MSPA questions
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Sandra Sue,
What are you going to join?
The only thing I know is I paid ten dollars, and was Silver Certified. It was helpful to me to know what the upper echelon thought was important, and it tripled my likelihood that I get the jobs I apply for.
It is a small investment, and worthwhile, I think.
Is there more to MSPA than I was aware?
What are you going to join?
The only thing I know is I paid ten dollars, and was Silver Certified. It was helpful to me to know what the upper echelon thought was important, and it tripled my likelihood that I get the jobs I apply for.
It is a small investment, and worthwhile, I think.
Is there more to MSPA than I was aware?
Wannabe scheduler/editor
www.mysteryshop.org will get you to the start of all their information (but, you knew that)...for those new shoppers who might not be familiar with them.
On their site, there is a list of MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association) member companies, a job board, a shoppers forum and much more.
They are the "official" trade association for mystery shopping companies. Like all trade associations, most of the trade does not belong to or officially recognize them...but 150, or so, companies do. They offer various "certification" levels for the "professional" mystery shopper (including the on-line Silver certification for $15 and the all day workshop Gold certification for $99).
Certification will not guarantee you more or better jobs, but it will "set you apart" from the "uncertified" shoppers as a "Professional" shopper who has the knowledge to do the shop and the report like they should be done and who will adhere to the conduct guidelines of a professional.
The advantage, as they point out, is if the same scheduler has a reliable shopper who has done excellent work in the past, then, I would expect they would give that reliable shopper the job over a person who has never done any work for the company but is certified. But, if all candidates have the “Same” qualifications, the certification may give you an edge with some companies.
Enough of the commercial for the MSPA.
On their site, there is a list of MSPA (Mystery Shopping Providers Association) member companies, a job board, a shoppers forum and much more.
They are the "official" trade association for mystery shopping companies. Like all trade associations, most of the trade does not belong to or officially recognize them...but 150, or so, companies do. They offer various "certification" levels for the "professional" mystery shopper (including the on-line Silver certification for $15 and the all day workshop Gold certification for $99).
Certification will not guarantee you more or better jobs, but it will "set you apart" from the "uncertified" shoppers as a "Professional" shopper who has the knowledge to do the shop and the report like they should be done and who will adhere to the conduct guidelines of a professional.
The advantage, as they point out, is if the same scheduler has a reliable shopper who has done excellent work in the past, then, I would expect they would give that reliable shopper the job over a person who has never done any work for the company but is certified. But, if all candidates have the “Same” qualifications, the certification may give you an edge with some companies.
Enough of the commercial for the MSPA.
nwaz (does that stand for Arizona?) I think that the greatest advantage of certifying is that you took the time to do it. It makes the companies see you as a serious contender. But after registering with 216 companies (thank god for Roboform), I can tell you that most of them ask, and if they ask, they look.
And many companies educate you themselves, MANY. Experience Exchange has a relatively painless program, others do to. Many give tests; if you have been paying attention, you will pass the test without doing the module. Not the first time, mind you, There is always one of those questions, "If you start a shop on Monday, but you weren't supposed to do it until Tuesday and the target shows up on Wednesday, what is the Social Security number of who you call?" And you have to dig through the material and find the exact passage, and then you pass. (Remember grade school, where the teacher gives you all the answers before the test. Like that.)
I especially like a fast food chains quiz where you have to identify all of the pictures with people wearing button down shirts, In postage stamp size pictures. And you don't know how many there are, any combination from one to eight pictures. Groovy. I had my 14 year old do it.
My favorite one is the media module on GapBusters. If someone can take it for me I would be much obliged. I printed it out, I studied it in bed. Never did pass it. Never will. I had less trouble with the LSATs (preLaw test).
I digress.
Many of the shops have wonderful training modules, and you will know when you are housebrok.... I mean trained. But if you want the companies to know, take the Silver Certification. If you get one extra job, it is a steal at $10.
And many companies educate you themselves, MANY. Experience Exchange has a relatively painless program, others do to. Many give tests; if you have been paying attention, you will pass the test without doing the module. Not the first time, mind you, There is always one of those questions, "If you start a shop on Monday, but you weren't supposed to do it until Tuesday and the target shows up on Wednesday, what is the Social Security number of who you call?" And you have to dig through the material and find the exact passage, and then you pass. (Remember grade school, where the teacher gives you all the answers before the test. Like that.)
