The Mystery Shopping Restaurant Bind Part II (Anecdote/Ask The Coach)

When we last left our heroine... (just kidding).

In part one of this post called "The Mystery Shopping Restaurant Bind", we learned of Ellen's situation and I had advised her what I thought she should do about filing her report. Here's what Ellen wrote back and told me she actually did:

Ellen:

I did decide to call the scheduler to see how he wanted me to handle the shop report. He called back and we talked it over before I filled out the report.

The scheduler told me it was too bad that I ate alone, but that he liked the way I handled the situation. He also said it was good that I ordered a hot item for my meal, and a cold salad plate for my friend's meal, because the client actually wanted data on both hot and cold dishes evaluated. I was advised to fill out the report completely, and add the information about my friend not showing up in the narrative in sections of the report when it was appropriate.

My scheduler thanked me for being honest and told me that he appreciated the feedback BEFORE I submitted the report. He also praised me for always getting my reports in the same day when I do shops for him (this was my third), because it really helps him get his job done on time.

Then, I was pleasantly surprised because my scheduler offered me two more non-restaurant shops to do this month! I had been trying very hard to get non-restaurant shops from this scheduler, and had not succeeded until then. He added that because of the way I handled the restaurant situation, he would feel good about giving me the other shops to complete.

So, it seems that perhaps this sticky situation turned into a little goldmine for me! I never thought it would turn out this way!

Thanks Melanie for your encouragement!

Coach Melanie's Note:

See what I mean about developing relationships with schedulers? So many shoppers just don't get this concept. They worry more about how many hundreds of web sites they can sign up to be a mystery shopper and fail to see that the real key to getting lots of quality, repeat mystery shopping work--which is how you eventually make the "big bucks" in the field--is to focus on working with a few good schedulers as you make connections, and do a great job for them, so you get another job!

Ellen clearly demonstrated her professionalism and her ability to think on her feet, and she was rewarded with the shops she really desired. She will also be that scheduler's "go to" person in her area now. That's the ultimate in mystery shopping success! Way to go Ellen!

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan
http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

The Mystery Shopping Restaurant Bind Part I (Anecdote/Ask The Coach)

Hi All--

This time we have a story from a "Guest Coach"--Ellen In Ohio, who was kind enough to share her story from a recent restaurant shop with all of us. Enjoy!

I had signed up to do a restaurant shop at a national restaurant chain (not fast food). I don't really like to do restaurant shops because they don't usually pay a fee, only reimbursement. But when the scheduler called me, he sounded so desperate, so I thought I'd schedule a fun lunch out for a friend who works near the location and myself. I got the assignment and planned to meet my friend at the restaurant. The shop guidelines stated that you have to have two adults in your party, and must order 2 entrees.

I got to the restaurant and my friend wasn't there yet, so I got a table and waited for her. She called me on my cell phone and told me that she had a HUGE proposal due that afternoon and that she was frantically trying to get it finished. She was definitely going to be late and maybe not even make it at all.

So, my problem was what to do about the shop? I couldn't just grab someone who was aimlessly walking around the restaurant and ask them to join me for lunch!

Thinking quickly, I told the server that my friend was running late. I asked him if I could go ahead and order for both of us, and asked him to hold her salad entree in the kitchen until she arrived. Unfortunately, since my friend never showed up, I asked him if he'd make her salad "to go". I took the salad to her at her office and helped her get her proposal together while she ate the salad. Then, I got her comments on the food quality so I could use them in my report.

My next dilemma was how to handle the report.

Note From Coach Melanie:

Ellen wrote to me to ask me my thoughts on what she should do about the report. She was leaning towards coming clean with the scheduler about what happened. Here's what I told her:

You have two choices as I see it. Honesty, which is almost always the best policy. Technically you did follow guidelines as you had two people involved and two entrees ordered, so it should work unless the mystery shopping company is quite hard-nosed. I think you did everything possible under the circumstances and did a great job of thinking on your feet.

Two, you could tell a white lie and act like the person was there the whole time and fill in all the information you gathered between the restaurant and her later comments on the shop report as if she actually ate lunch at the restaurant with you. I would recommend number one.

Next post--I'll tell you what Ellen actually did and how it all turned out!

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Restaurant Mystery Shops--Worth Your Time? (Ask The Coach)

Question:

I answered an ad for a high-end restaurant shop. They sent me a huge training manual to read and some rather severe instructions as to what is and is not allowed. They, of course, pay for this high-end meal for two, but the shops themselves only pay $5-10. They are adamant about the fact that if the narrative is not written properly and if certain requirements are not met, they will not pay for the meals nor for the shop. Do you feel it's worth my time?

