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Tips on getting the target when doing an apartment shop

February 16, 2017 05:45PM
Hello,

I have finally broke down and taken an apartment shop for Ellis. I have been trying for a week to get the target who is also the Assistant Manager. Each time, the phone is answered by another staff member. I am now permitted to ask for the person by name. I am wondering if the target will ask why I asked for her specifically to get information about leasing an apartment when I had to go through other staff members to get to her. Anybody come across this issue before? Thoughts or tips?
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More About Apartment Mystery Shopping
February 16, 2017 05:58PM
You could say you researched the web and she came recommended. If they ask what website, just say you don't remember.
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February 16, 2017 06:37PM
I was out driving around last weekend, checking out neighborhoods where I might like to live. I asked someone who came out of the building how they liked living there and they said to ask for Freda.

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.
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February 16, 2017 06:44PM
Or simply have someone else call and tie up the other person in the office. It's rare that there would be more than two.

There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
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February 16, 2017 08:50PM
Great tips! Of course, after I come to the knowledge capital of MSing......she answers the phone! Maybe that is all I needed to do from the start!
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February 16, 2017 08:51PM
Yes, Tie up the other line or...Another suggestion, after asking for the target and they come to the phone, ask, "Hi, I was calling to see if you STILL had that 2 Bedroom. They might say which one, and you can reply, I don't remember which one but I know it was the last one. (they are trained to create urgency by saying, "I only have 1 left."
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February 16, 2017 09:05PM
I just signed up with epsm after hearing about them here and they have $30 apartment shops near me. Are the $30 worth it? I see they want a recorded call and I have to be dragged around an apartment complex. I've never shopped for them so I don't know what to expect as far as level of hassle with their reporting and editors. Any advise?
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February 18, 2017 12:12PM
Something that I started using and so far they have believed it,,,,
I will ask for the target. When they get on the phone, I will go right into asking about apartment availability, just as if she had initially answered the phone. First of all, they aren't always going to ask how you got their name or why you asked for them. Then, you are good to go, don't bring it up.
If she asks, I will tell her that my asst was helping me with my apartment search by making initial calls to see what was available. She must have spoken to you then because she gave me your name as the person to contact. And I just really don't make a big deal about it, act like Hmm, I don't know why she gave me your name. Maybe you answered the phone when she called last week to check your hours.
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February 18, 2017 01:24PM
Yelp always works for me.

If you are told to use a certain site, you can say that also.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
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February 18, 2017 06:47PM
I just say i was returning a phone call from the target and that i missed the call when the target called me...works like a charm everytime. If they ask for details i just say im not sure which is why i am calling
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February 18, 2017 07:43PM
@jlovesnyc wrote:

I just signed up with epsm after hearing about them here and they have $30 apartment shops near me. Are the $30 worth it? I see they want a recorded call and I have to be dragged around an apartment complex. I've never shopped for them so I don't know what to expect as far as level of hassle with their reporting and editors. Any advise?

The shops are easy...the reports are a little time consuming and redundant. Do a few and you will figure out the way to do them most efficiently. I like them. I dont mind detailed/redundant reports.
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