What was Saturday's IMSC conference call and "Test Answers" session all about.
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Your membership fee covers many opportunities for free on-line MS training and certification sessions during the year and for a discount (equal to the amount of the membership fee) on any of the 2-3 day IMSC training conferences each year. When you attend specific training sessions on line (or at conferences) and pass the test, you will get a certification that you can then add to your MS resume, or to the sig line that you use as your calling card when signing all of your emails with MS and scheduling personnel.
What amount do you consider"expensive" for training?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2016 03:49PM by walesmaven.
What amount do you consider"expensive" for training?
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.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2016 03:49PM by walesmaven.
My post was regarding the conference call, not about the IMSC. My comment was simply that i am not a member. As far as the IMSC is concerned, I am already an active shopper with many of the companies who are members. I do not live near Las Vegas or California and cannot afford to travel to those locations for a conference even with a $50 discount.
Are companies members of the IMSC too? For some reason I thought it was just shoppers.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I really do not know. When you go to the IMSC web site, many companies are advertised. I assumed they were members, but maybe the companies are simply sponsors of some kind.
I haven't looked at the website in ages. The are listed as member companies.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
The conference call was for IMSC certification, or so I thought you said. So I explained that and added that other certifications are available at the conferences. Also, there is one conference in the eastern US each year. This year in Indiana.
Many MSCs are contributing sponsors of IMSC. Being signed up is definitely not the same as meeting their reps in person at a conference. These are working events and investments in your future productivity.
Many MSCs are contributing sponsors of IMSC. Being signed up is definitely not the same as meeting their reps in person at a conference. These are working events and investments in your future productivity.
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.
@Dandydew wrote:
Hi, I received an email from Clear Evaluations recommending a free conference call sponsored by IMSC that would "provide information/education on passing the IMSC Basic Mystery Shopper Certification." I am not a member of IMSC because the fee is high, and I would not get enough value out of a membership to justify the cost. Having said that, does anyone know what was this about?
What is this about? Probably depends on who answers. I agree with you that the cost cannot be justified. I have shopped since 2007. I am a traditional (not video) mystery shopper. I have not paid any MSC for status, privilege, or rated member benefits. Neither have I spent money to attend any of the conferences that are conducted. I do more than okay.
I'm not understanding how paying a fee equates to free training, certification and discounts. Can't speak to that.
You can use the forum's Search function and read numerous conversations regarding MSPA and IMSC. As a traditional shopper, I have not read anything to convince me to spend my time or money to travel and attend. Except, maybe, for the social aspect
The free conference call on Saturday was one of six free conference calls offered during the month of February to anyone interested in becoming IMSC certified at no cost. The calls take about an hour each in order to go through the test. This was just one of the free services we offer all shoppers, members or not. No fee, no membership requirement equals free.
The feedback we have received tells us that the certifications that have been available to shoppers in the past have not really taught shoppers what they needed or challenged them. This test is not easy and you have to really know mystery shopping in order to pass it at 90% or higher to receive a certification code. The test was co-created by a mystery shopping company rep and a shopper.
We do offer additional conference calls and services to our members along with the discounted conference fees. However, we offer a lot of free services all year long. You only need to sign up to receive our notifications so you are in the loop.
There are IMSC member companies and they pay the same membership fee as shoppers. There is no hierarchy within the IMSC, everyone is equal as all of our roles are equally important.
You do not need to be a member or pay a fee to take our certification test. We welcome all members of Mystery Shop Forum to take our test on their own at no cost. We understand how you feel about paying to shop and paying for certifications that have proven unworthy and showing no real value. We get it.
Test:[www.imscinfo.com]
Password: SureShot
Shoppers who score 90% or higher will be added to our list of IMSC certified shoppers and will receive their certification code within seven days of taking the test.
The feedback we have received tells us that the certifications that have been available to shoppers in the past have not really taught shoppers what they needed or challenged them. This test is not easy and you have to really know mystery shopping in order to pass it at 90% or higher to receive a certification code. The test was co-created by a mystery shopping company rep and a shopper.
We do offer additional conference calls and services to our members along with the discounted conference fees. However, we offer a lot of free services all year long. You only need to sign up to receive our notifications so you are in the loop.
There are IMSC member companies and they pay the same membership fee as shoppers. There is no hierarchy within the IMSC, everyone is equal as all of our roles are equally important.
You do not need to be a member or pay a fee to take our certification test. We welcome all members of Mystery Shop Forum to take our test on their own at no cost. We understand how you feel about paying to shop and paying for certifications that have proven unworthy and showing no real value. We get it.
Test:[www.imscinfo.com]
Password: SureShot
Shoppers who score 90% or higher will be added to our list of IMSC certified shoppers and will receive their certification code within seven days of taking the test.
@Servanne wrote:
The feedback we have received tells us that the certifications that have been available to shoppers in the past have not really taught shoppers what they needed or challenged them. This test is not easy and you have to really know mystery shopping in order to pass it at 90% or higher to receive a certification code. The test was co-created by a mystery shopping company rep and a shopper.