I especially like a fast food chains quiz where you have to identify all of the pictures with people wearing button down shirts, In postage stamp size pictures. And you don't know how many there are, any combination from one to eight pictures. Groovy. I had my 14 year old do it.
My favorite one is the media module on GapBusters. If someone can take it for me I would be much obliged. I printed it out, I studied it in bed. Never did pass it. Never will. I had less trouble with the LSATs (preLaw test).
I digress.
Many of the shops have wonderful training modules, and you will know when you are housebrok.... I mean trained. But if you want the companies to know, take the Silver Certification. If you get one extra job, it is a steal at $10.
Wannabe scheduler/editor
Oh, yeah...I forgot. YOU'RE in the Phoenix area! What areas do you cover? I'm in the Bullhead City/Kingman area.
Come and visit me, if you get down here. We can plan ahead and get lunch at a Five Star Restaurant, and slip a coin as to who does the report!
Bullhead City is hotter than we are, and colder in the winter. brrrrrr
I am on the north side of town, so I cover North Phoenix, North Glendale and North Scottsdale. Sometimes CC, Carefree and Anthem. It is a great area to be in, and I live by the freeway!
Bullhead City is hotter than we are, and colder in the winter. brrrrrr
I am on the north side of town, so I cover North Phoenix, North Glendale and North Scottsdale. Sometimes CC, Carefree and Anthem. It is a great area to be in, and I live by the freeway!
Wannabe scheduler/editor
I get shops all the time that are actually in the North Phoenix Metro area.
Maybe I'll just forward some to your email address from now on in case it might be from a MSP that you're not registered with. You can register with the appropriate companies and try to claim some or just delete the ones that you already know about or don't want to do?
Maybe I'll just forward some to your email address from now on in case it might be from a MSP that you're not registered with. You can register with the appropriate companies and try to claim some or just delete the ones that you already know about or don't want to do?
That is very sweet. Or just come down and do some. I will try and get us lunch at the Capital Grille. And there are some easy bank shops that are $20 a pop.
Wannabe scheduler/editor
I went through the Silver Certification just a few weeks ago. $15. I've been shopping since 7/06. The information on the Silver certification were so much of what you likely already know, IF you read your shop instrucitons from each company AND use common sense.
It was relavtively simple for me. I would like to attend a Gold Certification. There is one about 4 hours away. I asked MSPA if they will be coming closer to me in the future. They responded the schedule has not been set for next year, but to watch the site, they will have Gold Certification coming out on DVD soon. Anyone else heard this information?
It was relavtively simple for me. I would like to attend a Gold Certification. There is one about 4 hours away. I asked MSPA if they will be coming closer to me in the future. They responded the schedule has not been set for next year, but to watch the site, they will have Gold Certification coming out on DVD soon. Anyone else heard this information?
I hadn't heard that, but DVD classes for Gold Certification would be COOL!
I am still wondering how the MSPA certification works. Do you have to go to a class or can you do it online at home? For silver and gold?
For Silver Certification ($15), you do it online through the MSPA at mysteryshop.org.
For the Gold Certification ($99 and you must be Silver Certified first), you must attend one of their all-day seminars. These seminars are generally scheduled for larger cities around the country throughout the year.
Again, mysteryshop.org for more information about the MSPA and certification.
For the Gold Certification ($99 and you must be Silver Certified first), you must attend one of their all-day seminars. These seminars are generally scheduled for larger cities around the country throughout the year.
Again, mysteryshop.org for more information about the MSPA and certification.
One of my shop companies let drop that they are considering a gold certification on line course.
Wannabe scheduler/editor
sounds good! Thanks everyone for your help!
I know about the MSPA certification but I have heard of a Shadow Shopper certification. I suppose that one is more powerful than the other but is it worth the effort.
The MSPA certifications, I feel, carry more impact.
MANY companies ask for your MSPA certification as part of their registration application (even though they will profess to not recognize it). But, NO company asks if you're "CertiShopper" certified through ShadowShopper.
MANY companies ask for your MSPA certification as part of their registration application (even though they will profess to not recognize it). But, NO company asks if you're "CertiShopper" certified through ShadowShopper.
