Hi lphyland5
It is always advisable to submit the reports on time. The whole operation is timed and the report you submit is one step of many towards the end presentation to the final client. So if you are delayed for some reason, then it's like a domino effect and it will impact the end deliverable.
Having said that it is not uncommon to have the mystery shopper wait overnight to write a report. There are obvious advantages to have the report writing wait until you are well rested and in a good spirit to minimize mistakes. It makes for a better product in the long run. So, I don't see it as a huge detriment to your reputation, specially that you are just starting, and schedulers should understand that you need a longer runway to take off. If you knew the rules, and violated them that would be terrible, but you are still a newbie pardon me no disrespect intended, I'm just saying that a veteran is held to higher standards, while a beginner is given some coaching and nurturing before discarded. They need you, trust me. You may be the only one in your area. Welcome to a wonderful and wacky world of mystery shopping.