Author: lford

3 Reasons to Mystery Shop Now

  September 6, 2016

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Mystery shopping is a fun and engaging way to make sure companies are meeting their customer’s needs. Companies invest money to train their staff, so they want to make sure the staff is following the training. Mystery shops give companies the opportunity to collect data and gauge the performance of their staff.

 

One reason you should begin mystery shopping now is to make extra money. You get paid to complete mystery shops, which is a good thing as your time is valuable. The great thing about apartment mystery shops is that they pay well relative to completing other types of mystery shops. You can make as little or as much money as you like with mystery shopping. It simply depends on how much time you have and how confident you are with completing multiple shops.

Another reason to mystery shop is that you can work on your own time. You can choose mystery shops that fit in your schedule and you do not have to worry about clocking in or clocking out; there are no set schedules. Mystery shopping companies do not have a minimum number of shops you need to complete each month. It is completely up to your schedule.

Finally, you stand to gain new skills when you start mystery shopping. The more mystery shops you complete, the better you will be able to complete future shops. You will also feel more confident completing multiple shops, which allows you to get better shops over time. You will feel more comfortable completing numerous shops per month as you get the hang of what is required to complete a successful shop.

Overall, mystery shopping is great way to build your skill set, make more money, and make a difference in customer service.

3 Tips for Target Shops

  August 16, 2016

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13A target shop is when a specific person is designated for you to shop to assess his or her apartment needs investigation and demonstration skills over the phone and onsite. These shops can be fun!

Tip One – Start Calling As Soon As Possible

The first step is getting your target agent on the phone. This can take a little time as you are usually not aware of their working schedule ahead of time.

Tip Two – Think of 3-4 Excuses to End a Phone Call Ahead of Time

You will likely reach your target agent after having made several calls to the apartment community. You will need to make excuses to end phone calls where you do not reach the target as you should only complete the full phone assessment with your target agent. Some suggested excuses:

* Act as if a current resident, asking for office hours.

* Think of a name of another apartment complex and apologize, stating you meant to call the other complex.

Tip Three – Reach out to EPMS for Help

If you have tried to reach your target agent for 2-3 days, including 3-5 calls per day with no success, send EPMS a message through the ‘update’ link located within the assigned apartment shop information area online. They will be able to direct you on next steps so that you can complete the shop on time. Overall, target agent shops can take a little more effort so focus on making it a game. There is rarely a time where you will not reach your target agent, so just keep calling until you do!

Conducting the Phone Portion of a Shop

  July 28, 2016

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There are typically two components to apartment shops and the first starts with a phone call. During with phone call, you will assess the leasing agent’s ability to learn your apartment home needs, share details about the community and apartment amenities, and entice you to visit the community and tour the facilities. This phone call is typically recorded. EPMS will provide a toll free number you will dial and enter a special code unique to that shop.

 

There will be times where you cannot get a leasing agent on the phone right away and you may need to either call back or in rare cases, leave a message. In those cases, if the leasing agent returns your call, you will need to make an excuse to call them back on the recorded line using the EPMS toll free number. With most apartment shops, you will either be assigned a specific leasing agent to call or you will have the opportunity to shop any agent that answers the phone.

Either way, it is up to you as a shopper to allow the leasing agent to do their best. Try not to lead the call as it is the leasing agent’s job to ask you questions and inspire you to take a tour. The phone shop must be completed prior to taking the in person tour, which you will always say yes to when and if it is offered by the leasing agent. Once you’ve completed a couple of phone assessments, you will see how easy they really are.  Do not worry and remember to allow the leasing agent the best opportunity to be successful!

3 Keys to Being a Successful Shopper

  July 26, 2016

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54Becoming a successful mystery shopper is simple, yet you must focus on three basic keys to make this happen.

#1: Know What You Are Looking For

Make sure to read through all of the instructions for each apartment mystery shop. Although all of the apartment mystery shops are listed on the same EPMS site, the apartment or property management companies who hire them may have different requirements.

Therefore, no matter how long you have been completing mystery shops, remember to read and take notes for each section of the shop requirements before completing the shop.

