I recently mystery shopped a community that was clearly understaffed on the day of my visit. Upon my arrival at the leasing office there were several people waiting to be helped and I could see that there was only one agent in the office at that time. Although I had arrived on-time for my scheduled appointment, it became evident that I might have to wait for a bit. I made my presence known to the busy leasing professional and then wandered out to the clubhouse to have a seat where others appeared to be waiting as well.
Category: Mystery Shopping Experiences
When A Good Mystery Shop Goes Bad
The day started off so well. I got up on time, had my coffee, showered, got dressed, and started my mystery shopper phone calls. One was to be recorded for one of the two apartment shop contracts I had to complete, so I started off with that one.
Sometimes I Just Get So Emotional…
I have a real passion for truly loving what I do for work. That’s not necessarily a bad characteristic to have either. I learned how to display that passion through enthusiasm, effervescence, and a general bubbly personality.
Many employees in the property management community display that same perkiness day in and day out in their jobs, and that’s good, because in most cases that enthusiasm leads right to a sale. But if you happen to be one of those people, when you conduct a mystery shop…it’s time to put the brakes on and let the leasing agent shine.
The BIG 7 – Reasons I Mystery Shop
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
What We Say Matters
I recently participated in an industry forum discussion about mystery shopping. I was surprised by the number of participants who spoke negatively about mystery shopping programs and even more surprised by the way that shopper evaluations were being perceived by a handful of people.
Although predominantly used as a training tool, some apartment leasing professionals revealed that they felt as though shops were unfair and being used as a form of punishment.
Take Time to Learn My Apartment Needs
Have you ever been to an apartment community, gotten a tour of every amenity and a thorough description of the features inside a home but left feeling like you still didn’t know if it was the place for you?
My First Time
I’m so nervous. This is my first time. What if she doesn’t like me? What if she’s looking at my car; is it nice enough?
Did I put on cologne? How’s my hair?
Do I open the door for her, or do I wait for her to open her own door? Do I walk beside her? Behind her? Let her do the talking? Oh my gosh, my clothes; are they okay?