No notes or cell phone, and you must remember 4 names and times.
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I know that shop! I bring a voice recorder that mostly just records my own voice, and I use that to estimate times. Or I should say I used to do that, because I really don't want to do that shop any more.
That's unrealistic.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
I guess that MSC recruits from MENSA....
go to the restroom
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
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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
HaveARayDay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> A company has indicated in their grocery shop
> instructions that you cannot take notes in the
> store, or use a cell phone to talk or text. You
> must also remember 4 different associates names
> and take timings at the deli counter, meat
> counter, customer service, and check out. You are
> to make your notes when you are away from the
> store.
>
> Are they kidding???
If I had this one: I would break it up into two employees, get info, names, then go to restroom, do two more, get names and times, and pretend I had to go restroom again!
The first supermarket I ever did. I remembered 8 names. How did I do it? Everyone was a movie star, for instance, Clark Kent was handing me milk in the milk section, John Wayne gave me a sample piece of ham..
You chant their names to yourself until you hit the bathroom and let your pen explode!
-------------------------------------------------------
> A company has indicated in their grocery shop
> instructions that you cannot take notes in the
> store, or use a cell phone to talk or text. You
> must also remember 4 different associates names
> and take timings at the deli counter, meat
> counter, customer service, and check out. You are
> to make your notes when you are away from the
> store.
>
> Are they kidding???
If I had this one: I would break it up into two employees, get info, names, then go to restroom, do two more, get names and times, and pretend I had to go restroom again!
The first supermarket I ever did. I remembered 8 names. How did I do it? Everyone was a movie star, for instance, Clark Kent was handing me milk in the milk section, John Wayne gave me a sample piece of ham..
You chant their names to yourself until you hit the bathroom and let your pen explode!
Techman is right. Try to remember whatever you can, then go to the restroom and put your notes into your phone or on paper in there. You have to check the restroom anyway, so why not take advantage of it.
For some odd reason those shops don't bother me. I can remember the names and timings easily. Maybe all those years as a reporter with an anal editor breathing down my neck taught me well.
Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain
Ray you have been doing this for a long time. You do what you have to do. Go to another place in the store and write text or whaterver. No one will know or care. People in grocery stores always are on the phone or have grocery lists.
Short story that I mentioned before. Multiple furniture stores in same strip. Instructions are to go to car and fill out complete report before going to next store. I don't think so. Did the shop, went home , wrote report. No problem.How much does it pay?
Short story that I mentioned before. Multiple furniture stores in same strip. Instructions are to go to car and fill out complete report before going to next store. I don't think so. Did the shop, went home , wrote report. No problem.How much does it pay?
PS Schedulers would ask you to take DNA samples from every employee if they thought people would do it.
The shop pays $6 and reimburses $8 worth of groceries. The recorder is a great idea, so is restroom. But the requirement just seems like so much of a hassle. I agree that many people are on the phone, texting, and using notepads while they shop. My guess is that management regularly reviews the camera footage and the MSC wants to make sure their shoppers remain anonymous.
Sincerely,
H.A.R.D. at work
H.A.R.D. at work
That's crazy. I do grocery shops where the MSC provides a ceat sheet of essential information and a little diagram of how to fold it to look like a grocery list. I make my list on the outside, including a reminder to remember the BOB item! The MSC encourages the shoppers to open the list and make notes in the store. Now that's realistic. And NO split second timing for those shops. Gotta love MFI for those shops.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
HaveARayDay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The shop pays $6 and reimburses $8 worth of
> groceries. The recorder is a great idea, so is
> restroom. But the requirement just seems like so
> much of a hassle. I agree that many people are on
> the phone, texting, and using notepads while they
> shop. My guess is that management regularly
> reviews the camera footage and the MSC wants to
> make sure their shoppers remain anonymous.
They may review the footage but how would they know a shopper if they see one?
-------------------------------------------------------
> The shop pays $6 and reimburses $8 worth of
> groceries. The recorder is a great idea, so is
> restroom. But the requirement just seems like so
> much of a hassle. I agree that many people are on
> the phone, texting, and using notepads while they
> shop. My guess is that management regularly
> reviews the camera footage and the MSC wants to
> make sure their shoppers remain anonymous.
They may review the footage but how would they know a shopper if they see one?
****************
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Because the scenario requires you to visit two specific areas to talk to an employee, a shopper could be determined if they notice a person stopping to write down (or put text in their phone) shortly after engaging with employees in those specific areas.
Sincerely,
H.A.R.D. at work
H.A.R.D. at work
I put a voice recorder in my shirt pocket which is quite unobtrusive and works well enough to catch both my voice as well as that of employees. And for key timing points and names I often say them out loud--"Hello Fred."