You have a point. I have not seen them ask if I was a certishopper. Well it's a free test if you sign up for the bronze level for Shadow Shopper. Also all the rest of the information is helpful. Especially, if you need an assist. I intend on getting my MSPA certification.
Cher-
I maintain that THAT is exactley what ShadowShopper should be used for...Information and Training.
Personally (and I know that there are those who disagree with me), I do not agree with or like their policy of "automatic renewal". But, their training information can be VERY helpful to a new shopper...and every so often, the name of a MSC (that you should register with direct) will appear in their "restricted" bronze level emails.
I maintain that THAT is exactley what ShadowShopper should be used for...Information and Training.
Personally (and I know that there are those who disagree with me), I do not agree with or like their policy of "automatic renewal". But, their training information can be VERY helpful to a new shopper...and every so often, the name of a MSC (that you should register with direct) will appear in their "restricted" bronze level emails.
I paid $99.00 for a Gold certification with Shadow Shopper but was never told
that there was a certification workshop. I have been paying this amount for the
past 3 years. I don't think it has done anything to assign me any better shops
and this is the last year that I am going to pay it.
that there was a certification workshop. I have been paying this amount for the
past 3 years. I don't think it has done anything to assign me any better shops
and this is the last year that I am going to pay it.
The Shadow shopper gold membership is completely different from the MSPA gold certification and the workshop. Go to the MSPA website for more info on the MSPA and their certification. www.mysteryshop.org
MSPA has done nothing of interest to me. I joined it a while ago and I do have Silver Certification and to me it does not make a difference whether you are certified or not because you do not get what people call good assignments. I joined MSPA the same day I was certified and believe me I took the test before I filled out any application for MS. I thought about taking the Gold but I am in a small area and I would have to travel for quite some time. I wish that they would give it on a CD or something and give us a hint what it is going to be like. All I did when I got the Silver Certification was read and mind you I had not filled out any application what so ever and I passed it. After I passed it that is when I started applying for MS jobs. Maybe I better go back to MSPA and read what they have on their site because it has been no help to me what so ever. Maybe for some of you it has but not for me in this area I am in that is one reason why I quit being bothered with them because it was going nowhere fast it is like going to a train wreck nothing is meaningful. I am on this compouter everyday looking for work and MSPA has not been of good help I do not know maybe I am really missing the point but I do know that I am faithful to these compoanies and I do not know how many I have applied to about 100 at least and when I go back to some that I filled out applications for sometimes they have gone and that is not fair to anyone and also the ones that encourage you to put in an application and then they tell you if they have any jobs in your area they will let you know. When a Compoany does that it really makes me angry when they can put on their web site that they are not receiving any miore applications at this time then you know and move on or when you are able to log-on they tell you we will let you know when something is in your area. I write they e-mail address down to make sure I do not click on that particular site again and I just apply to more compoanies until they do that and then I just cross them off the list.
My eyes are bleeding! *lol*
msj; if you did not shop before being certified, then how do you know it didn't help you?
I shopped for about a year before becoming certified (MSPA), and it did add both to the amount of shop offers I received, and to the types of shops offered.
When you live in a small area, there aren't quite as many shops available, unless you are willing to travel.
Are you fairly close to some larger towns? I moved to a larger town last year, and, even though I only began shopping again about a month ago, I am almost shopping full-time now.
Good luck!
~Christina
msj; if you did not shop before being certified, then how do you know it didn't help you?
I shopped for about a year before becoming certified (MSPA), and it did add both to the amount of shop offers I received, and to the types of shops offered.
When you live in a small area, there aren't quite as many shops available, unless you are willing to travel.
Are you fairly close to some larger towns? I moved to a larger town last year, and, even though I only began shopping again about a month ago, I am almost shopping full-time now.
Good luck!