 #2: Stay Objective

Following tip number 1 will help you stay objective because you will know what is required of you and not worry if you are completing the shop correctly. This will allow you to stay calm and focused, giving the staff member ample opportunity to show you they are great at their job. You will then be prepared to create an accurate report for the mystery shopping company to submit to their client. The more focused and calm you are, the better the leasing associate can shine; it is a team effort!

 #3: Be On Time

Make sure that you arrive to complete the in person shop on time; before the leasing associate takes the last potential resident before closing. Always check with the leasing office as this is usually 30 minutes to an hour before the actual closing time. Being on time also applies to submitting your supporting documents (i.e. business card, brochure, etc) and the shop report by the due date. This should typically happen within 24 hours of completing the shop.

Overall, if you follow these three keys, you will be golden.

Recording an Audio Shop

  July 22, 2016

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Recording an Audio ShopAudio shops are one of the three types of apartment mystery shops that the Ellis Partners in Management Solutions offers on a monthly basis. When you log onto the website: http://epmsonline.com/ you will see different color-coded icons next to the different shops. The color selected will determine the type of shop you will be conducting. If you select the purple icon a pop up button will ask you if you have the equipment to carry out the shop. If you do have the means to do so then write in the box you can do the shop soon. If not you will have to wait for Ellis Mystery shopping to end out audio equipment for your use.

 

Now if you wanted you can buy your own equipment and thus you would be ready whenever an audio shop were to come up. In order to find recording audio you have a few choices. If you have a smart phone you can check the app store to see if someone is selling the audio recorders for you phone. Then you would simply pay for the app and download it to you cell phone. Follow the instructions and you would be able to record. Simply make sure you can download the voice recording in file easy to upload and email.

 

If by chance you would prefer to buy equipment then a quick search on online web stores such as eBay or Amazon will give you an array of choices. Today’s recorders are small and you can get one half the size of a pen. This definitely comes in handy as it can be put in a pocket to carry to your assignment. Check the online ratings and you can get a recorder that will do the job over and over. Again make sure the files can be downloaded and emailed.

Customer Service Insights Derived From Mystery Shopping

  July 21, 2016

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Working as a mystery shopper is a fun and equally important job. Your observations as a secret shopper have to be measured and they have to be accurate. A shopper should not make up scenarios when evaluating an employee; after all, the employees will be held to standards set by the employer. In other words, someone’s job depends on your accurate report. In addition, mystery shopping gives you an opportunity to hone your personal customer service skills in your own line of work.

 

When you complete your shops and are ready to write up your report, remember to give an accurate, detailed snapshot of what occurred. Once you have the ability to write the information clearly, you will see how it can also be helpful you in your own life.  The writing of emails and reports will suddenly seem smoother and you will be able to compose your thoughts on paper faster. Your ability to get a report completed with accuracy will be appreciated by your colleagues and boss alike.

Besides your writing skill, your power of observations will become better. You will be able to see a larger picture when you observe any given situation. This is a very useful skill as it will allow you to see most things in a clearer light. Observing a situation and assessing quickly is a necessary skill as a secret shopper and because you have used this skill, you will be able to see things others don’t.

So, keep shopping and keep those skills going!

3 Tips to Find Shops Near You

  July 19, 2016

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Mystery shopping is becoming a popular way to make extra money.  This is due in large part to the fact that it is a flexible and fun option for added income. However, there may be times times you log in to the EPMS website, excited to complete a couple of apartment mystery shops, only to find there are none available near you.  Here are three tips to help you successfully locate shops near the places you live, work or travel.

#1: Expand Your Search

A shop search is typically linked to your zip code. You can find the zip code search box in the top left-hand corner of your profile page after clicking on the link titled “I want to see shop contracts near me.” You can expand this search by entering a zip code for the area you may be traveling to, in or out of state, to see if any shops are listed. For example, if your daytime job is located within another zip code, you could take note of that zip code and enter it into the mystery shop zip code search window. Alternately, when you may be traveling to visit your home town or family, you can use the zip code of the house or hotel you are staying in during that time to find available shops. You can also use the ‘Distance’ bar right about the zip code box to increase the distance that you are willing to travel within that zip code area. Of course, if you see any available shops, you should act fast and request them. This tip works really well if you are traveling to less popular cities or where mystery shopping is not as well known.