While on one hand, I have to agree with the first statement that other certifications have not been particularly inclusive of required information and often somewhat pedantic, I took a look at the test offered by the IMSC and fail to see how much of that has been addressed.
My first question, though, is, "Why the secrecy?" Just who created the test, and what are their qualifications?
My second question is basically why shoppers would need to attend a free conference call to get the answers to said test. If the honest goal here is to offer a free educational system and certification for ALL shoppers, then why not just post the information on your website? My gut reaction is that the "free" call and required information to take said test is in reality a veiled recruitment for IMSC membership, and ultimately the collection of said membership fees. It had been made clear in previous posts that the IMSC is a for-profit corporation and just the like the MSPA and associated MSCs, their bottom line has to be geared toward the success and profit of their business.
With that said, I have some particular concerns about the subjectivity of the questions presented on the test, and the accuracy of what I would suspect to the the answered that would be marked as 'correct'. It mainly comes down to syntax, I think. If the words, "In general," were placed before most of the questions, the suspected correct answer could be obvious and true. What makes this test particularly difficult is that due to the generalizations presented, the most accurate answer is not always provided as an option, and many questions simply have true/false options when often grey area exists to make neither of those answers accurate.
For instance, the very first question, "As a mystery shopper, outside of the State of Nevada, I am:" does not list the correct answer, which is 'Possibly any of the answers except for #3'!
Now, I get it that the answer is supposed to be 'An independent contractor', while teaching test takers that non-Nevada shoppers are not generally considered to be employees, tax exempt, automatically reimbursed for all expenses or remunerated for their travel time. My issue is mainly with how the question is presented. For the answers provided, the question needs to read, "Mystery shoppers not operating in the state of Nevada are generally considered?:" The reason I say that is that I have been a employee shopper for 3 different non-Nevada based companies, and also work in CA on occasion for my PI firm in Nevada. I also have some companies I work for that literally do reimburse me for ALL expenses incurred in the process of performing assignments and I believe that the fee offered to contractors is indeed to be considered partially as reimbursement for the travel time to & from the assignment, as well as your time performing and reporting the shop.
Now...I know those are exceptions to the majority of shops, but it's this sort of certification component that seems to cause an arrogance that I have run across with MSPA certified shoppers in the past; The feeling that because they have passed a test, their opinion and/or understanding of MSing is always correct.
Putting the grammar of the questions posted aside, I also noted about 20 true/false questions where I could make an valid argument for neither of those answers being correct. This, to me, is teaching a lot of generalizations about shopping that may or may not be helpful to new shoppers. I would add that the vast majority of the information required is also well covered in this forum, and discussed by a large majority of contributors from both sides of the industry.
Ultimately, why not just post this test as a starting point for shoppers that may want to get into apartment shopping for the particular MSC rep that helped to create the test? It seems that's really what it's meant for. Presenting it as a certification for shoppers makes the former scheduler inside me shudder a bit at the idea of dealing with those who have been "certified".
Steve, there is no secrecy. This is a free offer. No one is required to pay anything.
Since you were wondering, I am the shopper who co-created the test. I have been shopping since 2006. I have done over 17 thousand shops, in five countries, on two continents, for 400+ companies. I don't mean to say that I know everything (who does) and I don't mean to say that I don't make mistakes (who doesn't). But my experience over the years has landed me in just about any kind of situation you can imagine. I may be presumptuous in thinking that I know a thing or two about mystery shopping, and maybe I know less than you do, but at least, I'm doing something concrete and tangible to initiate a shift of balance in the industry and educate people.
I will tell you that the company co-creator is one who many shoppers here state they would walk over hot coals for. I have not asked whether the company rep wished to remain anonymous, therefore I am not at liberty to reveal his/her identity at this time. I'm sure you understand.
The conference calls are designed to go through each question and explain why some answers may seem right but are not and throughout the call there is a reminder that this is in general and for most mystery shopping companies, as all companies have their own rules and guidelines in place. There is much more than just the certification, there is education offered to new and experienced shoppers at no cost.
Again, we are not perfect. But we are taking action to make sure shoppers know the basics and are not thrown into the arena without any idea of what to expect. The test was designed to be taken following a conference session where all the points on the test were discussed. The sessions was recorded and is available on our website. The purpose of the call is to allow shoppers to understand the questions and see the bigger picture, without having to purchase the training video.
The shoppers who were on the call would tell you there is no push to pay anything. If it was money based, we would not have given the link and password at no cost to everyone.
Thank you for your feedback and we will take it into consideration. Interestingly enough, I reworked the test last night, not knowing you would offer feedback as well. By all means, do let us know what you find would be more effective. We are open to all and any suggestions, and we are certainly not so stuck in our ways that we won't listen to what you have to offer.
