I'm creating a course... your feedback would be appreciated!

Mods, please let me know if this is the wrong forum in which to post... I wasn't sure exactly where to bring this up!

Hi, I'm Melissa!

I am currently working on an informative online course aimed at those who would like to become bar/restaurant mystery shoppers. I have completed a free mini course on writing a stellar shop report (launching Feb 1st), and I would really love some feedback if anyone is interested. The link to sign up is: goo.gl/Rykuwy

I've been shopping for about three years, and have worked in the hospitality industry for fourteen years. I really enjoy mystery shopping, and I would like to help people out there who aren't sure if bar/restaurant shopping is right for them, as well as help current shoppers add a few new tricks to their repertoires. It also wouldn't hurt to make a few friends along the way.

Just to get the conversation started, can anyone help me by answering the following question?

What was the most difficult challenge you faced when you first began secret shopping? For example, did you have trouble recording times or remembering faces? Did you struggle with writing your report? ..etc.

I really appreciate your help! Thanks for reading and happy shopping!

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Hi Melissa! Best of luck with your new venture!!

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

Biggest problem with bar/restaurant shops: being the 25 year old who hates the taste of alcohol but has to look like she's drinking.

#burntoutinthebigapple

Second biggest problem: can't take photos with iPhone while using voice memos app to record everything including timing, greeting, etc. Going into camera pauses the voice memos app. (Exiting or closing the camera app doesn't restart it, either!)

#burntoutinthebigapple

For me it's remembering what each associate/employee is wearing. Thankfully my hubby has a mind like a steel trap for names and descriptions!

@eodermatt My boyfriend isn't really an alcohol-drinker either and he always asks if he HAS to order a drink, haha! My shop instructions sometimes say it's okay to pour out a drink conspicuously, and I've always wondered how many people end up doing that. Thanks for your input!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2017 01:42AM by MelissaBarShop.

@stormraven73 I'm bad at this too, and always ask whomever I've brought along to pay attention to clothing if nothing else. Thank you for replying!

When I was starting out having a good phone and fast computer was challenging for me. My phone and MacBook were not really compatible and it caused me a lot of grief besides making the time for doing the report cumbersome. Now I have a phone that takes great pictures and syncs well with my Chromebook. I made sure that I had a reliable charger for my phone in my car. Nothing can screw up a shop faster than losing the charge on my phone during the shop.

I also am bad remembering names and descriptions. I now use the voice recorder on my cell. Pretend to make a call, Judi, long red, 5.6, glasses, B-, did not list specials. Then pause it and move it to the background.... You do not want the app to be seen if you need to access your cell.

I have to figure out how to do this. Does anyone know where this is or what it is called in the iPhones? Right now I am texting myself quick notes or names because I forget who all does what when you have a hostess, a server, a bartender, etc.. I'm still challenged by timing and remembering to check for & then recall the END times.

@sstazz wrote:

I also am bad remembering names and descriptions. I now use the voice recorder on my cell. Pretend to make a call, Judi, long red, 5.6, glasses, B-, did not list specials. Then pause it and move it to the background.... You do not want the app to be seen if you need to access your cell.

I carry two different cell phones. One that I still use and the other is from my previous carrier. It is getting long in the tooth, though. If anyone asks me why I have two phones, I just tell them that one is for work and that the other is for my personal use. Because the people that I work for charge me a dollar a minute for personal phone calls.

I am an Android user. I am sure someone else will chime in on there preferred app but, until then I suggest a Google search (iPhone, voice recorder, free). Also check to see if you live in a "1 party state.". I live in one and I can/do record entire shops (including the fake calls) With a simple play back I am able to get all my timings down to the second with all the details. I also file the recording along with my paperwork, receipts, etc..

@LeslieKay111 wrote:

I have to figure out how to do this. Does anyone know where this is or what it is called in the iPhones? Right now I am texting myself quick notes or names because I forget who all does what when you have a hostess, a server, a bartender, etc.. I'm still challenged by timing and remembering to check for & then recall the END times.

@sstazz wrote:

I also am bad remembering names and descriptions. I now use the voice recorder on my cell. Pretend to make a call, Judi, long red, 5.6, glasses, B-, did not list specials. Then pause it and move it to the background.... You do not want the app to be seen if you need to access your cell.

I also carry 2 phones. The 2nd phone is used for GPS/hot spot and the ability to do 2 shops at the same location when different phone numbers are needed. It was free via MetroPCS, 1GB data plan is $30. After the data is all used up I am throttled down to 3G which is sufficient for all my needs.

I use the Note app on my iPhone. Works well.

@LeslieKay111 wrote:

I have to figure out how to do this. Does anyone know where this is or what it is called in the iPhones? Right now I am texting myself quick notes or names because I forget who all does what when you have a hostess, a server, a bartender, etc.. I'm still challenged by timing and remembering to check for & then recall the END times.

@sstazz wrote:

I also am bad remembering names and descriptions. I now use the voice recorder on my cell. Pretend to make a call, Judi, long red, 5.6, glasses, B-, did not list specials. Then pause it and move it to the background.... You do not want the app to be seen if you need to access your cell.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

I use the note app on my android, and it too works well. It's easier than texting yourself, that's for sure.

I would love an attachment that goes over the lens of my phone that allows me to take straight on pictures from the angled position you hold your phone while texting. Holding a phone flat vertically screams "I'm taking a picture"
A little lens mirror would take care of that

______________________________________________________________________
Seriously, nobody cares that you're offended.

@sstazz wrote:

I am an Android user. I am sure someone else will chime in on there preferred app but, until then I suggest a Google search (iPhone, voice recorder, free). Also check to see if you live in a "1 party state.". I live in one and I can/do record entire shops (including the fake calls) With a simple play back I am able to get all my timings down to the second with all the details. I also file the recording along with my paperwork, receipts, etc..

I always thought it would be too difficult to record an entire shop, but you've made me reconsider. I'm definitely going to check into this. Thanks for your reply!

@LeslieKay111 wrote:

I have to figure out how to do this. Does anyone know where this is or what it is called in the iPhones? Right now I am texting myself quick notes or names because I forget who all does what when you have a hostess, a server, a bartender, etc.. I'm still challenged by timing and remembering to check for & then recall the END times.

The iPhone has an app called Voice Memos. It comes with the phone and you don't have to get it at the App Store.

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I'm creating a course... your feedback would be appreciated!

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