CHC is crazy
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I think you need not feel bad. You didn't come across to me as defensive or aggressive, just as someone making an inquiry to their company and asking questions about the writing sample.
CHC sounds like an incredibly stressful company to work for, and I am not sure where they are getting their required shoppers (presenting your findings to groups of 20 or more executives using a power point presentation??).
CHC sounds like an incredibly stressful company to work for, and I am not sure where they are getting their required shoppers (presenting your findings to groups of 20 or more executives using a power point presentation??).
Thank you! I read it like 16 times and couln't understand jumping to that conclusion. I would like to have done at least one shop for them. Just to see what they are like, you know?
Last time I heard they did your average, run of the mill casino shops. WTH? How many times could someone return to a casino after meeting with the entire executive staff? I agree you did not come off as defensive and posed a good question. The way her email was worded makes me wonder how many shoppers would just send a report without thinking it through. It certainly wouldn't be the first time a MSC had asked for a proprietary report or video as a sample.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Yeah, that would be hard. I told my sister (who is also a shopper) and she thinks she got agressive with me because she really wanted the report so she could get their info. I bet people send them the stuff all the time and maybe never ger work.
I'm not making a judgement either way regarding the response from CHC, but I do keep examples of my work on hand for when I run across new MSCs that I'm interested in working for.
You just take your best examples of your work and replace the sensitive details with generic names using the 'find & replace' feature in word. Print that to a PDF and if you want to get snazzy, you can put a big red "sample" and your details across the page, so no one else can copy it or use it as their own.
You just take your best examples of your work and replace the sensitive details with generic names using the 'find & replace' feature in word. Print that to a PDF and if you want to get snazzy, you can put a big red "sample" and your details across the page, so no one else can copy it or use it as their own.
She sounds like she threw you under the bus 
She wanted a sample narrative and not the nitty-gritty facts of a previous shop.
She has shut the door on your future opportunity, when you read the last few lines of her letter. ...
Lesson learned: We all get requests for sample narratives, just tweak it a little bit, from the main story...
She wanted a sample narrative and not the nitty-gritty facts of a previous shop.
She has shut the door on your future opportunity, when you read the last few lines of her letter. ...
Lesson learned: We all get requests for sample narratives, just tweak it a little bit, from the main story...
If I got a response like that, I would not want to work for that company. You did not sound defensive at all, you were simply asking a question. To make an accusation like that makes me suspicious also. Plus putting on those presentations, no way. They would have to pay a lot of money for me to even consider doing that.
I keep samples as well. A little finesse and less words might help, Keep it simple. Start out as a positive. I take these things as learning situations to improve.
"Thank you for your response, I am pleased to hear back from you. Its my pleasure to send you a sample, professionally with eliminating the company names. My schedule is flexible through travel. I look forward to assisting you in the future."
"Thank you for your response, I am pleased to hear back from you. Its my pleasure to send you a sample, professionally with eliminating the company names. My schedule is flexible through travel. I look forward to assisting you in the future."
Life is a Giggle - Embrace every moment
How hard can it be for you to write a sample
shop of a fictious place and then keep that
and use it for anyone who wants a sample.
shop of a fictious place and then keep that
and use it for anyone who wants a sample.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
I understand how this could be upsetting to you. I have provided sample "narratives" to MSCs, and I think that is what they were looking for. It is not a pdf of the entire questionnaire, just your typed comments without the company name. So there is nothing for them to gain from what you send them except an assessment of your writing skills and proof that you have done that type of shop to the level that they expect. For example, one person's idea of a detailed restaurant shop might be another's idea of an easy basic one. I have been mystery shopping since February and have already provided several sample narratives on restaurants and hotels. Perhaps she mistook your unfamiliarity with this practice as inexperience.
Did you send a sample report with your apology? You could try sending one. It certainly can't hurt.
Did you send a sample report with your apology? You could try sending one. It certainly can't hurt.
***************************
Thanks to all the forum members!
Thanks to all the forum members!
To me there was an important lesson here. If a company owner is going to react so poorly to a simple clarification of her email request, how would she react to one for something in the guidelines?
