Here is another way to look at working with commissioned associates. There are actually people in this world who love to window shop for any product including cars. Which is the more valuable way for the associate to spend their time, with a mystery shopper who will write a report designed to improve their skills and possibly reward their good behavior or the browser who may take up much more time simply because they are bored?

nana,
As for screwing up a video shop, yes we all do have concerns about that. However, video schedulers, who almost all have years of experience as video shoppers, are quite unlike traditional schedulers, since they really understand the challenges we face in the field. AND, becasue the target cannot lie their way out of a bad performance on video, the fact that we have the video proof of what they did "saves" far more shops (since they cannot be challenged by the target) than one might lose because the shopper made a catastrophic mistake. (Mistakes will happen and not affect payment; catastrophic mistakes are relatively rare, as Lisa and others here will attest. But all of us have actually managed to film a few minutes of nothing but our own nostrils, lol. Even that will not ruin a shops, if the rest is good!)

Knock on wood, my nostrils have stayed hidden. I am still trying to figure out my reasoning for lounging way back in a chair and film the ceiling for a while

I finally had time to watch my first video shop that I did back in January. No nostrils. I think it turned out pretty good.

James, be careful. It is the third shop, after you have built up your confidence, that will go completely awry.

LOL Wales. I know. I figured this one had to be beginners luck.

cvb42jeb Wrote:
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> We've covered this type of topic before on other
> threads, and I haven't changed my take on it as a
> former salesperson of an intangible (advertising)
> which is widely acknowledged as the hardest type
> of sale to close.

Many years ago, I worked as a employment counselor (headhunter). During training we were told that we were in the hardest sales job because we could sell the product, but we had the only "product" that could say "no" to the buyer!

nanabelle Wrote:
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> I can understand doing the "auto" shops to see how
> a person tries to "sell", but I think it crosses
> the line when you are to pretend you are for sure
> buying and then just not. I don't even mind test
> driving as long as I can act interested but NOT on
> the verge of committing...and for $25???
> NOPE.....

Selling is an "art". I have been in sales for more than 22 years and I wish I was evaluated more, so I can do a better presentation the next time. As to mystery shopping, if you cannot get past it then, do not take the assignment as other shoppers have suggested.
You are really helping the salesperson do a better presentation at what they do. If you think taking money from them is not easy for you, then you do not really understand this business. I love mystery shopping and when I see a sales person or apartment representative close the deal or attempt to close the deal, then I know they are well trained.
Most sales people do not know how to "close" the deal, or handle objections or develop rapport with their prospect. If you know how to do these things in your work; whether it is mystery shopping or something else you will enjoy what you are doing.

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Here is another way to look at working with
> commissioned associates. There are actually people
> in this world who love to window shop for any
> product including cars. Which is the more valuable
> way for the associate to spend their time, with a
> mystery shopper who will write a report designed
> to improve their skills and possibly reward their
> good behavior or the browser who may take up much
> more time simply because they are bored?

I fully agree. I used to feel sorry each time I shopped a student who could be expecting some bonus to help
with his tuition. I still do, but I did a very high-end shop and after three months, I was contacted by my scheduler.
I thought something was wrong with my report. She said she was asked by the company to answer some questions
which they could use in their sales training in the coming months. They wanted to know how they could improve their customer service and salesmanship. It was a very thorough interview and then and there I believe mystery shopping is
doing a valuable job.

AndrewTX Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> nanabelle Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'm curious....to all that have no problem
> doing
> > these shops...do you shop full time or like me
> > just for some extra cash?
>
> Nana,
>
> I'm a part-time shopper. I don't have any problem
> with these, but don't take very many, mostly
> because the pay:report ratio rarely makes them
> tempting. These usually go for $20 or less in my
> area. I'd rather do FF or gas stations that pay
> $20 or so and only take ten minutes to report.
>
> You sound like a gentle soul and I can understand
> your hesitancy to engage in the high-pressure
> sales environment.
>
> However, if the pay makes sense, just remind
> yourself that you're helping the salespeople hone
> their skills.
>
> For me there's a sweet spot between too much
> pressure and not even asking for the sale. As a
> regular customer I want someone who is right down
> the middle. I am close to buying a car in real
> life and already know what salesperson I will ask
> for help because he does it right. He really tries
> to understand my needs and then looks for a way to
> meet them. If he finds a vehicle that meets my
> needs perfectly for a great price, asking for the
> sale is the logical conclusion.
>
> BTW, both my Nana's are gone, so can I come to
> your house for cookies and cocoa?

Come over anytime Andrew!!!

I have only performed two auto sales shops in the past year or so but I have no problem with them except the time restraints on my very busy schedule. I plan on taking some more in the near future since I am actually in the market for a new car. I love it when I can make MS'ing work for me!