Mystery Shopping Thread 25 *PLEASE READ THE OP FIRST**PLEASE NO CLIENT NAMES OR FEES

Big_Graeme

cambermam wrote: »

Has anyone paid for the MS "Bible" spreadsheet that Ii came across when Googling? I have kept a spreadsheet of my own but it's getting a bit messy so I'd like to see other ways it could be set out. Or does anyone have any template/alternative to that paid-for version?

Yes, it's quite useful.
I designed my own using that as a base.

cambermam

Very strange, GAP have sent yet another reminder for a job they're desperate to fill. So I emailed them asking if it had been filled and it hasn't, despite the fact it doesn't show on the site for me. Hope I haven't been missing loads of work They must be keen as I got a reply within minutes.

cambermam

Big_Graeme wrote: »

Yes, it's quite useful.
I designed my own using that as a base.

Thanks good to know you found it useful i may make the investment and buy it myself, if nothing else it will give me some good ideas like you say.

Patchwork_Girl

Does anyone know how to reschedule a shop with ESA? I can't see an option on the site do I need to actually ring someone?

MysteryMe

As long as it is within the specified date range you can do it any date.

23rdian

Have been doing this for a while (and still enjoying it)

For those having problems taking pictures of receipts...

Most mobile phones should be okay. It's not the resolution (i.e. the megapixel) that's so important but it's macro (ability to focus close up) performance.

You can aid this by...

1. Changing to macro mode if your phone offers it from the camera options.

2. Taking it with a good light source. Ideally natural light (such as a window sill) or directly below a table lamp

3. Holding the phone steady and maximising the area shown on screen. i.e. you want it square on from directly above.

4. If you have an Android phone (esp HTC) try tapping the screen to set the focus before taking the shot.

Some phone are better than others but you don't need stupid megapixels to do it easily. Hope this helps

PS - Feel free to message me for a BARE referal etc

weeg

I have a question or two about Albatross. Recently signed up for them, and I notice you can't preview the brief before you apply (always annoying). Or am I being thick? Anyhoo, my questions are: Is there a way of knowing if there is a purchase requirement (even if purchase and return) before accepting the job? and what are the reports like (ie, wordy, repetitive, time consuming).

Cheers.

Furnival

A quick question for Video mystery shoppers.

Did you have training before you started or, if not, how did you get into Video shopping.

I'm hoping to get the equipment within the next couple of weeks and just wondered about getting started.

DevilsAdvocate1

I went to a meeting that Tern held because they were low on mystery shoppers in my area. Unfortunately, I think everyone there decided to buy the equipment as I had my camera for 5 or 6 months before I managed to get any work. Tern were very, very careful not to guarantee anything. I still had to supply a sample of my work before they would take me on.

Another company still won't take me on as they tell me they have enough video shoppers in my area. This is a really big video company too. I've had my camera 3 years now.

I wasn't given any training, but I used to take my camera out with me when I was mystery shopping, just to practice framing. Some companies want you to have the salesperson's face in the frame for at least 60% of the time.

Eventually, I decided to travel further afield to get experience, hoping that I would then get more stuff local to me. I now travel to another area and do 3 days work each month. I do get more local to me now, but still not as much as I'd like.

Which kit are you planning on buying?

Furnival

Thanks for you reply.

I'm looking at the LawMate PV500 EVO2 as I've heard that most places require you to have this one.

I'm going on a 2 day training course next week - got to travel from Liverpool area to the Southampton area + pay for a hotel so I'm hoping it's going to be worth it.