Answer From Coach Melanie:

It is very common for a restaurant shop to only pay $5 to $10 above the reimbursement--some don't pay anything above the reimbursement at all. It sounds like their concern is that many mystery shopping "dabblers" who are really in it for the "fun" assignments rather than being a professional, have burned them by not following instructions, and not doing a good job on the
narrative. So to compensate, they have a stern attitude and guidelines.

If you are good at following directions and write strong narratives, you shouldn't have any trouble. Also, if you feel you will do other assignments with this company, once you learn their guidelines, the next shops will go easier. If you want to do this shop under those conditions, and it is a restaurant you enjoy, then go for it. If you think it is too much trouble, then pass.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

What's Client Rotation In Mystery Shopping? (Ask The Coach)

Question:

I saw on a scheduler's job lead e-mail that there is a 60-day client rotation for the shops. What does this mean?

Answer From Coach Melanie:

Client rotation means that the actual customer of the mystery shopping company doesn't want the same shopper to repeat the same shop location for a certain period of time.

This is very common in service category shops such as apartments, car dealers, and banks, where it would not be believable for you to be shopping for the same service in the same location too soon. It does also often occur for restaurant shops although I know I sometimes eat at my favorites as a "real" consumer more than once or twice a month, so I don't always agree with this limitation.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Why Didn't I Get The Mystery Shopping Assignment? (Ask The Coach)

Question:

How come when I put in for an assignment in my town, I don't get it, but someone in a different town does?

Answer From Coach Melanie:

Many mystery shoppers will request to be considered for assignments in cities and towns nearby to where they live that they feel are worth their while, or are in areas they travel to on a regular basis. So you can't assume just because you're in the city or town of the mystery shopping job, that it won't go to a mystery shopper from another area.

In such a case, it would simply be a matter of first come, first served. Plus, shopper rotation requirements by the company for whom the research is for could have an impact. I'm sure you'll get your turn in time.

There are also many ways to make yourself stand out as a mystery shopper when you do your self-marketing--just as is true for any form of self-employment. I've written about such techniques extensively in my books "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job: Mystery Shopping" and "How-To Finally Make Money As A Mystery Shopper".

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Coming Up With Reasons For Returns For Your Mystery Shopping (Ask The Coach)

Question:

I have shopped for a woman's retail store twice that requires you make a purchase and return it within 30 minutes. I'm running out of excuses/reasons for returning so quickly? Any suggestions/tips? Thanks!

Answer From Coach Melanie:

Try some of these reasons for future shops:

1. I saw something else in another store that I preferred.

2. I tried this on again at home and decided I didn't like the way it looked on me/it's too big/it's too small/the color does nothing for me.

3. This is a gift for my sister-in-law and I just remembered she hates this color and you don't have anything else she would like in her size.

4. I can't believe it, my Mom just called me and told me she got the same thing in your other store for my sister's gift!

5. Sorry, I had second thoughts about this.

6. I'm short money right now and I promised my spouse/fiance/boyfriend that I wouldn't buy any more clothes.

Also, you may be more worried about a particular excuse than you need to be. As both a shopper, and a regular consumer I often return things simply by handing over the item and the receipt and saying "I would like to return this" and I am never asked for a reason (although I note this in my report if it's a shop). Sometimes as mystery shoppers we feel the need to explain ourselves more than is necessary. In fact, you can end up saying too much.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Well, At Least The Neighbors Are Quiet (Mystery Shopper Anecdote)

If you do apartment mystery shops for any length of time, you get paid very well, but you also can get a little bored with "the drill". All it takes is one shop to bring back the amusement.

I went over to the on-site portion of an apartment shop in an area of my neighborhood that I really never looked at in detail before. For the phone portion of the shop, I stressed that a very quiet, view location was very important to me. When I arrived at the apartment complex, the leasing agent was pleasant and led me to the vacant unit for rent. As we were about to walk through the door, she told me that she was very pleased that this unit became available as it was one of the quietest with the loveliest view in the whole development.

We stepped inside and she let me look around the place. I did my usual "of course I'm very interested in renting" walk around as she pointed out features and benefits. As she led me to the window, my leasing agent said "see, just as I told you, quiet and a lovely view". I played along and followed her to the window and prepared to be "amazed". But the surprise was on me. I was amazed. I saw lots of incredibly manicured grass, flowers and rows of headstones. Oh my goodness, this apartment overlooks a cemetery! Hey, I thought to myself, didn't the builder of this place see the movie Poltergeist?

I struggled to get my composure and then commented as calmly as I possibly could "gee, this apartment overlooks a cemetery, isn't that kind of spooky?" Without missing a beat, the leasing agent said "well at least the neighbors are quiet and you really just see mostly greenery and flowers". I'm thinking headstones, what about the headstones? As if she was reading my mind, she added, "the digging goes on much further back out of view in the newer section". Oh, I thought, sure, that makes all the difference!