I hope you are able to make it on one of the conference calls yourself in the future.
In the meantime, and since you have some very specific feedback, please feel free to either post here or email me what you think would be a better test.
Have a great weekend!
Since you were wondering, I am the shopper who co-created the test. I have been shopping since 2006. I have done over 17 thousand shops, in five countries, on two continents, for 400+ companies. I don't mean to say that I know everything (who does) and I don't mean to say that I don't make mistakes (who doesn't). But my experience over the years has landed me in just about any kind of situation you can imagine. I may be presumptuous in thinking that I know a thing or two about mystery shopping, and maybe I know less than you do, but at least, I'm doing something concrete and tangible to initiate a shift of balance in the industry and educate people.
I will tell you that the company co-creator is one who many shoppers here state they would walk over hot coals for. I have not asked whether the company rep wished to remain anonymous, therefore I am not at liberty to reveal his/her identity at this time. I'm sure you understand.
The conference calls are designed to go through each question and explain why some answers may seem right but are not and throughout the call there is a reminder that this is in general and for most mystery shopping companies, as all companies have their own rules and guidelines in place. There is much more than just the certification, there is education offered to new and experienced shoppers at no cost.
Again, we are not perfect. But we are taking action to make sure shoppers know the basics and are not thrown into the arena without any idea of what to expect. The test was designed to be taken following a conference session where all the points on the test were discussed. The sessions was recorded and is available on our website. The purpose of the call is to allow shoppers to understand the questions and see the bigger picture, without having to purchase the training video.
The shoppers who were on the call would tell you there is no push to pay anything. If it was money based, we would not have given the link and password at no cost to everyone.
Thank you for your feedback and we will take it into consideration. Interestingly enough, I reworked the test last night, not knowing you would offer feedback as well. By all means, do let us know what you find would be more effective. We are open to all and any suggestions, and we are certainly not so stuck in our ways that we won't listen to what you have to offer.
I hope you are able to make it on one of the conference calls yourself in the future.
In the meantime, and since you have some very specific feedback, please feel free to either post here or email me what you think would be a better test.
Have a great weekend!
@Servanne, in case it wasn't clear, I offer you kudos for making an attempt at addressing the shortcoming of other certifications. I have my concerns about the homogenization of the MSing experience when it's being taught and tested with just a few general questions, however. As you noted, each company has their own policies and procedures.
When I was scheduling and editing, shoppers would always ask about classes they could take to improve their scores. I would advise them to look into writing classes at a local junior college or night school, since in my opinion, writing was the greatest weakness of the shoppers I encountered, and I think there is already a good system in place for teaching writing.
When it comes to teaching MSing overall, I guess I feel that new shoppers still need some basic business education, rather than just being fed a list of rules regarding MSing, since those can vary. Each MSC will have their own policies and procedures laid out, so how about giving new shoppers a leg up an how to address and understand those.
I could imagine more general ideas like:
-The difference between an employee and contractor
-Why shoppers in Nevada are employees
-Tax reporting requirements for contractors
-Basic syntax found in ICA's
-Contractor's rights to decline work
-MSCs right to terminate contracts as desired
-The expectation of an agreement being fulfilled before payment and reimbursement can be rendered
-Average payment times for contractors
-Different payment platforms for contractors
-Professional email structure and demeanor
-How to best engage a client when you have a dispute
These are the things I read about every day on this forum where general information seems to be lacking. The requirement to keep your phone on or off during a shop is one of those things that varies from one company to another. Same thing goes for how to address issues on job boards. I think that shoppers should be directed to review their ICA's, company policies and shop instructions for that sort of detail. If you give shoppers a true understanding of the business basics, they will hopefully be able to draw their own conclusions about acceptable time frames for payment, how to best get assignments or where their financial responsibility lies.
When I was scheduling and editing, shoppers would always ask about classes they could take to improve their scores. I would advise them to look into writing classes at a local junior college or night school, since in my opinion, writing was the greatest weakness of the shoppers I encountered, and I think there is already a good system in place for teaching writing.
When it comes to teaching MSing overall, I guess I feel that new shoppers still need some basic business education, rather than just being fed a list of rules regarding MSing, since those can vary. Each MSC will have their own policies and procedures laid out, so how about giving new shoppers a leg up an how to address and understand those.
I could imagine more general ideas like:
-The difference between an employee and contractor
-Why shoppers in Nevada are employees
-Tax reporting requirements for contractors
-Basic syntax found in ICA's
-Contractor's rights to decline work
-MSCs right to terminate contracts as desired
-The expectation of an agreement being fulfilled before payment and reimbursement can be rendered
-Average payment times for contractors
-Different payment platforms for contractors
-Professional email structure and demeanor
-How to best engage a client when you have a dispute
These are the things I read about every day on this forum where general information seems to be lacking. The requirement to keep your phone on or off during a shop is one of those things that varies from one company to another. Same thing goes for how to address issues on job boards. I think that shoppers should be directed to review their ICA's, company policies and shop instructions for that sort of detail. If you give shoppers a true understanding of the business basics, they will hopefully be able to draw their own conclusions about acceptable time frames for payment, how to best get assignments or where their financial responsibility lies.
