Re: "Shop It" App - I am self employed and perform contract work in several distinct areas…after being introduced to ms’ing by a friend, I added that to my portfolio. I’m techie by nature, and one of the first things I did was figure out the best ways to use my iPhone ‘on the job’… it has a great set of built-in tools, but I found it awkward and distracting to constantly switch between the texting screen / stopwatch / audio recorder / and camera… and I was spending way too much time and energy trying to be inconspicuous. I looked for an app that would do all this accurately and discreetly, couldn't find it, so pitched an idea to my husband who said “go for it”. 'Shop It! Timer and Stealth Notes' was launched 6 months ago last week (and reached #272 in the business category that week as well - it's highest level). We released an update recently which incorporated suggestions from some of our users (Thank you for your input if any of you are reading this! – I welcome suggestions for future updates… and your positive comments and feedback mean more than you can possibly imagine). Every new 5-star rating is very affirming and is cause for celebration around our house.

I’m honestly not associated with a company; I’m a part-time mystery shopper who had an idea… and the iPhone provides a great platform for independent developers with quality products to actually be able to compete with the big companies. This has become my ‘pet project’, and I’m passionate about it-

It just helps sometimes to know the background on something, so thank you for letting me share…



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2013 06:18PM by dkdshop.

Is it available for Android? I went to view the demo but it was all about Green products. I also could not find the link to the purchase.

I'm not a techie, but I love it when stuff works and makes life easier.
I tried looking up "Timer and Stealth Notes' " on my Apps on my I-Phone.
Is there a better address, as this didn't work?
Thanks
jim
Have camera will travel

Follinsmith, do a search for "mystery shopping" in the App Store ... It should be about 3rd on the resulting list. The full name of the app is "Shop It! Timer & Stealth Notes". I can post a link to the App Store if needed (and if that's ok on this forum?). Thank you for the interest-

Jpgilham - it is not available on android right now... I hope to do that someday... But right now the development costs are prohibitive on that platform.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2013 03:02AM by dkdshop.

I downloaded the lite version to see how well it works and I'm confused as to the recording. Where do I play it back? It did not go into the "voice memo," whereas the picture I took was sent to "camera."

Cubbiecat, press "Notes" (on the text entry page).... That takes you to the "Current Note".... Then you can play back your recordings and view (and email, if desired) photos. As you noted, photos are also saved to your camera roll.

If you have completed your shop, and pressed "Save/reset"... then simply press "Notes" then the 'Notebook' icon (lower left icon on the menu bar at the bottom of the "Current Note" page) to access your saved notes. Open the shop you wish to view. Then proceed as above.

We have a short Demo Video on YouTube that may help - and written instructions (both are accessible from our website, www.just-shop-it.com)... Once you are familiar with the few icons on the bottom menu of the 'Notes' pages, it becomes pretty intuitive.

Thank you for asking - hope this helps. All questions are welcome, so Please ask if you have others!

Great Idea! I'm excited to try out your app.

What features are available in the paid version?

Hi "SodaJerk"- I hope you find it useful! Please be sure to check out the brief operating instructions on the website in order to get the most out of the app. Most features can be discovered within a few minutes of testing it without reading these, but some things aren't completely intuitive... Our next update will definitely have improved instructions and maybe a tutorial "on board".

Evebe, the full version time-stamps every Text entry, Photo, and Recording to-the-second. It also has a "Mark the time" feature... You tap the screen anywhere above the keyboard, and it makes an entry "Mark time 1" "Mark time 2" etc ... Time stamped. This also is useful for tallying or counting people or product. These text entries and times are saved for future reference within the app, and can be emailed if desired. Thank you for the question.

I am excited to try this out! As of now, I am using 3 or 4 different tools during my shops and it does get exhaustive. Not to mention, I was in a bank parking lot last week getting ready to do a sales shop. I put my audio recorder in my bra like I always do, grabbed my purse and got out of my car. The first thing I saw was the most horrifying expression on the face of a lady sitting in a parked car one space over from me. I was so embarrassed! I usually look around before I "slip it in" but I was racing the clock on this particular day.

sassyshopper Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was in a
> bank parking lot last week getting ready to do a
> sales shop. I put my audio recorder in my bra like
> I always do, grabbed my purse and got out of my
> car. The first thing I saw was the most horrifying
> expression on the face of a lady sitting in a
> parked car one space over from me. .....

That made me choke on my coffee !
I don't have the 'build' to even try to pull that off without the help of multiple baggy layers.... The bemused expressions would continue inside the bank in my case...

sassyshopper Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am excited to try this out! As of now, I am
> using 3 or 4 different tools during my shops and
> it does get exhaustive. Not to mention, I was in a
> bank parking lot last week getting ready to do a
> sales shop. I put my audio recorder in my bra like
> I always do, grabbed my purse and got out of my
> car. The first thing I saw was the most horrifying
> expression on the face of a lady sitting in a
> parked car one space over from me. I was so
> embarrassed! I usually look around before I "slip
> it in" but I was racing the clock on this
> particular day.

Best. Story. EVER. I had a very stressful day and I think you took it all away with this story. love it!!!

I also want to know-- how well does the bra trick work for you with audio shops? I have a potential one coming up with an apartment that is an audio call and audio shop. If I stick it between the boobs will it work okay? Or should I test it out? LOL Imagine asking my best friend to talk into my chest so I can hear her more clearly later... LOL

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/27/2013 06:04AM by cherrybomb.

Most female shoppers use that trick. My only suggestion is to be careful bending over Any time you are using new to you equipment, it is always a good idea to give it a couple of test runs. If you experience any difficulties during the tests you then have time to contact the MSC for assistance.

The bra trick works like a dream, I've used it the last few times perfectly! Does anyone know if an app has been created to manage your secret shops all in one place? Or is the only way to check on shops in your area to log into each company repeatedly during the day?

cherrybomb Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anyone know if an
> app has been created to manage your secret shops
> all in one place? Or is the only way to check on
> shops in your area to log into each company
> repeatedly during the day?


Cherrybomb, I've looked for one as well, with no luck. I've actually considered developing an app that would do that, but I'm not sure there would be enough people who would want it to justify doing it...I "shopped my way" through the development of "Shop It" (it was a great way to Beta test!), and am still paying myself back for development costs
... I probably won't do another for a while, but one which harvests the information you described is on my wish list.