The surface magnetism of as-cast and field annealed amorphous in ribbon form has been studied by spin-polarized secondary electron spectroscopy, by recording energy-resolved spin asymmetry hysteresis loops and by scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis. Large lateral variations in surface magnetization have been detected, indicating that , in particular, and ferromagnetic melt-spun ribbons, in general, are not suitable as standard sources of polarized electrons. Deposition of an iron film onto the did not result in a more uniform surface but rather served to emphasize the substrate magnetic structure. Thus utilization of ferromagnetic melt-spun amorphous alloys as substrates for the growth of thin magnetic films should be undertaken with caution.