The interview took about an hour and a half. She left the booklet and was to return on Monday. The booklet took longer than I thought it would so she came back on Tuesday, allowing me more time to complete it. Although the booklet was detailed and rather lengthy, some sections do not apply to all people. It was an easy $80. It was actually nice to have an opportunity to give companies input on my likes and dislikes and the products I like and use. The reps are only given a few houses (approx. 20 or less) in a selected neighborhood. I thought I was lucky to get chosen.
Yes I was hired by American Consumers Studies around the beginning of 2014. I too received my packet with a request to complete 10 interviews before decision of hire would be made. Since my resume lists above and beyond he requirements listed for the job I saw little reason in this. The prove yourself attitude is in the resume or on the job like any other job I see AICS as nothing special that they should be expempt from the rest of the job world in this.
The issue of sending people to the publics homes without proper hire and background checks seems irresponsible data collection. THe collection of names, addresses etc. is personal identifiable information and should be monitored striclty during any data collection. I don't know which if any labor or other laws that may be violated here but just saying this is not responsible data collection. Even if you feel the need field reps need to prove themselves first, not following safe and proper procedures first can result in safetly issues in the field, and ten interviews? THat seems a bit exc essive for them to "prove" themselves for free.
If ACIS were serious about their clients surveys they would follow protocols that seem to be standard in any serious outfit that is in this business.
Not totally correct
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, you are misrepresenting. Only those candidates who do NOT have experience in this type of in person interviewing is asked to do what you do. It's only to see if you would be comfortable in this difficult position. This type of job not for everyone. They are the best in the recruiting process and even pay other candidates who may have worked for other companies to shadow a current Interviewer and pay to have them travel to do this plus put them up in nice hotel. No other company does this in this industry. You had qualification but not necessarily in this specific type of interviewing. The company has the best training program in the industry - bar none. Very small classes with individual attention to prepare you for your first assignment. And I'm not in home office but am employed in field. This is tough work. Not for everyone but rewarding for those of us who understand all aspects
I too worked for AICS and miss it a lot
I went through the rigorous interview/ hiring process back in 2013 and got the job, went to Philly for a week of paid training and went out in the field to work. I can honestly say it was the best job I have ever had. I loved the work, meeting the people in the field every day and working with the staff at AICS was wonderful. I remember every night sitting in bed and thinking about the interesting people I had the opportunity to meet and get to know that day. Unfortunately I had a previous back injury that decided to rear it's ugly head and I had to resign. I miss that job so much and had a hard time finally getting rid of my work materials because for a long time I had hopes of being able to go back. This is very hard work and not for everyone but it was the perfect job for me. I am sad I couldn't continue but grateful for the experience and working with a company who truly cares about their employees.
Shared with the world, for a price.....
>> " During the research process, survey respondents’ personal information and survey responses may be disclosed to third parties, but these parties are contractually required to treat the information disclosed strictly for research purposes in accordance with the CASRO Code. " <<
They key statement in their Privacy Policy. It is not a double blind study/interview. Think about it.... Shared on demand. Watch your mailbox and phone... and our faithful gov't.
viz: http://aicscareers.com/privacy-policy/
They don't share your personal info
Just your spending habits. You won't be solicited after.
Very Rude - Take the Hint!!
Why argue lady? I said no. Are there people out there that actually give in to this horrible badgering??
When she was kicked off the property after being asked to leave (and returning) 4 times, they swapped her out for some other guy and now he's knocking/leaving cards and envelops. Late evenings, early mornings, weekends, AGAIN AND AGAIN - Geez people - NO MEANS NO!! Obviously this company doesn't do any screening of their employees - who would want to be represented this way?
Did you call the number on the literature?
You can call the office and refuse. But your answers determine a lot of things offered or removed in your area. Some people say no because they don't know they can make an appointment. Some people are rude and make appointments for a time they know they will not be home. That wastes time. If you want to refuse just call the office.
Hello and Goodbye!
Well, a lady showed up on my doorstep this week uninvited and was very insistent that I take the time to answer "a few question...only 10 minutes. We can even sit outside here on your bench instead of inside". When I said "not interested" she persisted and offered me $80 for my time. After repeatedly telling her I wasn't interested I actually had to close the door on her and she still continued pitching to me through the closed door! I actually became worried t this point that she had a partner trying to get into the back door of my house! Nevr had an experience like this. Very poor methods! Should have called the police.
They send you a letter
Before any one comes to your door.
Did you listen to what she was asking you to do?
You were sent a letter before someone showed up on your door. If you didn't even allow her to offer the money before refusing, you made an uninformed decision and she may have been trying to let you know what the study is about.
Religion and political
I had an interviewer come . I told him I didn’t have time. Mainly because he showed up and I was alone and didn’t know him. He came back a week later with a woman and asked if I had time now. I agreed to a 30 min interview. For 25$ . It took an hour and a half with some pointed questions about income . They left the book and said the company would send a 40$ check if I filled it out.
The form is very tedious and time consuming. Took me 6 full hours. There are questions hidden in the survey about political affiliations and religious views not a section.I felt more like they were gathering information for political and government use. I will not be sending it back even though I spent the time to fill it out. The interviewers were fine but they already have my income bracket and race I am not giving them my religious or political status!
You can refuse to answer questions
There are only two about this topics that I saw... The book they leave only asks for opinions.
Rude & Aggressive Interviewer (Gloria Mercado)
Absolutely the worst experience we have ever had with a sales person! Her first visit was 7:30PM and it was dark outside. She was carrying a brief case and had papers in the other hand. We did not answer the door. She sat in her car for awhile that night and made notes. A few days later she returned during the day. We do not answer our door if we do not know who is at the door. That day she sat in her car for a while again. She returned another day after and again knocked on our door. By then we became a little afraid that she was wanting to see if we were home in order for someone to break in our home. That day she went to the neighbors house and then across the street to another house. No one was home. She would park her vehicle down the street from us numerous times. It seemed she was stalking us again. We have a No Solicitors sign on our door. She returned today and caught our son outside and tried to get him to take a survey. After a few minutes he came in the house and gave us the papers she gave him. Immediately someone knocked on our door again! It was Gloria Mercado. My husband went to the door with me. We asked her to leave and she started arguing with us that she wanted to speak to our son. After several minutes we ordered her off our porch and slammed the door!
Rude & Aggressive Interviewer (Gloria Mercado)
Absolutely the worst experience we have ever had with a sales person! Her first visit was 7:30PM and it was dark outside. She was carrying a brief case and had papers in the other hand. We did not answer the door. She sat in her car for awhile that night and made notes. A few days later she returned during the day. We do not answer our door if we do not know who is at the door. That day she sat in her car for a while again. She returned another day after and again knocked on our door. By then we became a little afraid that she was wanting to see if we were home in order for someone to break in our home. That day she went to the neighbors house and then across the street to another house. No one was home. She would park her vehicle down the street from us numerous times. It seemed she was stalking us again. We have a No Solicitors sign on our door. She returned today and caught our son outside and tried to get him to take a survey. After a few minutes he came in the house and gave us the papers she gave him. Immediately someone knocked on our door again! It was Gloria Mercado. My husband went to the door with me. We asked her to leave and she started arguing with us that she wanted to speak to our son. After several minutes we ordered her off our porch and slammed the door!
Your son must have been 18 or over
He is an adult. Are you answering for your adult son?
She wasn't selling anything
Apparently your son (who was over 18) was selected to take part in the interview. Sounds like you were just as rude and now you have posted someones name on the internet - WOW talk about aggressive and rude!