I took the test when it was posted after the conference call was over and received:
Thank you for submitting your test for the Basics of Mystery Shopping. Your final score is 86.67. A passing score is 90% and over.
I plucked out a handful of questions that could be true or false depending on the MSC and other factors.
I received a very polite response and a direct phone number from Pamela, IMSC President.
Interestingly, of the questions that I thought were subjective based on the many ways that different MSC's operate, I only answered one incorrectly. This means that I missed what should be drop dead beginner questions or I have a strong disagreement with the answer interpretation. As no MSC is accepting this test in a shopper profile and it is still a work in progress, I didn't pursue it further.
Here was my take on the test and Pamela's responses are in bold.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2016 10:08AM by scanman1.
Thank you for submitting your test for the Basics of Mystery Shopping. Your final score is 86.67. A passing score is 90% and over.
I plucked out a handful of questions that could be true or false depending on the MSC and other factors.
I received a very polite response and a direct phone number from Pamela, IMSC President.
Interestingly, of the questions that I thought were subjective based on the many ways that different MSC's operate, I only answered one incorrectly. This means that I missed what should be drop dead beginner questions or I have a strong disagreement with the answer interpretation. As no MSC is accepting this test in a shopper profile and it is still a work in progress, I didn't pursue it further.
Here was my take on the test and Pamela's responses are in bold.
@ wrote:
Hi Scanman1, this is Pam. I am the President of the IMSC. Please make sure to sign up for our newsletter so you are in the loop when I hold the next calls. You can do that here: [www.imscinfo.com]
Please see my replies to your questions below and thank you for taking the time to send them to me.
On 2016-03-03 3:41, Scanman1 wrote:
> IMSC,
>
> I was only made aware of the conference call and test after the call was
> over and it was posted on Mystery Shop Forum. Without listening to the
> call, I have no way to know what MSC in general your basing the
> questions for. Each MSC has a different management style and there are
> several questions that could be answered differently depending on the
> MSC. Most companies want you to be 100% objective in all narrative. Then
> I have done shops for ACL that the client wants very subjective answers.
>
> I would be most interested in joining the next call that you offer.
> Until then, let me provide some questions that could be answered true or
> false depending on the MSC in question. As I have not listened to the
> calls, I am viewing the questions based on personal shopping experience
> with many MSC's and not the perspective of the person giving the call.
>
> Sincerely,
> Scanman1
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Some legitimate Mystery Shopping Companies might charge you to become a
> Mystery Shopper. *
> True
> False (x)
> That is a correct answer.
>
> I answered false as this is the general rule. Then there are companies
> such as Satisfaction Services that do want you to pay to be a "Rated
> Shopper". I have shopped for them and never paid.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> All Mystery Shopping Companies you register with will automatically send
> you job postings available in your area. *
> True
> False (x)
> That is a correct answer.
>
> This is another question that can be true or false depending on the MSC.
> There are several companies that I work for that do not send out emails
> for shops and expect you to check the job board. All assignments in my
> area are snapped up within hours of them being posted for the whole
> month. If you don't know when the scheduler adds the jobs and keep
> checking the job board, you may never even see them. Then there are
> companies like Five Diamonds that will send personal email requests to a
> targeted shopper instead of the automated email blasts from a Sassie or
> Shopmetrics platform.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Once you apply for a shop on the job board, that shop will not appear
> for other shoppers to apply. *
> True
> False (x)
> That is a correct answer.
>
> You do not state if this is a self assign shop and what platform is
> being used. With some companies, the scheduler will leave the shop on
> the board for two days and then look at the shopper rating, rotation
> period, and possibly the demographics of the shopper and decide who to
> award the shop to. Other shops are self assign and will disappear as
> soon as they are self assigned. Some bad acting schedulers are even
> known to leave the job in applied status and assign it to a shopper and
> leave your application pending as a backup shopper and may drop it on
> you on the last day of the shopping window. I won't name MSC's here but
> there are at least three that come to mind that I cancel applications
> after they sit for several days.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> For each apartment shop you will need a unique alias. *
> True
> False (x)
> That is a correct answer.
>
> This is a question that can change depending on the state you live in.
> Where I live, it is required that they copy your state issued ID before
> showing a property. I cannot use an alias and then hand them my real ID
> to view a unit. Then there are many apartments that are all owned by the
> same property management company and they have a centralized database
> and will know if you have visited any other property in the network and
> when.
>
> In other states, you may not need to give an ID or a female shopper can
> state that they recently changed last names and then can make up an
> alias and a disposable Google phone number and email address for the shop.