~Christina
mmmagique
You can take the test (Silver Certification) before you apply for any MS job. What I did was I got Cathy Stucker's Mystery Shop Manual and I read what I considered the most important parts that I wanted to know about because she Cathy Stucker advises you to get the Mystery Shop Manual and all of the answers are right there then she tells you to apply for MS jobs that is how I did it. I got the book first and then the test and then I started applying for jobs. If you get her book you will find out because I focused on what I was reading and I just decided to take a chance while everything was fresh in my mind and I guess I was just lucky because I passed it the first time I took it. You do not have to be certified in order to get jobs but I just took a chance and I happened to get it on the first try. The test is not hard at all you just have to remember what you read and that is what I did. Her book was what really helped me and I still refer to it when it comes to writing narratives and comments. I have only done a few shops and I know it is probably because I live in a small town but the closest town (fairly large) to me is a place called Anderson, SC and it takes about 40 minutes to get there if there is anything listed. I go there all of the time because that is the only place to go and get what ever you need so I am willing to travel. I did get a 10 on the jobs that I have done because I followed Cathy Stucker's instructions. If you send and get the book you will see exactly what I mean because I was shocked my self because I just knew that I was going to have to take that test over again. If you miss the test then you can take it I think it says after 30 days until you pass it but you would have to wait 30 days. It was amazingly easy after I read the part in her book about taking the test. You will be really surprised once you take it believe me. If you don't take the test you can still apply for jobs I know that. If you do not believe me you can contact her web site and they will tell you I am sure about taking the test. For more information about Cathy Stucker you can visit her on her web site [www.IdealLady.com]
Good luck!
~msj
You can take the test (Silver Certification) before you apply for any MS job. What I did was I got Cathy Stucker's Mystery Shop Manual and I read what I considered the most important parts that I wanted to know about because she Cathy Stucker advises you to get the Mystery Shop Manual and all of the answers are right there then she tells you to apply for MS jobs that is how I did it. I got the book first and then the test and then I started applying for jobs. If you get her book you will find out because I focused on what I was reading and I just decided to take a chance while everything was fresh in my mind and I guess I was just lucky because I passed it the first time I took it. You do not have to be certified in order to get jobs but I just took a chance and I happened to get it on the first try. The test is not hard at all you just have to remember what you read and that is what I did. Her book was what really helped me and I still refer to it when it comes to writing narratives and comments. I have only done a few shops and I know it is probably because I live in a small town but the closest town (fairly large) to me is a place called Anderson, SC and it takes about 40 minutes to get there if there is anything listed. I go there all of the time because that is the only place to go and get what ever you need so I am willing to travel. I did get a 10 on the jobs that I have done because I followed Cathy Stucker's instructions. If you send and get the book you will see exactly what I mean because I was shocked my self because I just knew that I was going to have to take that test over again. If you miss the test then you can take it I think it says after 30 days until you pass it but you would have to wait 30 days. It was amazingly easy after I read the part in her book about taking the test. You will be really surprised once you take it believe me. If you don't take the test you can still apply for jobs I know that. If you do not believe me you can contact her web site and they will tell you I am sure about taking the test. For more information about Cathy Stucker you can visit her on her web site [www.IdealLady.com]
Good luck!
~msj
I take the test for Silver Certification and I pass. I paid by Paypal and they never send me my Silver Certificaton.They never contact me .Please tell me what can I do.
Madeline (what a pretty name!),
Try contacting them again. Tell them the date, when and how much you paid, and that you passed. (I don't know if you've already tried that.) How long ago was this?
Try contacting them again. Tell them the date, when and how much you paid, and that you passed. (I don't know if you've already tried that.) How long ago was this?
Madeline,
After I finished taking my test, it went automatically to asking if I want to print out my certificate. It is authentic from MSPA with their seal and my certificate number. I am not sure what company you took yours from.
After I finished taking my test, it went automatically to asking if I want to print out my certificate. It is authentic from MSPA with their seal and my certificate number. I am not sure what company you took yours from.
msj; I got my silver certification a few years back, but, thank you.
Madeline, if you are MSPA certified, you can log onto the site, click on a link that says Certification, and then on the link that says "Click here to update your e-mail address, download your certification certificates, or check what your certification code is (requires login)", and you will be able to print out your certification.
It's not really about the paper though. The point of certification is so that you can tell potential employers that you have it, and so that you will be considered more trustworthy, and better prepared. Ideally, you should get more and better jobs, or at least be considered before those who have not been certified.
~Christina
Madeline, if you are MSPA certified, you can log onto the site, click on a link that says Certification, and then on the link that says "Click here to update your e-mail address, download your certification certificates, or check what your certification code is (requires login)", and you will be able to print out your certification.
It's not really about the paper though. The point of certification is so that you can tell potential employers that you have it, and so that you will be considered more trustworthy, and better prepared. Ideally, you should get more and better jobs, or at least be considered before those who have not been certified.
~Christina
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