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I have and am used to providing sample narratives. She did not phrase it in that way. The way she phrased it implied that she wanted a recent report which would include their questions. I'm not sending someone that. I'm sorry, there's more information to protect than the name of the company and the target. What I mean as proprietary information is how they "do" their shops. The questions they ask, the instructions, the general format. They spend time working on that and I've no right to send it to another competing company.
As far as adding a little finesse and less words goes I'm not going to change the way I talk to schedulers as it has never been a problem. I match their tone and style. She was quick and to the point so I was quick and to the point.
My point is that I asked a question so I could get further clarification on what she wanted and she became angry. All I did was try to get more information about what she wanted and explained why I was confused and she became angry and blackballed me. That's a little nuts. She could have said You seem a little agressive about that (even though I didn't) all we want is a sample narrative. Then I would have replied and told her I was sorry if I came off wrong I misread that to mean she wanted an entire recent shop which has the companies format on it. In fact I pretty much said something along that in my reply. But, if you'll notice in her response it still sounds like she wants a recent shop with the name of the companies marked out. That's not just a writing sample in my opinion. For example, I have my own business and that would be like if I had employees or ICs and they went to pick up work for another company. That would be that same as them asking my IC/employee for information about how we did our advertising instead of just asking for a sample ad pitch. Like, asking what points we hit and our process for getting the most responses.
I don't know. That's not a great metaphor but hopefully you guys understand what I'm saying. I have a really good relationship with the company that I do casino shoppers for and I like them. I don't want to share the stuff that they worked hard on and damage our relationship. But, I guess that's just me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2014 05:33PM by GonzoSam.
As far as adding a little finesse and less words goes I'm not going to change the way I talk to schedulers as it has never been a problem. I match their tone and style. She was quick and to the point so I was quick and to the point.
My point is that I asked a question so I could get further clarification on what she wanted and she became angry. All I did was try to get more information about what she wanted and explained why I was confused and she became angry and blackballed me. That's a little nuts. She could have said You seem a little agressive about that (even though I didn't) all we want is a sample narrative. Then I would have replied and told her I was sorry if I came off wrong I misread that to mean she wanted an entire recent shop which has the companies format on it. In fact I pretty much said something along that in my reply. But, if you'll notice in her response it still sounds like she wants a recent shop with the name of the companies marked out. That's not just a writing sample in my opinion. For example, I have my own business and that would be like if I had employees or ICs and they went to pick up work for another company. That would be that same as them asking my IC/employee for information about how we did our advertising instead of just asking for a sample ad pitch. Like, asking what points we hit and our process for getting the most responses.
I don't know. That's not a great metaphor but hopefully you guys understand what I'm saying. I have a really good relationship with the company that I do casino shoppers for and I like them. I don't want to share the stuff that they worked hard on and damage our relationship. But, I guess that's just me.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2014 05:33PM by GonzoSam.
techman01 Wrote:
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> How hard can it be for you to write a sample
> shop of a fictious place and then keep that
> and use it for anyone who wants a sample.
One of my samples is 58 pages long. Much easier to modify an existing report of that length than to create a fictitious one. Two night shops with gaming are generally extremely narrative intensive assignments and all of the ones I have seen that include exit interviews do pay well.
Gonzo; Invitation-only companies are invitation only for a reason. Every one I have been referred to has required samples and a resume, so I don't think it's an unusual request considering that you cold-contacted them. She asked for samples + a list of properties. Not a report from another company. The reports of this nature I have seen are 100% narrative, not Q&A type reports. You may be misunderstanding the type of reporting this company is used to seeing. Are you doing casinos that include stayovers in the hotel plus food services?
I would take it as a lesson learned and for all shoppers to have a resume and writing samples. This is not the only company of it's type out there. Be better prepared when you get an opportunity like that.
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> How hard can it be for you to write a sample
> shop of a fictious place and then keep that
> and use it for anyone who wants a sample.
One of my samples is 58 pages long. Much easier to modify an existing report of that length than to create a fictitious one. Two night shops with gaming are generally extremely narrative intensive assignments and all of the ones I have seen that include exit interviews do pay well.
Gonzo; Invitation-only companies are invitation only for a reason. Every one I have been referred to has required samples and a resume, so I don't think it's an unusual request considering that you cold-contacted them. She asked for samples + a list of properties. Not a report from another company. The reports of this nature I have seen are 100% narrative, not Q&A type reports. You may be misunderstanding the type of reporting this company is used to seeing. Are you doing casinos that include stayovers in the hotel plus food services?