> This is addressed during the conference call.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Unless otherwise noted, a shopper should always ask to tour the amenities. *
> True (x)
> False
> That is not true. It is an agent's job to show you the amenities to add value to the apartment. Your job is to report whether they did or did not.
>
> Unless otherwise noted, at the end of a visit, if a tour is not offered
> by the agent, a shopper should ask for a tour of an apartment. *
> True (x)
> False
> That is a correct answer. This allows you to answer the question which is in most reports as to whether or not the apartment was clean and well maintained.
>
> I have seen MSC's that want you to tour the amenities and others that
> only want you to tour the unit. There are also competitive shops where
> all the client wants are the current prices for each floor plan and do
> not need you to tour anything.
>
> Are you basing this on EPMS?
> Each company is a little different so reading your guidelines will answer this question. The test is based on most mystery shopping companies, not all. No, we did not base the test on EPMS.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2016 10:08AM by scanman1.
@SteveSoCal wrote:
-The difference between an employee and contractor
-Why shoppers in Nevada are employees
-Tax reporting requirements for contractors
-Basic syntax found in ICA's
-Contractor's rights to decline work
-MSCs right to terminate contracts as desired
-The expectation of an agreement being fulfilled before payment and reimbursement can be rendered
-Average payment times for contractors
-Different payment platforms for contractors
-Professional email structure and demeanor
-How to best engage a client when you have a dispute
Steve, thank you very much for offering constructive feedback.
In all honesty, nine of your 11 points are discussed during the session that was recorded, and subsequently during the free call accessible to all.
The professional correspondence issue is always brought up at one point or another when speaking to shoppers, as it is essential. A question about this was added when I reworked the test the other night. I agree that it is of utmost importance.
The remaining point (the last one on you list) is addressed at each conference during the opening session I co-host with Pam. I have not yet found a way to present this point in a question form on a test. Do you have any idea how to do that? If so, would you be kind enough to share?
Thank you so much for your contribution to the process. I truly appreciate it.
scanman, the unique alias is not dependent on the state. My understanding is asking for an ID is for the protection of the leasing agent and is a requirement of their employers, not any state laws. I have had routes of apartment shops where I was able to use my real name and contact information for each because it would be normal for someone to look at multiple apartments before relocating. I can't argue it is easier for a woman to use multiple aliases, but it is not impossible for a man and some MSCs do require it regardless of gender.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
@Servanne wrote:
The remaining point (the last one on you list) is addressed at each conference during the opening session I co-host with Pam. I have not yet found a way to present this point in a question form on a test. Do you have any idea how to do that?
If you have a concern about an assignment not being accepted, you should:
A - Post negative feedback about the company on social media until you are paid.
B - Contact your credit card company and initiate a chargeback on any charges incurred during the assignment.
C - Threaten the company with a lawsuit and/or report them the BBB.
D - Realize that there is a learning curve in the industry and politely take the loss.
E - Politely contact the company for clarification and provide details of why you think the assignment should be accepted.
F - First E, then D
Ok, so option F is slightly facetious but I think it does make a point. I'm not sure if there's anything official in place, but I have heard IMSC has been instrumental in settling conflicts in the past. It would be nice if option E had a component to contact the IMSC to either clarify the reason the for refusal or argue on the part of the shopper.
Regarding Scanman's conversation above with Pam, I think that illuminates my issue with the way the test is structured. You have extremely experienced shoppers that cannot achieve a passing grade on the test at the first attempt for two specific reasons.
1. The test answers are dependent on how particular MSCs operate.
2. Knowledge of test answers is dependent on the test taker having participated in a training call.
My suggestion regarding the first issue is to test the items mentioned via questions that are neither subjective, nor dependent on the policies of a particular company's operations. The test questions should both be true or false in ALL circumstances and also obvious to any reader who understands the industry. When you present those question as true/false options, and then have to qualify the test with, "In most instances," it dilutes the weight of said test and any faith that outside companies may have in accepting the status of a shopper who has passed it. For example:
"As a mystery shopper, based on instructions or fees offered, you may accept or reject any job offered by a Mystery Shopping Company"
It seems to me the point of this question is to shed light on a contractor's ability to pick assignments as they wish, but there are many exceptions to way the above is stated, and it's very industry specific, plus includes the confusing word 'job", which implies employment, and does not take into account that MSC's also have the right to decline shopper offers at will. We are doing business with companies that are pouring a majority of their resources into defending the right to maintain IC status, so first establish what an IC is, then the fact that most shoppers are IC's, and then you can ask:
"As an independent contractor, and based on instructions provided or fees offered, you are free reject any assignments offered by a Mystery Shopping Company:"
A - with no repercussions from doing so.
B - with the understanding that the company also has the right to utilize your services and offer assignments as they wish.
C - if you do not feel qualified to perform the assignment.
D - if you do not like the payment offered for the assignment.
E - B, C & D
For the later issue, I would suggest at least a link to the training call for test takers to listen to, or written out transcription of the call. Not everyone has the time nor ability to participate the phone call, and some may want to learn at their own pace.