 #2: Complete Phone Only Shops

Check the phone shop tab from your main profile page. It is located right next to the ‘In Person Visit Required’ tab. Under the ‘Phone’ tab, you will find phone only shops to complete. The phone shops usually require less of a time commitment and the forms do not take very long to complete. There is a certain number of in-person shops you are required to complete before you can begin to request phone only shops, so get to work!

 # 3: Add Yourself as a Backup Shopper

Do not be afraid to click the backup shopper button when a shop that is really close to you is taken. I have received several shops this way.  It would not hurt to try and if the other person cannot complete the shop, it is yours! Don’t worry;  you will be given the same amount of time to complete the mystery shop if you become the primary shopper, so no rushing is needed.

All of the above tips may not work all of the time, but they will give you more options when staring at a blank page of available shops.

 

What to Expect on a First Video Shop

  

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Of the three types of shops, video shops can be one of the easier shops to complete for some. However, these are one of the more difficult types of shop to obtain as they go quickly. Once you are assigned a video shop, you will be asked for your mailing address and EPMS will send you the shirt and camera to complete the shop. While you are waiting for the equipment to arrive, you will want to read through the details of the shop as you would any other shop.

 

You will likely have to complete the recorded phone call portion. You will also have to upload a test video, basically to show that you know how to adjust the shirt and camera to the right angle for the shop.Video shops are fun because they are easy.  The hardest part about shops is remembering the details, but video shops record all of the details needed to complete the report. With that said, it is still important to pay close attention during the shop, as you do not want to rely solely on the camera. The camera could run out of battery, stop recording or malfunction during the middle of the shop. The likelihood of this happening is small, yet you want to make sure you are prepared.

Once you have completed the shop, you will simply mail everything back to EPMS in the pre-paid postage envelope included in the original box; that’s it! Remember, do a great first shop and you will be assigned more video shops as they are available.

Share The Love of Mystery Shopping!

  July 18, 2016

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Share the Love of Mystery ShoppingDo you remember how you learned of mystery shopping?

Looking back, I am sure you are so grateful for this amazing opportunity. I was rather busy, going to school, and working two part time jobs. Mystery shopping fit into my life perfectly. Plus many of the shops were at places where I have shopped or would shop anyways.

What is so amazing about mystery shopping? Well, the flexibility of working around my schedule, the freedom to make more money on demand, and making an impact all at the same time.

Well, it is time for you to share the love. It is February after all.. the month of love!

Many mystery shopping companies have referral systems for you to refer people who you think would be perfect for mystery shopping. After all, it takes one to know one.

Some companies may even offer a monetary or raffle style thank you gift for the referral. The more people we get on the bandwagon to make sure companies are offering great customer service and quality products to people like you and me.

Your action step is to check with each mystery shopping company that you shop for and see if they have a referral system set up. If they do, ask a friend or family member if they would like to do mystery shopping.

Of course, make sure they understand what it takes to be a mystery shopping. After all, you want to be known as the person who sends quality referrals.

Mystery Shopping When Visiting Family and Friends!

  July 14, 2016

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Visiting Family & FriendsMystery shopping does not need to be limited to only your local area. Many mystery shopping companies, including EPMS, have shops in many states all across the United States.  I always aim to complete at least one shop while I am out of town, especially if I will be there for at least a couple of days and have a rental car to use.

This also allows you to be more real in your shops, as you would be out of town looking for a new home, potentially.  Remember to make note of the zip codes around where you will be staying as you will use these to do a search on the main EPMS website to see what shops are in that area.

Once you have the zip codes, within the area you are comfortable driving and completing mystery shops, log on to the EPMS site.  There will be an area under available shops where you can enter the zip code to refine your search.   Browse the refined list of shops for the zip codes you entered into the EPMS available shops area of the website.  Select the shops that work within your time frame and are within driving distance to you.  Remember to request shops within enough time to complete them, especially if you have ‘target’ agents.  This will ensure you have enough time to complete the call and the onsite visit.

Side note: Your report is usually due within 24 hours of completing the shop. Make sure to plan enough time to enter the shop information as well. You do not want to submit a late shop.

Again, it is a great idea to complete shops while you are traveling, I have done this many times, and it is such a great way to make some extra money.