Mystery shopping thread 26 *please read the op first**please no client names or fees

Big_Graeme

Larac wrote: »

Is it me or a RA make a right mess of the drinks audits?

It's the clients fault this time.

Larac wrote: »

If you had not done them before, then the instructions are not exactly clear and not issuing logging details, so you manually fill in forms is a bit of a joke. Somebody at the other end will need to do alot of manual inputting to get the details into the system.

Nope, it would have been down to us to input the data sadly, now we have a weeks extension the issue should be solved, I found the brief to be way better written that the GfK one from last year, they only issue is the data input which looks painful.

Larac wrote: »

Least GFK had sorted the systems before launching the project. IT don't appear to be RA's strong points.

Its the client being a pain, they we it's supposed to work (of how it was explained to me) is going to ease a lot of niggles and data entry errors. I've gone from having 32 jobs to do before Friday afternoon to doing them over two weeks which is a blessing.

Big_Graeme

cupboardie wrote: »

omg Coyle jobs are hard!!! I've picked up 2 high end visits (lunch and bar) to do during my holiday abroad

They shouldn't have let you (talked you into) doing two visits first time out, as you say the level of detail they want is huge, many experienced shoppers will only take one at a time. I've done two for them and didn't enjoy the experience as there was just far too much to remember.

cupboardie

I've done a two jobs for them before but this is a swanky place and in a foreign country so I'm a bit nervous.

The jobs are three days apart.

Audio device - good tip. My phone has a recorder and I have a key fob dictaphone, but to be recorded clearly I'd have to hold it up to my mouth.

Big_Graeme

Anyone doing the HSBrands techie audits?
Anyone seeing some strange behaviour with the report?

skivenov

cupboardie wrote: »

I've done a two jobs for them before but this is a swanky place and in a foreign country so I'm a bit nervous.

The jobs are three days apart.

Audio device - good tip. My phone has a recorder and I have a key fob dictaphone, but to be recorded clearly I'd have to hold it up to my mouth.

If it's android, try 'Hi-Q voice recorder', the key fob things are useless. GfK sent me an olympus dictaphone for one job and it was outstanding, not cheap if you're buying new though.

Blackdagga

cupboardie wrote: »

omg Coyle jobs are hard!!! I've picked up 2 high end visits (lunch and bar) to do during my holiday abroad, but I'm stressing as there's so much work involved and so much to note, but it says I can't use my phone too much!

I'm worried I'll ruin my romantic mini break with writing this report and won't really enjoy the experience as I have so much to do. Also the briefs are so hard to read, confusing and contradictory!

I have done a few of these, both in the UK and abroad. The bar ones are pretty straightforward, but the lunch ones can be a bit involving, particularly the first time you do the report. Just have a look at their sample reports and write them along those lines. However, remember this is an American firm, and they like it written in American English (e.g. trash can not bin!). Once you have done one you can pretty much copy the narrative for the next ones you do, amending where necessary.

The hotel reports are the hardest, and can take hours to write. However, I have had a few 2 night luxury hotel stays on them, and they go nicely with my free mystery flights! Even did a 5 star hotel on Valentines day in London last year with the wife, and it didn't spoil my romantic break;) ! Enjoy yours!

kittygirl20

What are ABA like to work for? Many thanks in advance.

samtastic7

kittygirl20 wrote: »

What are ABA like to work for? Many thanks in advance.

Don't think they have much work now..

ISWMLE

Stageshoot wrote: »

MF always give stupid Queries. (Even on jobs the proof readers are not supposed to touch).

I have jobs that go direct without proof reader interference, and they still manage to get on those every now an again

EG: Was the Reception Desk
a: Clean to high standard
b: Clean to acceptable standard
c: Not Clean (Comment)

Answer A: Clean to a High Standard

Proof Reader. Please explain how the reception desk was clean to a high standard!!

The table top was clear of.....highly polished....no signs of litter or dirt smears, etc.. All you need to do is describe what you mean by 'high standard' then the client can see whether your version of HS is the same as what they expect it to be.

Big_Graeme

kittygirl20 wrote: »

What are ABA like to work for? Many thanks in advance.

There are two with a very similar name, ABA and ABAi. Which do you mean?