Again, I applaud you for the offer to supply training for shoppers, but each company has their own specific training modules on how they operate, so why not start with the basic concrete legality that MSC's have based their business model on and empower shoppers to negotiate from there?
Well, I got curious enough and decided to go and check this out for myself. I did pass (I got a 95%) but if scanman had not posted the dialogue above, I would have answered the question about touring the amenities on an apartment shop as "true" ... (I don't do apartment shopping - and probably like a lot of other non-apartment shoppers - I would assume that this, along with the apartment tour itself, would be key to understanding if the agent met the sales objectives and processes).
I have to agree with the comments here regarding the fact that many of these questions are totally up to interpretation and depend heavily on the MSC and the context.
I get that a super-duper experience shopper was involved in creating this test, and some really wonderful company (that some people would walk over hot coals for!) also had input. I don't care how filled with knowledge those two entities are - they are TWO points of view - and that's too narrow for something like this. If the IMSC wants this to be a game changer, then they are going to have to expand their program beyond what appears - from an outsider's perspective - to be extremely narrow.
I have a lot of experience shopping (I won't go into the numbers, or the continents, or the years - but let's just say it is a lot), I have experience editing, I have experience training other shoppers (in the "other" pretty well known and maligned - for good reasons - shopper training program that was hot and heavy between 2003-2007), I have experience managing shopping programs and I even have experience as a client writing shop scenarios and hiring MSC to perform shops for me... and all of that and a website would make my ability to develop a test just as biased as this one.
Servanne - I agree that this is great that you and the IMSC is trying to create free education. I applaud you as well for doing something meaningful and important. Just please take a step back. Write a series of learning objectives - discuss it with your peers, with forums like this one, with MSC from all types and industries. Once you are finished there - then create a panel of companies, shoppers, and maybe even clients to provide and test questions. Include writing and grammar questions, questions about taxes, the legalities of mystery shopping, the reasons for mystery shopping and how it fits into the bigger market research picture. Do all of this before putting something like this up and calling it a certification test. If you do this right, and it has meaning and value for shoppers, MSC ,and clients - then it may even be reasonable to charge for it and monetize it.
I have to agree with the comments here regarding the fact that many of these questions are totally up to interpretation and depend heavily on the MSC and the context.
I get that a super-duper experience shopper was involved in creating this test, and some really wonderful company (that some people would walk over hot coals for!) also had input. I don't care how filled with knowledge those two entities are - they are TWO points of view - and that's too narrow for something like this. If the IMSC wants this to be a game changer, then they are going to have to expand their program beyond what appears - from an outsider's perspective - to be extremely narrow.
I have a lot of experience shopping (I won't go into the numbers, or the continents, or the years - but let's just say it is a lot), I have experience editing, I have experience training other shoppers (in the "other" pretty well known and maligned - for good reasons - shopper training program that was hot and heavy between 2003-2007), I have experience managing shopping programs and I even have experience as a client writing shop scenarios and hiring MSC to perform shops for me... and all of that and a website would make my ability to develop a test just as biased as this one.
Servanne - I agree that this is great that you and the IMSC is trying to create free education. I applaud you as well for doing something meaningful and important. Just please take a step back. Write a series of learning objectives - discuss it with your peers, with forums like this one, with MSC from all types and industries. Once you are finished there - then create a panel of companies, shoppers, and maybe even clients to provide and test questions. Include writing and grammar questions, questions about taxes, the legalities of mystery shopping, the reasons for mystery shopping and how it fits into the bigger market research picture. Do all of this before putting something like this up and calling it a certification test. If you do this right, and it has meaning and value for shoppers, MSC ,and clients - then it may even be reasonable to charge for it and monetize it.
Interesting discussion.
Are there any MSCs that recognize this certification? So far I have not found one that does via their profile options.
Are there any MSCs that recognize this certification? So far I have not found one that does via their profile options.
My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
Steve, thank you for taking the time to provide concrete feedback. I have taken it into account and will incorporate it in the new and improved test.
Mickey, thank you very much for your feedback. You and I seem to have followed the same career path: eclectic to say the least! Let me address some of the points you validly brought up.
We are editing the test at the moment (which makes this discussion eerily relevant BTW), we are and changing the platform. We have consulted with a lot of people, including members of this forum, shoppers. schedulers, editors and other company representatives. We have received (and heard!) the feedback we needed to make the test better. In fact, the apartment shopping portion of the test, which had been designed to fit the lesson taught during the live session it was intended for, will now be a separate test, as will other specialty tests for different industries we shop. It has also now been edited to correct grammar and typos, and clarify some points that were either too vague or too specific.
Please remember that this is a basic test to see where shoppers are, and to help them see what areas they may need to explore further to learn and grow. It was not designed as a training tool and will not be one. That is what the conferences and training videos are for. And ultimately, that is also what the conference calls were for, as all the questions were dissected one by one and explanations were given to explore each question in depth, thus eliminating the guessing factor.
