SteveSoCal Wrote:
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> While I am certainly not one to defend many of the
> practices of the MSPA, I can see the value offered
> to newbies with a workshop that gives and
> introduction to the concept of MSing and training
> for some of the basic elements.
Okay, for utter newbs I can somewhat agree.
>
> I can also see an argument for why it would be
> appropriate for the MSPA to offer a complimentary
> program, since it will most likely supply a better
> quality of newbie shopper to all MSCs and in turn
> save the MSPA members money.
This I could get behind. Making new shoppers successful improves the bottom line for companies. If they want to use certified shoppers, let them foot the bill for it.
>
> If you have polled only existing shoppers, I think
> that they are most likely attending for the later
> component.
Maybe, maybe not. I think that is why some shoppers prefer the workshop over the DVD alone.
> In that case, it seems they are being
> pressured into purchasing the DVD and gold
> certification in order to network and increase
> their job opportunities. If these shoppers are
> already registered and not able to get the jobs
> they desire (especially with the current pay
> structures offered), I'm not feeling confident
> that this certification will make them a better
> shopper.
Yup.
> but the argument given that certified
> shoppers have a greater opportunity to be
> scheduled certainly applies pressure to lesser
> informed shoppers to pony up the money.
And has been for years. But I have yet to see an experienced shopper who can directly show me statistically how it dramatically improved their business. I have seen those who are not shoppers tell us it will, though. :-) LOL.
> That
> seems a bit disingenuous
Totally agree!
> and I would be much more
> supportive of a program that offered shoppers a
> 'jump start' on getting into the business, but
> also offered a clear disclaimer that the
> certification was not a requirement and did not
> dangle an unspecified carrot of added value.
I would too.
>
> Doug, is it possible that there could be a lesser
> fee to attend for those who don't want to take
> part in the certification itself or receive the
> DVD, but would like to attend for the Q&A, as well
> as meeting with the MSC representatives? I know
> that some MSPA events in the past have offered
> discounted rates for shoppers who were already
> certified but wanted to attend.
I wouldn't attend, as I don't consider meeting 3 or 4 MSC company owners/Lori Kern worth $25 of my money, let alone $125, but I can see that some people would, so sure, why not disengage it from the DVD/certification push? Oops, I think they did that in the past! It was called their shopper's conference, LOL. Then they abandoned shopper's with last year's conference. So some shoppers started their own conference, which I heard that the MSPA attempted to undermine, but did not succeed, so they finally "joined 'em." (I would not attend that either, but that has to do with the specific people, the money-making aims, the implementation, and the fact that it is not virtual when it could be so easily.) Anyway, now that they saw shoppers united *without them*, NOW they want to start up the in-person stuff and meet and greet again? I'm sorry, I'm just not buying it. I think some are threatened by the idea that shoppers can succeed at uniting without them, and that there are far more of US than there are of them. Shopper's united could create change...could be a scary thought for some MSC's...
> What about the concept of offering the DVD itself
> to anyone interested in shopping for free, and
> then charging only for those who choose to take
> the certification test? If the DVD is a such a
> great tool for shoppers to have, think how many
> more shoppers would be better educated if the DVD
> was provided to them. If it was offered on Amazon
> and other resellers for only shipping and handling
> costs, imagine how many would come across the DVD
> when searching on mystery shopping and chose that,
> rather than the multitude of 'how to' books
> published by shoppers.
Even better...put it all online on the MSPA website, no need to pay for shipping and handling from anywhere. Charge a small administrative fee ($10?) for a person to take the test and and have the verifiable credential online at the MSPA site.
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“Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
~Gilbert K. Chesterton
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/22/2010 09:31PM by dee shops.