I would take it as a lesson learned and for all shoppers to have a resume and writing samples. This is not the only company of it's type out there. Be better prepared when you get an opportunity like that.
I agree with Steve. I have generic samples saved for such need.
I appreciate Gonzo protecting his ICAs. Similar, when signing with some MSCs, the question asked is which other MSCs have you shopped. I don't reveal that, don't appreciate the question, and explain just that.
I appreciate Gonzo protecting his ICAs. Similar, when signing with some MSCs, the question asked is which other MSCs have you shopped. I don't reveal that, don't appreciate the question, and explain just that.
No, my casinos are not overnight shops but you do check a whole bunch of different areas. She just splits them up into idividual reports and pays for each one. I like my company I just with they did some of the casinos in the southwestern part of the state where I live instead of just northeastern. Somebody has to be shopping the other half of my state you know?
Honestly, I don't really like Msing anymore. I only do it occasionally for a very specific company. I was more into merchandising and also running my own business. But, one company I worked for had these audits that paid $1250 every three months. They lost the contract and that has royally screwed me up. I'm getting married in September and that was a BIG part of my budget. I don't know what to do because it's hard for me to get a regular job because of the nature of my business. I'm hoping by next year I won't need to do anything but that doesn't change right now. We have only been around for about a year and a month or so. So, I've been stressing about trying to find something to replace them and casino shops let you gamble without taking the risk so I thought that was the best idea. If I could just get a few more I think I could get closer to replacing that lost income. I feel very stressed and am having nightmares and even breaking out and getting rashes because of it. It's quite a blow to lose $5000 a year in this business. Blech.
Honestly, I don't really like Msing anymore. I only do it occasionally for a very specific company. I was more into merchandising and also running my own business. But, one company I worked for had these audits that paid $1250 every three months. They lost the contract and that has royally screwed me up. I'm getting married in September and that was a BIG part of my budget. I don't know what to do because it's hard for me to get a regular job because of the nature of my business. I'm hoping by next year I won't need to do anything but that doesn't change right now. We have only been around for about a year and a month or so. So, I've been stressing about trying to find something to replace them and casino shops let you gamble without taking the risk so I thought that was the best idea. If I could just get a few more I think I could get closer to replacing that lost income. I feel very stressed and am having nightmares and even breaking out and getting rashes because of it. It's quite a blow to lose $5000 a year in this business. Blech.
Not all casino shops are equal. Some include the hotel and food. Same are just gaming. Some let you keep the winnings. Others make you return them.
I feel your pain about the $5k loss. Hopefully you find something to replace it soon. Don't let it stress you out too much!
I feel your pain about the $5k loss. Hopefully you find something to replace it soon. Don't let it stress you out too much!
I think the title of this thread is misleading and untrue. I do not think they are crazy, and quite frankly - I think it makes the OP sound defensive and angry (something that she/he is accusing the managing partner to be).
I work for this company and I find them worthwhile. I wholeheartedly disagree with your assessment that they are crazy. They are readily accessible, they provide clear cut guidelines, and they pay as promised. They pay significantly more than the company that is regularly touted as having the best possible hotel assignments out there - and they a range of properties and companies that they work for - from gaming, to high end resort. They are an invite only company that will entertain some cold call inquiries - but they are understandably concerned about properly vetting their evaluators - hence the request for a sample (which is not unusual at all with these types of companies).
If you are uncomfortable with giving them a sample with all identifying information removed - then that is your perogative. Quite frankly, if I was the managing partner, I would have just not responded to your email questioning the request for a sample.
I work for this company and I find them worthwhile. I wholeheartedly disagree with your assessment that they are crazy. They are readily accessible, they provide clear cut guidelines, and they pay as promised. They pay significantly more than the company that is regularly touted as having the best possible hotel assignments out there - and they a range of properties and companies that they work for - from gaming, to high end resort. They are an invite only company that will entertain some cold call inquiries - but they are understandably concerned about properly vetting their evaluators - hence the request for a sample (which is not unusual at all with these types of companies).
If you are uncomfortable with giving them a sample with all identifying information removed - then that is your perogative. Quite frankly, if I was the managing partner, I would have just not responded to your email questioning the request for a sample.