There are shoppers who have passed with 100% but many are in the 65% to 85% range. To me, this shows that while we have an excellent pool of mystery shoppers overall, some basic principles relating to areas less common (such as apartment shopping) remain a tough spot. If nothing else, it gives me renewed energy to get the training videos and courses out there for people who wish to participate in those areas of shopping.
The new test will be available soon. If you have taken the test, you will not lose your certification codes, as even though this test may not be perfect, it is tough and the shoppers who have passed deserve a certification code. We are not about to waste your time and efforts and to let you down. So no worries on that end.
As for Isaiah's question, several companies do have the IMSC certification as an option on their sign-in form. On the top of my head, I know that SQM, Faith Perceptions, Eagle Eye Retail Intelligence, EDS (disclaimer - that is my recruiting company) all have a spot on their shopper sign-up page for your IMSC Certification number. I know there are more companies taking this information, but I am a bit over-worked these days, and I am drawing a blank right now. I guess I am only human! ;-) I can also tell you that once the test is switched to our new platform, a good third of all mystery shopping companies in North America will readily have access to the IMSC Certification information, and that it will be a field on all new shopper applications.
I am grateful for the constructive feedback you have given about the test. Without input from different sources, it is not possible to build a standard that everyone can agree on. I am not sure this can ever be achieved even with everyone's opinion, but at least we can all learn from one another. So thank you all for that. When the new test comes out, you will find that I took to heart the many suggestions you all have given, and I have incorporated the points that were not already on the new test in the latest version.
And finally, you know where to find the IMSC and you know where to find me. We're not going anywhere. So you can be sure that the certification tests will ever be stagnant. Given the nature of our industry and the advances of technology, the tests are bound to be adapted often to the evolving standard procedures.
As always, please do not hesitate to send me your opinions, feedback, and criticism (preferably the constructive kind!). The goal of the IMSC is to equally represent every player's interests in our industry.
Mickey, thank you very much for your feedback. You and I seem to have followed the same career path: eclectic to say the least! Let me address some of the points you validly brought up.
We are editing the test at the moment (which makes this discussion eerily relevant BTW), we are and changing the platform. We have consulted with a lot of people, including members of this forum, shoppers. schedulers, editors and other company representatives. We have received (and heard!) the feedback we needed to make the test better. In fact, the apartment shopping portion of the test, which had been designed to fit the lesson taught during the live session it was intended for, will now be a separate test, as will other specialty tests for different industries we shop. It has also now been edited to correct grammar and typos, and clarify some points that were either too vague or too specific.
Please remember that this is a basic test to see where shoppers are, and to help them see what areas they may need to explore further to learn and grow. It was not designed as a training tool and will not be one. That is what the conferences and training videos are for. And ultimately, that is also what the conference calls were for, as all the questions were dissected one by one and explanations were given to explore each question in depth, thus eliminating the guessing factor.
There are shoppers who have passed with 100% but many are in the 65% to 85% range. To me, this shows that while we have an excellent pool of mystery shoppers overall, some basic principles relating to areas less common (such as apartment shopping) remain a tough spot. If nothing else, it gives me renewed energy to get the training videos and courses out there for people who wish to participate in those areas of shopping.
The new test will be available soon. If you have taken the test, you will not lose your certification codes, as even though this test may not be perfect, it is tough and the shoppers who have passed deserve a certification code. We are not about to waste your time and efforts and to let you down. So no worries on that end.
As for Isaiah's question, several companies do have the IMSC certification as an option on their sign-in form. On the top of my head, I know that SQM, Faith Perceptions, Eagle Eye Retail Intelligence, EDS (disclaimer - that is my recruiting company) all have a spot on their shopper sign-up page for your IMSC Certification number. I know there are more companies taking this information, but I am a bit over-worked these days, and I am drawing a blank right now. I guess I am only human! ;-) I can also tell you that once the test is switched to our new platform, a good third of all mystery shopping companies in North America will readily have access to the IMSC Certification information, and that it will be a field on all new shopper applications.
I am grateful for the constructive feedback you have given about the test. Without input from different sources, it is not possible to build a standard that everyone can agree on. I am not sure this can ever be achieved even with everyone's opinion, but at least we can all learn from one another. So thank you all for that. When the new test comes out, you will find that I took to heart the many suggestions you all have given, and I have incorporated the points that were not already on the new test in the latest version.
And finally, you know where to find the IMSC and you know where to find me. We're not going anywhere. So you can be sure that the certification tests will ever be stagnant. Given the nature of our industry and the advances of technology, the tests are bound to be adapted often to the evolving standard procedures.
As always, please do not hesitate to send me your opinions, feedback, and criticism (preferably the constructive kind!). The goal of the IMSC is to equally represent every player's interests in our industry.
