Comments on: How could a mystery shopping book help you?

By: Deb

Deb — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 02:38:01 +0000

If I find it a hassle working for a Scheduling Company, I cut my losses and move on. There is one in particular that I will not use. A lot of redundancy and useless verbiage is required in their reports. I doubt that they would find a more conscientious shopper …. it is their loss.
In one instance, the location alleged having identified the Shopper. I was asked for a detailed description of myself, which I sent off immediately. Since I never heard back from the Scheduler, I thought that this location would be one that I could never apply for again. Later I was called on for ‘end of the month assignments,’ one of which included this location. When I brought up the ID issue, they said that there was no problem. In retrospect, I would have appreciated a heads up about the outcome of the store’s claim to having identified the Mystery Shopper. It had been a negative report and I suspect that they had wanted to deflect attention from the report. They had been mistaken, but no one informed me. This experience has reinforced to me that I should not assume or presume and that I need to do follow up, myself.
An online Mystery Shop Book in .pdf format would be useful. There are many generalizations and principles that apply to the Shop business. However since there are so many different client requirements, I believe that industry standardizations will be a long time coming. Newbies especially, have a need for guidelines.
The value of the Shopper cannot be overestimated! The Mystery Shopping Business as a whole would not even exist without them! The power is with the Shoppers! We are a are a special breed. Not everyone can Mystery Shop. Shoppers possess unique and varied skills. Keep up the good work!!

By: bruce

bruce — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:31:03 +0000

I have been shopping for a company named Informa for 4 years, have done over 400 shops with a rating of 9. Never a complaint . Now, I signed up for a new company and did two shops for them. The first I did not get paid for as I did not see the proper person. That is my fault, I screwed up. The second, they say that I did not even go to the shop and falsified it. That is crap. I do not do that type of stuff. The scheduler who scheduled the shop also works for Informa and told her that I falsified a shop. It was not true and I have a photo of the outside that Ihad been there. Guess what?? I got deactivated from Informa just on the say so of one scheduler who got her information third hand. So much for loyalty from shopping companies. No one gives a s— about shoppers.
The justice system does not work here.

By: hannah

hannah — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:33:52 +0000

they should write about how to complain about an obnoxious reviewer, scheduler etc. or how to get back at them. especially when they are having a bad day, that is not an excuse. also, they should make all requirements uniform, not haphazard and random.

By: Toni

Toni — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:47:41 +0000

A person once told me to “keep it simple particularly, when you are training or teaching,or learning.” I believe this statement is important,for mystery shopping companies to enforce.Companies should provide shoppers,with a clear, simple explanation of the job requirements/duties. Or all companies have a meeting to work together,to provide a simple universal reference book. This book would contains a clear written synopsis of all mystery shopping jobs,expectations,telephone emergency no.contacts.Something that would be a win win situation for us all.This book may reduce possible false statements made,save time on questions and answers, all would be listed.”The written word is the final word.” There should be fewer disputes or dalays.
Considering the tedious tasks and time that shoppers experience through preparing for shops,understanding assignments,often times may be overwhelming or may be confusing. Along with shoppers anticipation in working their assignments,traveling,paper work and having other responsibilities.And with a universal reference book companies possible could save in costs for business expenses on:supplies,phone calls,working hours,etc.and with their savings perhaps shopper’s could receive an increase in pay.
Unfortunely,the companie’s job demands/responsibilites does not equal the shopper’s outcome…pay. The companie’s job expectations are extreme and should reflect higher wages.

By: Deb

Deb — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:43:57 +0000

Record mileage before you leave for a shop, set the odometer to 0 and record the distance travelled in a little book, with the name of the shop, the date and time of day. I always keep this book in the car. Postage used for reports and to run your business is another item. A percentage of your house expenses ( check with a tax accountant ) since you are running your business from your home. Car expensses, etc. as well. Keep ALL receipts. Label them according to the shop it is for, and let the accountant figure out which nones he can use. You can’t keep too many receipts! There may be more advantages for you if you register a “Name” for your business too. The minimal investment is really worth it!

By: Debra

Debra — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:54:21 +0000

What can be written off on taxes.

By: Shelia P

Shelia P — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:51:31 +0000

One topic is too difficult. Looks like lots of good suggestions SPECIFICALLY that Tax specifics (thus tracking expenses, etc.), locating the “specific industry(ies)” projects, and the DELAYED payment issues are my Top 3. Perhaps she’d permit some submissions and/or early reviews from a former newspaper employee with a PR degree Mystery shopper who’s also had to edit Legislative documents. Hey, this game is not only about reporting the details but about selling one’s own abilities to do a thorough job for almost nothing, right? ;-P OK everyone take a collective SMILE!
Website coming pre-Halloween 2008!

By: beanny

beanny — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:43:09 +0000

I am not sure what veronica meant. However, much attention should be piad to how you will get paid. Mystery shopping is not “volunteer” work . Also the compnies are getting paid by their clients we are not the mystry shoppng companies slaves?
IN my area ther are plenty of jobs. I choose to only take the ones that are worth my times. If you are having a problem with getting assignmnets because there are a lot of people you should sign up for more work with “other” companies ther are about 250 well known companies.