REALLY off topic, but the restroom suggestion made me wonder....
why do you have to check the rest room EVERYWHERE you go? I actually had a report that asked, "Did you ENJOY using the rest room? Really?? Why yes thank you, it was the highlight of my day!
why do you have to check the rest room EVERYWHERE you go? I actually had a report that asked, "Did you ENJOY using the rest room? Really?? Why yes thank you, it was the highlight of my day!
Robin
Silver certified, I shop in Cities in NM and TX that no one has ever heard of.
Silver certified, I shop in Cities in NM and TX that no one has ever heard of.
I piddled away some time to meet the minimum shopping qualifications?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/28/2012 02:26PM by ShopUntilYouDrop.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/28/2012 02:26PM by ShopUntilYouDrop.
Well, some restrooms are absolutely unenjoyable!
They always ask if they smell pleasant. Once I developed "issues" while on a route out of town. I almost answered, "It did until I got there!"
And I'm glad they're caring about restrooms. Maybe this is why I notice that many public restrooms are much better than they were 10 to 20 years ago.
They always ask if they smell pleasant. Once I developed "issues" while on a route out of town. I almost answered, "It did until I got there!"
And I'm glad they're caring about restrooms. Maybe this is why I notice that many public restrooms are much better than they were 10 to 20 years ago.
Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.
This grocery shop, with rare exception, doesn't require a restroom visit. Irrespective, the guidelines are explicit. No notes or cell phone to be used on the premises. Among other things, four interactions are required, complete with names, descriptions, acknowledged and assisted timings.
As a customer, on a shop or not, I may talk to myself, have a shopping list/sales ad, a pen and calculator. A DVR could be used, but it adds time on the other end to listen and make note of requirements before completing the report.
The client has a mobile app and QR reader, and promotes it. The MSP advised to go ahead and use a smartphone. Yet, the guidelines never changed.
Come on man!
As a customer, on a shop or not, I may talk to myself, have a shopping list/sales ad, a pen and calculator. A DVR could be used, but it adds time on the other end to listen and make note of requirements before completing the report.
The client has a mobile app and QR reader, and promotes it. The MSP advised to go ahead and use a smartphone. Yet, the guidelines never changed.
Come on man!
Ok let's talk about video footage for a minute. In 7 years, I have never had anyone say to me: something on video indicates that you did not do the shop at this particular time, or whatever. They use this as leverage because they are hundreds of miles a way and have to have something to keep us in line. And send decent reports. I do not blame them but we are professionals and as I said, do what you need to do to make a good informative report and then hit the road! That is my story and I am stickin' to it.
I think Mickey D's actually view theirs. I was asked to describe myself tp the client and
I told the MSC no way. If mystery shopping is a mystery then they will not get my description. Now I want to go in there sometimes just to mess with them and see if they think I'm a shopper. I might stop in and spend a long time on my laptop doing another report. Funny I haven't found the time yet. LOL
cynb Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok let's talk about video footage for a minute. In
> 7 years, I have never had anyone say to me:
> something on video indicates that you did not do
> the shop at this particular time, or whatever.
> They use this as leverage because they are
> hundreds of miles a way and have to have something
> to keep us in line. And send decent reports. I
> do not blame them but we are professionals and as
> I said, do what you need to do to make a good
> informative report and then hit the road! That is
> my story and I am stickin' to it.
I told the MSC no way. If mystery shopping is a mystery then they will not get my description. Now I want to go in there sometimes just to mess with them and see if they think I'm a shopper. I might stop in and spend a long time on my laptop doing another report. Funny I haven't found the time yet. LOL
cynb Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok let's talk about video footage for a minute. In
> 7 years, I have never had anyone say to me:
> something on video indicates that you did not do
> the shop at this particular time, or whatever.
> They use this as leverage because they are
> hundreds of miles a way and have to have something
> to keep us in line. And send decent reports. I
> do not blame them but we are professionals and as
> I said, do what you need to do to make a good
> informative report and then hit the road! That is
> my story and I am stickin' to it.
HaveARayDay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The shop pays $6 and reimburses $8 worth of
> groceries. The recorder is a great idea, so is
> restroom. But the requirement just seems like so
> much of a hassle. I agree that many people are on
> the phone, texting, and using notepads while they
> shop. My guess is that management regularly
> reviews the camera footage and the MSC wants to
> make sure their shoppers remain anonymous.
But there aren't any cameras in the bathroom. This is the place for you to take your notes. You have to evaluate the restroom anyway. Why not make people think you are actually using it when you are actually dumping the notes from your memory into your cell phone or note paper?
-------------------------------------------------------
> The shop pays $6 and reimburses $8 worth of
> groceries. The recorder is a great idea, so is
> restroom. But the requirement just seems like so
> much of a hassle. I agree that many people are on
> the phone, texting, and using notepads while they
> shop. My guess is that management regularly
> reviews the camera footage and the MSC wants to
> make sure their shoppers remain anonymous.
