I've been trying for weeks to get a target on the phone for a recorded call before I go on-site for an apartment shop. I was originally told she was at a certain property, but had made so many calls (unproductive) there that I was OKed to ask for her by name. When I did, I was told that she was helping out at another property that day, and that they had no idea when she might be returning. So, I called the MSC office, and they said to keep trying. More calls were made, about once a day for 3 or 4 days, still no luck. I Call back to the MSC, and the shop was put on hold pending some input from the client of her whereabouts. After a few days waiting to hear back, I am told that the target was a "floater" agent at present, and was given THREE properties where she could be at any (unspecified) given time. My question is this: How am I to get her on the phone by asking for her by name and preserve my identity as a shopper? These people talk to each other, and I already feel that I have worn out my welcome by having made so many calls to the original property where she was supposedly working at. Plus, I am having a hard time justifying calling all these properties in the hope that she randomly picks up the phone, mostly because of all the effort(like this posting) I have already expended (I have asked for more $ and am waiting to hear back, but now it has become more of a challenge to me than a monetary issue).
So....I would like some suggestions on how I should approach this. I don't post here much, have been doing video shops for about ten years, and have found (and applied) a lot of useful information and creative tactics by reading this forum. Thanks.

If you feel that, "I have worn out my welcome," I would look at this in a broader perspective an ask myself the question, "Have I been pursuing the target so much that my identity as a shopper has been compromised?" Be completely honest in your answer to that question. If the answer is "Yes" then I think your best bet would be to cut your losses at this point and call the scheduler, explain the situation, and abandon the assignment. Remember, all the agent has to do is say, "I knew that person was shopping me" and you more than likely won't be paid [depending on the MSC].

Are you expected now to visit whichever of the three properties she happens to be at when you catch her? This would significantly increase my compensation requirement. Are you expected to catch her somewhere else but set an appointment with her for the original property? Dead giveaway.
I would be inclined to simply beg off the assignment altogether, unless the MSC can secure a specific date and location for contact to be made. They spoke to someone to find out she's a floater. That same someone should be able to find out where she's floating today.

I have been in this predicament before and what I did was call and if the person did not answer the phone call I would tell them that I needed to know where they were at as I was a family member. Remember one thing. 99% of companies are aware that they could be potentially shopped. Here in California I do a lot of the apartment shops and as well video recorded and same scenario happens. I do draw the line at times though because as you have said you have called many times and if the company you shop for do not give you some incentive then drop the shop, not worth it. Also think about it you have posted on here as well, more time, more money etc.

I would recommend letting the shop go. Try another one.

I would have kicked this one back a long time ago. This is a ludicrous scenario to try to target shop a floating agent. Unless there's a really huge fee involved your time would be better spent on a handful of 5 minute bank shops.

What an impossible situation. You asked for advice and my advice is don't do targeted shops. I only ever do targeted video shops if they know the employee is on duty at that location that day and/or I am permitted to shop another employee if that employee is not there. Otherwise, no targeted shops for me. Not worth the stress.