Month: August 2012

The 10 Commandments for Successful Mystery Shopping

  August 28, 2012

  Posted by: lford

  

  5 responses

As a mystery shopper for over 6 years, I’ve completed over 200 shop contracts. Apartment mystery shops are some of my favorite. Through my time as a mystery shopper, I’ve determined there are 10 Commandments for a successful mystery shop.

Chisel these into your routine, and you will have a rewarding mystery shopping experience.

1- Read the shop details BEFORE accepting the shop contract. If the required conditions aren’t acceptable to you, pass on the work. If, though, you select the shop, re-read the shop contract specifications and focus on what is noted as important.

2- Adhere to the specifications for your shop contract. When your reasonable efforts are exhausted and you are having difficulty completing the shop, contact the mystery shopping company and ask for help or suggestions.

3- Keep the mystery shopping company advised of the shop status. In my six years of shopping, I’ve always found that communication is the best action, whether the shop is progressing well or I am having difficulties. The people at the shopping company are always very helpful.

4- Treat your mystery shopper jobs like a BUSINESS; they ARE. Other businesses don’t understand you need to drive your mother to her reunion, that you have relatives visiting from Timbuktu or you’re stressed and need a day at the spa; business only understands it must be conducted if folks are to be paid.

5-Check out the pay scale for the work before you accept a shop contract. Each shop contract will include details on the payment that can be earned, and to be paid in full the shop contract has to be complete in full. Decide if it is worth your time up front.

6- If you have to set an appointment as part of your shop, do what it takes to be ON TIME. If you are to contact a target for a phone shop and then do a visit, sometimes you will have to set an exact appointment. If so, don’t arrive late! You should be punctual and prepared while still being yourself and remaining anonymous as a mystery shopper.

7- Immediately upon leaving the shop, scribble down some notes. Make a cheat sheet ahead of time if the mystery shopping company does not provide one, and fill in all areas. Trust nothing to absolute memory, especially if you are conducting more than one shop that day. A micro recorder is a great way to take notes as you are driving to your next shop.

8- As soon as possible, begin the actual mystery shop report. As with any skill, the more frequently one practices, the easier the task is to complete. If you’ve taken good notes on your cheat sheet, it’s merely a matter of amplifying and transferring the information. Don’t forget to send in any required backup or receipts; without those you likely will not be paid for the shop contract.

9-ALWAYS exercise integrity. It’s very possible an employee’s future could be hanging on your report.

10- Not all mystery shopping companies are a good fit. Check out the mystery shopping company’s reputation and give one shop contract a try. If after completing a shop, or several shops, you find that company is not a good fit for you, just move on. This occurs in business, marriages and life. Respect this and yourself sufficiently, and just find another mystery shopping opportunity. There are plenty out there!

-Bob E

 

Mystery Shopping Income

  August 24, 2012

  Posted by: lford

  

  2 responses

Mystery Shopping Income:

Independent contractor mystery shoppers can earn extra income

If you already are holding down a full time job and are trying to figure out how you can make extra income then consider mystery shopping income from being an independent contractor with Ellis (EPMS).  EPMS is the perfect choice for someone looking to make extra money on a very part-time basis on top of his or her current income. EPMS offers shoppers a flexible schedule but does not guarantee availability of work. They pay regularly for completed assignments. So you may be thinking to yourself, ‘How do I do it?’

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The BIG 7 – Reasons I Mystery Shop

  August 13, 2012

  Posted by: lford

  

  No comments yet.

Well, why not? Really, this is the one opportunity that you have to get paid to give your honest opinion on how an apartment complex is treating its potential customers.

 

You are doing both the apartment complex and the “real” potential clients a favor by sharing your expertise. Feedback from a potential customer is priceless to any company.  Don’t you admire the property management companies who strive to maintain a sense of quality and address the needs of their potential residents?

 

 

Everyone can use some extra cash.  With the value of the American currency decreasing which reflects in the price of every day goods, any extra cash could help.  Ellis  pays pretty well for the time invested in completing an apartment shop.  The video shops pay on average $50 for a contract job that takes no more than 45 minutes to an hour.  The average American does not make this much money an hour at their day job.

 

You do not need to be a particular age.  Well, okay you have to be at least 18 or able to lease an apartment to seem like a true customer.  With that said, all walks of life need a place to stay.

 

It’s fun.  Simply the fact that you are a “mystery” shopper is exciting.  It’s a secret. Who doesn’t like a secret that only you and the cool people know?

You can be yourself. This is a huge one for me.  There are many instances in our lives where it does not feel safe or acceptable for us to be ourselves.  This is a contract job where you can be yourself (within reason of course!) – just a regular person who is looking for an apartment.  You may have to pretend that your bed will not fit properly in a room to get the agent’s creative juices flowing with how to sell you the apartment or you may have to mention a pet that you don’t really have but those things are fun.

 

You don’t need a special degree.  If you wanted to start mystery shopping, there is no delay.  You would simply need to fill out an application and let the show begin.  The barrier to entry is very low for this field.  As long as you are able and capable of renting your own apartment, you are set.

 

You become an expert.  I’ve done quite a number of mystery shops over the years. When it was time for me to look for a new apartment for myself, I knew the ropes, the questions to ask, and what to expect.  It feels great to be an “insider”!

 

With that said, what are you waiting for?  You have no excuse for not helping future potential residents and can have a great experience while making some extra cash.

 

Becoming a mystery shopper is a click away.  Shops (or mystery shop contracts) are available throughout the US.  Your experience and opinion matter.

 

Tell us some of the reasons YOU mystery shop.

 

– Stacy M

 

MYSTERY SHOPPER REPORTS – Differences Between a Good Shopper and a Great Shopper

  August 9, 2012

  Posted by: lford

  

  one response

How many times have you written an evaluation report about a targeted leasing professional only to find yourself completely without words when attempting to describe the overall community appearance – more specifically, the details of the model apartment?

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