Hello Fellow ICs

I found this thread started by Flash back in May of 2008. The original thread is here [www.mysteryshopforum.com] and it contains relevant information. But it's been a while and the last message of that thread (10/2014) was about updating it, so here goes:

With the advent of Smart Devices I would like to add these (mostly free) Apps:

1) The iSecretShop app. It gets you all the assignments you need in an app vs. a web site. It is an iOS (Apple devices) and there is an Andriod version.

2) GigSpot app. Same as #1 but for the GigSpot platform. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

3) TimeStamp Camera app. This one is camera app that allows you to time stamp your videos and photos. You can also add GPS coordinates to prove that you took the photo at that GPS location. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

4) Speaking of GPS I think GeoVerify is another essential app. It gets you a code to the location you are at that you can use in your report to prove that you went to the right store location. I am seeing many MSPs adding this to their report. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

5) Talon app. The Poor ICs Video app. If you do not want to spend that much money to buy a camera, Talon can help you save money by allowing you to take video assignments. My experience has shown me that a few MSPs look for Talon video shoppers, but it is an option out there and can be a backup to the PV-500. Also with one of these running/jogging upper arm smartphone holders, it might give you footage of the subject while walking next to you. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

6) DatesBetween app. This one is for me. When will be the 45th day since the date of my report submission and acceptance? In short, when do I get paid? This app calculates the days between two dates. It can give you days, weeks and days, months and days, and years, months, and days. This app is for iOS devices, and I do not know if there is an Andriod equivalent. There is a web site [www.timeanddate.com] that also gives you that information. The app works off line, so it gets the mention.

7) Investigator app. This one app will allow you to strip metadata of off your photos. What do you say you ask?! Well, let me confuse you more. Metadata summarizes basic information about data, which can make finding and working with particular instances of data easier. Capish!!! It is data that the smart device adds to photos such as time and date the photo was taken, the geographical location where the photo was taken, the camera settings (for avid photographers that make a lot of sense), the device Operating System, and much other stuff. So for your privacy and security, this metadata might need to be cleared. on the smart devices you could turn off the location services, and possibly go off line for the taking of the photo, but trust me you will forget to do so or even to return the device back to allow such services. This app can save you all that hassle. It is an iOS and I do not know if there is an Andriod version.

8) Sudo app. This app allows you up to 9 free phone numbers and identities that you can use to give while doing assignments. If you are supposed to give your real identity information well you must, but if you still want to be anonymous and give out a working phone number that will ring differently on your smartphone, then Sudo is the way to go. Check it out and let me know how it works for you. This is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

9) Mobee. Mobee pays (or earn rewards) to you shop and dines by giving feed back to the businesses you frequent. So, you have an assignment go with Mobee and get paid twice. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

10) DropBox. You all should have an account because most MSPs require you to upload video files to them and emailing large files might not work. So Dropbox is the way to go. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.

Here are 10 of my apps. Will you give your feedback and let us know what apps you use to make this work go smoother. Go ahead and add to this list.

@Wassim wrote:

2) GigSpot app. Same as #1 but for the GigSpot platform. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version. list.

i wouldnt recommend GS to anyone i actually liked or respected.

"1) The iSecretShop app. It gets you all the assignments you need in an app vs. a web site. "

I'm sorry, but this is not true. ISecretShop is a reporting platform used by some of the companies who also use Shopmetrics. To rely on it is not sufficient. First, not all shops each MSC has to offer are on the app. Second, there are a limited number of MSCs using Shopmetrics. To use it alone means missing out on the companies using Sassie, Prophet and their own websites. Third, a well-rounded shopper will have shops that can only be completed on a website, such as those requiring a lot of narrative.

Pretty sure you mean Mobi Audit, Lisa. That's the app I use with Alta360 and IPSOS, both of which are Shop Metrics platform users.

And I detest Gigspot.

Edited to add that I never have used iSecretShop app but just realized that they do indeed have companies that use Shop Metrics, just that the two I named don't use that platform...sorry.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/21/2017 03:11AM by JASFLALMT.

So Lisa, that made me curious. I just logged into iSecretShop to check out what companies are on there, and the majority of them are Prophet reporting platform companies, though I saw two that use Sassie.

That shows you how much stock I put in ISS. I went into the Provider Contracts & Policies and found only 22 MSCs total. It reinforces my opinion ISS will not get a shopper much on it's own. Certainly not enough to justify saying "It gets you all the assignments you need." ISS has four shops in my area over all those companies. Meanwhile, Second to None alone has ten.

wassim how much ms experience do u actually have? forum member for year but not many posts to tell how long u been shopping. u need to be careful w/some of your claims. a brand new shopper might take posts as "law" which could set up for failure.

@MSNinja wrote:

wassim how much ms experience do u actually have? forum member for year but not many posts to tell how long u been shopping. u need to be careful w/some of your claims. a brand new shopper might take posts as "law" which could set up for failure.

MSNinja Oh what can I say? You first call me a hobbyist with a misspelling, then you ask me about my experience.

Why did you see the need to insult me and then send me this wonderful, informative and inquisitive reply?

I do not post here often, that is true, and the reason why I do not post here is that if you look at the replies one gets, they are put-downs and insults. Seldom you will find a nugget that you can use, so to me, I come here when I need help and I have exhausted all other means, and I remain hoping to get something I can use in my work.

Do I have much to learn about this work sure I do who has mastered this kind of work, and who can say they will never be stumped by what goes on in this business?

My hobby is amateur radio, and there we have the concept of "elmering", it is the passing of information from the experienced to the novice because we all understand that we all have been at the starting line some time in our lives, and with time we have learned and accumulated some experiences worth sharing.

This forum is the total opposite of the above concept. You hide behind your handle, and you think you are invincible and can do whatever your keyboard allows you to do.

I ask you if you are so experienced why did you not update this thread as you found new apps or techniques that would help in this kind of work? Why did it take a hobbyist to be so, knowingly that the post will garner some of what I had talked about earlier?

Yes, MSNinja I am a Padawan when it comes to MSing, and courageous enough to admit it. I am smarter today than I was yesterday.

Now surely you will come back with "well you did not answer my question(s)" so here goes:

1) how much ms experience do u actually have?
I have done about 500 assignments since I started in 2016. Some assignments were the hum drum type, others were very sophisticated investment banking assignments. I have done many video shops, mostly in the apartment real estate area, but some were not.

2) forum member for year but not many posts to tell how long u been shopping.
Is posting messages an indicator of experience? Is it quantity or QUALITY that matters? Tell me how is the number of messages a member posts an indication of experience of said member?

And here is the icing on the cake:
"u need to be careful w/some of your claims. a brand new shopper might take posts as "law" which could set up for failure."

So in your case, it is Do as I say and Not as I do situation. Humm!! Food for thought I guess.

Wassim, you seem annoyed that anyone would ask how much experience you have. When you are offering advice on a public forum, I think your level of expertise is a relevant question. I learned to mystery shop in 2010 by reading this forum and taking advice from those who have completed 10,000+ assignments and worked at MSing for years.

I rarely agree with MSNinja, but she asked a very relevant question. You've posted some good information and some incorrect information. Hearing your experience, I understand it and the advice should be taken with a grain of salt.

wass what is your prob? i asked honest question. gave an honest suggestion. it is public forum.

anyone familiar with the Shop-IT app?

IMO, reading the OP's posts usually is a waste of time. Responding to his defensive and sometimes offensive posts is a colossal waste of time and effort. Time for me to toggle.

I checked out Sudo - what an awesome little app/tool!! Thank you so very much