But there aren't any cameras in the bathroom. This is the place for you to take your notes. You have to evaluate the restroom anyway. Why not make people think you are actually using it when you are actually dumping the notes from your memory into your cell phone or note paper?
HaveARayDay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> A company has indicated in their grocery shop
> instructions that you cannot take notes in the
> store, or use a cell phone to talk or text. You
> must also remember 4 different associates names
> and take timings at the deli counter, meat
> counter, customer service, and check out. You are
> to make your notes when you are away from the
> store.
>
> Are they kidding???
Hmmm, It seems the instuctions give you only your memory and prohibit every item or device except a digital voice recorder (assuming they are legal to use in that state).
Perhaps you could ask the scheduler if they really mean what they say.
-------------------------------------------------------
> A company has indicated in their grocery shop
> instructions that you cannot take notes in the
> store, or use a cell phone to talk or text. You
> must also remember 4 different associates names
> and take timings at the deli counter, meat
> counter, customer service, and check out. You are
> to make your notes when you are away from the
> store.
>
> Are they kidding???
Hmmm, It seems the instuctions give you only your memory and prohibit every item or device except a digital voice recorder (assuming they are legal to use in that state).
Perhaps you could ask the scheduler if they really mean what they say.
Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut
I did a very similar shop twice a week for four months. At first, the voice recorder on my phone was the only way I could remember all 6 of the names, the staff responses to my questions, the timings, the customer counts, etc. (Of course, I used it only in one-party states.)
It was time-consuming to listen to the recording when it was time to prepare the report. After a few of these, though, the recording became a rarely-used backup for my memory.
You can try one, and see how it feels before accepting another.
(I stopped doing jobs for an MSC that specifically prohibits recording of any type because I like to have the recording as a backup.)
It was time-consuming to listen to the recording when it was time to prepare the report. After a few of these, though, the recording became a rarely-used backup for my memory.
You can try one, and see how it feels before accepting another.
(I stopped doing jobs for an MSC that specifically prohibits recording of any type because I like to have the recording as a backup.)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Go ahead, ask me to violate an ICA. I won't do it, and the MSCs that read the board will know not to hire you, since you can't be trusted.
Go ahead, ask me to violate an ICA. I won't do it, and the MSCs that read the board will know not to hire you, since you can't be trusted.
I have dne one of these shops, and i used paper to write names pretending it was a grocery list. However, after the time it too to do the job and considerng the $12 fee, I considered this job not worth the effort. I onlydid one.
I do this same thing, they supplu me with a fake shopping list, tell me how to fold it and off I go. I have never had a problem with these shops and I do them all the time.
walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That's crazy. I do grocery shops where the MSC
> provides a ceat sheet of essential information and
> a little diagram of how to fold it to look like a
> grocery list. I make my list on the outside,
> including a reminder to remember the BOB item!
> The MSC encourages the shoppers to open the list
> and make notes in the store. Now that's
> realistic. And NO split second timing for those
> shops. Gotta love MFI for those shops.
walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That's crazy. I do grocery shops where the MSC
> provides a ceat sheet of essential information and
> a little diagram of how to fold it to look like a
> grocery list. I make my list on the outside,
> including a reminder to remember the BOB item!
> The MSC encourages the shoppers to open the list
> and make notes in the store. Now that's
> realistic. And NO split second timing for those
> shops. Gotta love MFI for those shops.
What I have done is I have a mini recorder that I got at radio shack and it fits nicely in my pocket and I give myself messages while i am shopping in a low tone and then play it back when I get home entering the info on the computer.
I look at my grocery list, cross things off, dig for coupons...sometimes after each service counter or area of the store. I see other "real" shoppers doing the same thing.
It is my goal to get paid for as many of the mundane stuff as I can!
HaveARayDay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Because the scenario requires you to visit two
> specific areas to talk to an employee, a shopper
> could be determined if they notice a person
> stopping to write down (or put text in their
> phone) shortly after engaging with employees in
> those specific areas.
It is my goal to get paid for as many of the mundane stuff as I can!
HaveARayDay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Because the scenario requires you to visit two
> specific areas to talk to an employee, a shopper
> could be determined if they notice a person
> stopping to write down (or put text in their
> phone) shortly after engaging with employees in
> those specific areas.
I would and do use a DVR regardless of the state and its laws. No one will ever know. It's not hurting anyone (unlike breaking other laws). It's for my own use only. I keep my recordings for weeks. Not for the MSP per se, but in case they come back to me for detail, I can review it.
That said, if this is a HT shop, I did one many years ago and will never do one again. Never say never. If the price is right, I will. $30 maybe.
Jamie
Editor and shopper
That said, if this is a HT shop, I did one many years ago and will never do one again. Never say never. If the price is right, I will. $30 maybe.
Jamie
Editor and shopper
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