Oops - duplicate posting! Sorry!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/07/2016 06:03AM by Servanne.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/07/2016 06:03AM by Servanne.
Hi Servanne,
Thank you for opening this up for comments. While I passed, I don't know what was marked incorrect. A few suggestions:
* Separate out the apartment shopping and list it separately (IMSC certification with apartment rider or something like that). Many of us have long ago stopped shopping apartments, and negatives there bring down the total.
* Any question with the words 'always' or 'never' is false. Your "as a rule" phrase is better. There are going to be exceptions which render most of the always/never questions incorrect.
* The verbiage here is confusing. I needed to read it three times and am still not certain I understood it.
"Mystery Shopping Companies know that shoppers schedule many jobs. Because shoppers don’t always know how long a shop will take, Mystery Shopping Companies understand they risk jobs not being performed on the day the shopper states they will complete them."
* "Every Mystery Shopping Company has their own payment schedule ..." (I think that ought to be singular -- its rather than their)
Kudos, Servanne, for setting this up to be a $10 test. I wonder why you can do it for $10 and MSPA claims it costs them $100 (is it still $100?).
Steve, although E should be the first step in your question above, there are situations when other choices are indeed appropriate.
Thank you for opening this up for comments. While I passed, I don't know what was marked incorrect. A few suggestions:
* Separate out the apartment shopping and list it separately (IMSC certification with apartment rider or something like that). Many of us have long ago stopped shopping apartments, and negatives there bring down the total.
* Any question with the words 'always' or 'never' is false. Your "as a rule" phrase is better. There are going to be exceptions which render most of the always/never questions incorrect.
* The verbiage here is confusing. I needed to read it three times and am still not certain I understood it.
"Mystery Shopping Companies know that shoppers schedule many jobs. Because shoppers don’t always know how long a shop will take, Mystery Shopping Companies understand they risk jobs not being performed on the day the shopper states they will complete them."
* "Every Mystery Shopping Company has their own payment schedule ..." (I think that ought to be singular -- its rather than their)
Kudos, Servanne, for setting this up to be a $10 test. I wonder why you can do it for $10 and MSPA claims it costs them $100 (is it still $100?).
Steve, although E should be the first step in your question above, there are situations when other choices are indeed appropriate.
Now scheduling travel shops for the day after Christmas through mid-January.
Good morning PasseordNotFound. I appreciate your detailed and constructive feedback.
I know it does not do anyone any good at this point, since you cannot see the revised test, but your points have now all been addressed.
The apartment shopping will now be a separate test. The absolutes have been taken out, and a statement has been added to indicate that things are never "always" or "never" ( punny, no?). The confusing statement has been completely reworded, as it definitely was confusing. And finally, the grammar, spelling and syntax have all been edited to (hopefully!) eliminate errors.
I love that everyone is helping out by offering ideas on how to make the test better. I could not ask for better partners to build a comprehensive test. After all, who better than industry professionals to design a test that will help shoppers?
I have said it before, so please forgive me for saying it again. I am truly humbled by and grateful for everyone's willingness to better the test. You guys are awesome.
(edited for grammar error... I'm ashamed...)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/09/2016 12:37AM by Servanne.
I know it does not do anyone any good at this point, since you cannot see the revised test, but your points have now all been addressed.
The apartment shopping will now be a separate test. The absolutes have been taken out, and a statement has been added to indicate that things are never "always" or "never" ( punny, no?). The confusing statement has been completely reworded, as it definitely was confusing. And finally, the grammar, spelling and syntax have all been edited to (hopefully!) eliminate errors.
I love that everyone is helping out by offering ideas on how to make the test better. I could not ask for better partners to build a comprehensive test. After all, who better than industry professionals to design a test that will help shoppers?
I have said it before, so please forgive me for saying it again. I am truly humbled by and grateful for everyone's willingness to better the test. You guys are awesome.
(edited for grammar error... I'm ashamed...)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/09/2016 12:37AM by Servanne.
Servanne,
I passed this test and did not receive a certification code.
I passed this test and did not receive a certification code.
Arguing with fools is like playing chess with a pigeon...
...No matter how good you are, the pigeon will s@^t on the board and strut around like it won anyway.
Not scheduling for ANY company.
...No matter how good you are, the pigeon will s@^t on the board and strut around like it won anyway.
Not scheduling for ANY company.
Hi Dante. I see on our system that you took the test 41 minutes ago. With the recent influx of tests following the phone calls, it may take 5 to 7 days for us to answer everyone. This is unfortunately not an automated process, and we have to manually record your test information and assign you your unique code. I apologize for the delay, but you can be sure that you will receive it soon.
Thanks Servanne!
Arguing with fools is like playing chess with a pigeon...
...No matter how good you are, the pigeon will s@^t on the board and strut around like it won anyway.
Not scheduling for ANY company.
...No matter how good you are, the pigeon will s@^t on the board and strut around like it won anyway.
Not scheduling for ANY company.
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