SunnyDays2 Wrote:
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> 'We offer “Expert advice, with a low price”,'
>
> I take this as: "We pay our shoppers LOW fees."
And you would be totally incorrect.
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> 'We offer “Expert advice, with a low price”,'
>
> I take this as: "We pay our shoppers LOW fees."
And you would be totally incorrect.
Somehow this has turned into expectations regarding writing samples. The OP has stated it was not providing a sample that created the issue, it was the attitude because of a simple misunderstanding.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Somehow this has turned into expectations
> regarding writing samples. The OP has stated it
> was not providing a sample that created the issue,
> it was the attitude because of a simple
> misunderstanding.
I think calling people crazy is not professional and is unkind.
I also think posting personal emails is not professional and is unkind.
The OP says - and I quote - "I don't like it when people think I did something with unkind intents" -
-- well then why the heck would you post a private conversation and call people crazy in public? That is about as unkind as someone can get.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Somehow this has turned into expectations
> regarding writing samples. The OP has stated it
> was not providing a sample that created the issue,
> it was the attitude because of a simple
> misunderstanding.
I think calling people crazy is not professional and is unkind.
I also think posting personal emails is not professional and is unkind.
The OP says - and I quote - "I don't like it when people think I did something with unkind intents" -
-- well then why the heck would you post a private conversation and call people crazy in public? That is about as unkind as someone can get.
Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active
I clicked on the name of this company and then went to their registration page and this is not an opportunity I personally would be interested in. I just cancelled a casino shop I had managed to snag in Tucson for another MSC as it just seemed too intense to me and I did not care for the requirement to get the names of every last person I came into contact with - if name tags were not being worn for whatever reason, to me this could get quite nerve-wracking. I noticed after I cancelled with the MSC that all three shifts of this shop for the casino in Tucson are still sitting on the board so I'm thinking there must be a reason and I am glad, so so so glad that I cancelled. My instinct just told me, no this is not going to work.
I also wanted to state that this MSC I speak of had a two day stay last year that featured trying to entrap a valet employee into stealing some five and ten dollar notes scattered about the front of your car. Now this may be just an integrity check to some but to me personally, I can see potential legal issues here (?) and my instinct just says, steer clear. (That shop did get taken though).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/04/2014 03:58AM by squireparty.
I also wanted to state that this MSC I speak of had a two day stay last year that featured trying to entrap a valet employee into stealing some five and ten dollar notes scattered about the front of your car. Now this may be just an integrity check to some but to me personally, I can see potential legal issues here (?) and my instinct just says, steer clear. (That shop did get taken though).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/04/2014 03:58AM by squireparty.
Thank you Stevesocal. I actually think I did find something to replace it. I have been stressing so bad and I feel like a recent job I picked up for my business will completely replace the lost income and then some. I'm very excited. Thank you for your kind wishes.
MickeyB - I'm not even going to justify any of that with a response.
MickeyB - I'm not even going to justify any of that with a response.
squireparty Wrote:
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> I also wanted to state that this MSC I speak of
> had a two day stay last year that featured trying
> to entrap a valet employee into stealing some five
> and ten dollar notes scattered about the front of
> your car. Now this may be just an integrity check
> to some but to me personally, I can see potential
> legal issues here (?) and my instinct just says,
> steer clear. (That shop did get taken though).
This may be off-topic, but I wanted to ask: is the shopper expected to actively encourage the employee to steal the money? Or is the shopper just leaving the valuables in view? The former would be entrapment; the latter would not, in my opinion. Valet employees should not be taking anything from a customer's vehicle, ever, period.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I also wanted to state that this MSC I speak of
> had a two day stay last year that featured trying
> to entrap a valet employee into stealing some five
> and ten dollar notes scattered about the front of
> your car. Now this may be just an integrity check
> to some but to me personally, I can see potential
> legal issues here (?) and my instinct just says,
> steer clear. (That shop did get taken though).
This may be off-topic, but I wanted to ask: is the shopper expected to actively encourage the employee to steal the money? Or is the shopper just leaving the valuables in view? The former would be entrapment; the latter would not, in my opinion. Valet employees should not be taking anything from a customer's vehicle, ever, period.
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