MYSTERY SHOPPING THREAD XI ** New people make sure you read the first 2 Posts **

completelybroke

I've only just become a mystery shopper and not had a 1st assignment yet.
But one thing that's confusing me - I read some of you are having to upload photos - how does that work - how do you manage to take a photo without it being completely obvious you're a mystery shopper?

Rosy_Violet

completelybroke wrote: »

I've only just become a mystery shopper and not had a 1st assignment yet.
But one thing that's confusing me - I read some of you are having to upload photos - how does that work - how do you manage to take a photo without it being completely obvious you're a mystery shopper?

You have to be a bit careful but mobile phone cameras are very useful as it looks like you are just texting. People on holiday often take photos of where they are too so you don't necessarily stick out.

Rosy_Violet

duchy wrote: »

So who IS getting all the ESA jobs in our neck of the woods then TG ?
I never get them either

might be me :jalthough we have obviously shared other agencies work for a few years so been plenty to go around.

duchy

I've never got busted taking a photo (I use a camera not a phone) -but I always do it after the visit so I can make a fast escape after. Once or twice with stores with greeters on the door I've gone back 10 minutes later to take it.

cte1111

ESA - I've been lucky enough to do quite a few jobs for them over the last few months. They're currently my favourite company to shop for.

I've found that sometimes you can be offered jobs even after they've disappeared from your inbox. I applied for lots of chemists a few weeks ago and was offered one. That was fine, I accepted it and put it in my diary. A day before the shop dates, they rang up and offered me most of the others that I had applied for. So I ended up with 7, which was great.

Not sure why they are doing it this way, but like most companies I think they prefer to use a few reliable shoppers rather than lots of different people. So all I can advise is if you do get offered anything at from them, accept and do the best questionnaire you possibly can!

I still don't get offered everything that I apply for, I'm hoping that soon I will be given the historical gift shop or tea shop, as they are both places I love to shop.

I've also had to turn down work once they rang. I was worried that they would then blacklist me, but happily they haven't, which makes a nice change from some other companies who seem to then turn you down on principle after you've not been able to help them out.

In the application window, I just state the dates that I can do the shops, listing as many as possible. I do try to write a complete sentence and double-check that it is spelt correctly but apart from that not sure if there is an art to it.

Rosy_Violet

duchy wrote: »

I've never got busted taking a photo (I use a camera not a phone) -but I always do it after the visit so I can make a fast escape after. Once or twice with stores with greeters on the door I've gone back 10 minutes later to take it.

Use same technique and used to use a camera but find phone easier these days. Only once had a member of staff suddenly look my way....eye contact made through the lens ....I scarpered quickly! But I think you can get away with saying it's for a project or if the building has some interest you could say you wanted a photo of it because you are into architecture. Mystery Shoppers get expert at stories

Chelle22

Hi all, I am new to mystery shopping and have my first assignment tomorrow for a clothes shop and wondered if anyone could give me any advice or tips at all? I don't want to forget to do anything and not get paid for my visit.
Thanks!

duchy

I once took a photo of a torso store and the Boots security man in the next unit-watched me do it-with no reaction whatsoever.

Chelle Just follow the brief to the letter and always note what stores are left and right FIRST-that's the most common mistake

squeaky1055

Chelle22 wrote: »

Hi all, I am new to mystery shopping and have my first assignment tomorrow for a clothes shop and wondered if anyone could give me any advice or tips at all? I don't want to forget to do anything and not get paid for my visit.
Thanks!

Always remember what is to the left and right. Timings must be accurate and names, names, names. If not keep the description of the sales staff in your head. Take note if they wear glasses or not. Just relax and enjoy it! We all can forget things even after years of doing the job.

Rosy_Violet

Chelle22 wrote: »

Hi all, I am new to mystery shopping and have my first assignment tomorrow for a clothes shop and wondered if anyone could give me any advice or tips at all? I don't want to forget to do anything and not get paid for my visit.
Thanks!

Make a note of the key points in the brief that you have to remember on your mobile phone notes or in a draft message (or on a piece of paper in your pocket/bag) That way if your brain becomes dead (as mine does on occasions) you can check in the changing rooms and make a note of what you have done and what you haven't.