I was now bucking for an Oscar as I gave my most sincere, "well, you're right it is quiet, I guess this place could work", and let her finish her presentation. In doing the shop report I actually gave the leasing agent very high marks because she certainly did a masterful job of overcoming objections. I could just see the people at the mystery shopping company and the client reading my report! I'll bet they weren't bored anymore as they went through their pile of shopper reports either!

Want to share a mystery shopping anecdote as a "guest coach" with full credit to you? E-mail me at mysteryshoppercoach@cox.net.

Have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Mystery Shopper Success Story

Hi All--

I get many great comments about my mystery shopping, merchandising and healthy eating books and coaching services, but I recently received this inspiring story from a reader of my books "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job: Mystery Shopping" and "How-To FinallyMake Money As A Mystery Shopper", and felt that I just had to share it with you.

Patrick B. of Richmond, VA was able to quit his "day job" and devote more time to his family and enjoying his life. Please note that while I am thrilled with Patrick's personal success, I believe that mystery shopping and merchandising are best done to supplement other income, and should not generally be viewed as a sole source of financial support. However, it does happen from time-to-time, as it did in this case.

I, myself, do several things to bring in the level of income I desire, and believe that is generally the wise way to support yourself with a flexible lifestyle. My purpose in sharing this story with you is to make you aware that there is definitely good money to be made in mystery shopping, if you broaden your outlook on the field as more than just a way to get a free meal or to subsidize your next trip to the mall.

Here's Patrick's story:

"Approximately one month ago, I began searching for work-at-home or home-based employment opportunities. I was currently employed as a restaurant general manager, and was finding it increasingly difficult to stay motivated, not to mention motivating people who make minimum wage. I was dreading going to work each day. Of course, all restaurant managers usually work peak hours on nights and weekends. and I hated the fact that practically all of my Friday and Saturday nights would be "booked for work" for the next twenty some odd years! I had enough.

I stumbled across mystery shopping opportunities while searching home-based businesses. I thought to myself, "gee, I've been on the other side of the fence for so long....I'll bet I can do this". So being the consummate researcher, I read, dug and investigated everything I could to see if I could make this work. I discussed it with my wife, who is also a restaurant general manager, and she was a bit skeptical, but encouraged me to look into it because she was well aware of my frustration at work. While doing my research, I found articles about you and your books. I decided to take a chance and I purchased your ebook "The Perfect Work-At-Home Job: Mystery Shopping". I hope this doesn't sound too corny, but that day changed my life and outlook for the future.

After downloading, I think I read the book faster than any book I've ever read...lol. I read it three times just that evening, highlighting important areas and taking notes. Within two days, I had started using several of the resources, and was ready to do shops. I started out slowly, just doing a shop every few days, accommodating my full-time job. Then I started to receive more offers. I was following your book recommendations as best I could and they were paying off. I gave my two week notice to my employer, and decided to mystery shop full-time.

In the last three weeks, I have done over 35 mystery shops, and I am currently scheduled to perform approximately fifteen more over the next week. I get offers I just can't accept because of time constraints, and I am confident enough to turn down those that do not offer enough compensation for my time. The shops have covered the spectrum--apartments, banks, restaurants, bookstores, specialty--you name it.

Many of the shops I have completed included bonuses for upcoming deadlines or remote areas. The pay has at least equaled in value what I was making as a restaurant manager, and can easily surpass that amount as I become more experienced with my digital recording shops. I have also done some merchandising work in the last two weeks, which I have found fun and easy to do. Plus, it provides more income when I'm not shopping. I just purchased your second book "How-To Finally Make Money As A Mystery Shopper" last week, and I am working on making my business grow even more profitable. I have followed your advice, almost to the letter and it has paid off in spades.

I can't tell you what a relief it is to not put on a uniform five days a week and have someone else dictate my schedule. My wife says she hasn't seen me this "fired up" about anything in about eleven years! My shopping uniform consists mostly of shorts, polo shirts and sneakers, sometimes a ball cap and sunglasses..lol. I just can't believe I get paid to do this. It's like being paid to act, without the hassle of fame and signing autographs! I know I won't get rich by doing this, but getting rich should be measured in terms of fulfillment, not money.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for writing your books and sharing your secrets. You have definitely impacted my life, and made my family life better by doing so. Thanks so much to you and God Bless."

Thanks again, Patrick. To the rest of you, have a great day and happy shopping!

Taking the mystery out of professional mystery shopping--Melanie Jordan http://www.mysteryshoppercoach.com

Copyright 2005 Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing