Update, Nov. 10, 10.45pm: We have included a line saying Honestbee has different tiered remuneration structures that its freelance workers can choose from.

The sharing economy is hitting another snag, as yet another business struggles with a seemingly unfeasible model and scalability issues.

This time, it involves Honestbee, where freelance shoppers work shifts and are paid a fee to pick out groceries from supermarket shelves.

In May 2016, The Straits Times had already reported that Honestbee was accused by its freelancers working for them of advertising pay rates that did not materialise, unexpected pay cuts and payment delays.

Up till today, tales of such practices continue to surface online.

All these reports corroborate with one another, suggesting workers' remuneration rate fell from S$7.50 last year to a measly S$4.50 in its latest revision.

Moreover, hourly pay rates have also been grossly mis-advertised, with shoppers earning up to less than 75 percent of the promised amount, when it was initially advertised that they can earn up to S$14 an hour.

Discrepancies in weekly payouts were also cited, and when backbreaking work is required, for example, carrying dozens of 1.5-litre bottles of drinking water, bonus payouts amounting to S$0.20 or just a few dollars extra can be earned by the freelancers.

Since then, many of Honestbee's freelancers have spoken up on their social media accounts sharing about similar experiences.

According to Ashyan Lyn, Honestbee allegedly imposes penalties on sub-contractors without carrying out any investigations on the complaints against them. Sometimes the company go as far as terminating their service.

Another complaint posted by one Zhanjie Ah Zhan substantiates claims by others with her own experience as a temporary staff, recounting her sudden termination by Honestbee, despite an initial commitment period of a few months.

According to the ST article in May, issues involving delayed payment are resolved within one working day and a good number of personal shoppers continue with the job due to its flexible hours.

Honestbee's offer of different tiered remuneration structures for different timings and different locations allow freelance workers the choice to earn varying amounts of money per hour and even up to S$10 on weekends.

Here are some complaints posted on Honestbee's visitor post page:

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