Quick Cell Phone shops - Are they actually quick and easy?

I've never done one of the Wireless shops before but I'm considering taking the plunge because they just sit on the boards around me. Specifically there's an AT&T one that's been sitting so long it's up to $25 and it has the Make Offer option as well. It's listed as Quick Cell Phone Shop and it's an AT&T one. No audit, just mystery shop.

I've searched the boards and got an idea that AT&T is more difficult than Verizon but I couldn't uncover the reason why. Anyone have any tips on what I'd actually be required to do? Is it just an inquiry about switching service to the carrier, getting a new phone, or ??? I'm not sure I can sell the angle of being a super informed cell phone buyer so I'm hoping to get an idea before I jump.

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More About Phone Shops

When I did it earlier this year, you have to be prepared to hear about DirecTV and roleplay that your home can receive it. If the rep does their job you can be in and out in about 15-20 minutes but you may have to wait. If they do do their job then the report should be a breeze. The rep will ask you about your requirements, so be prepared with scenarios and what you are looking for in a cell phone. $25 seems reasonable and the offer ability is a bonus. JMO.

It really isn't possible for anyone to say what the guidelines might be. There have been many types of shops for the carrier. I have an idea which MSC so have to agree the $25 fee is reasonable. If you have a flexible schedule aim for a time the store would be slow. There is almost always a minimum amount of time to wait which could be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

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 do this one so much that I have to impose rotation on myself because they will remember me. It is quick and easy but be prepared with a fake address in the service area and be prepared to wait. The report is very simple. You just pretend to be interested in getting ATT service and let them give you the spiel. Then you say you want to think about it and get a card from the associate.

I just did that shop on Monday. You are getting a great bonus! It's very easy. You don't need to role play at all. Just say that you're interested in getting a new phone and service. The associate takes it from there. Just do be careful of the location. There are sometimes two locations in the same shopping mall--a store and a kiosk--and they are both shopped. Get the business card, "Can I call you if I have any questions?" and they hand over the card right away. The report is very easy.

Edited to remove my "wait for associate" comment because it differs wildly from shop to shop.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2017 01:51AM by ChrisCooper.

I did one last month for this MSC at AT&T. The rep was real nice, but never even mentioned DirecTV. Too bad...I had to report that. But I also gave him high marks for his upbeat personality. It was easy. I did have to wait about 5 minutes, but I was out of there is less than 20 minutes. I did it at the regular fee, so the bonus they are offering is very fair.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2017 02:00AM by guysmom.

They have recently renamed their company to Icky Shift. I don't do any of the audits for any company that doesn't give me an LOA! I'm not about to throw blows over $5

Yes the cell phone shops are super easy. I always wait until the fee increases before I do them though. I've never done the Verizon, just the AT&T. Did one a few days ago, but not as much as yours. Mine was $17.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2017 11:27PM by blackgold78.

Wow, I see the AT&T shops in my area often. They only pay $7.50 though. Almost took one because I am a new shopper. Now $7.50 seems a bit low. Thinking I should not be so picky since I am a new shopper hey?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2017 12:27AM by TyShop.

Oh, well I think it's okay to do low paying shops when you are new just to get a feel for it, then once you prove you can follow the guidelines correctly, submit reports in a timely fashion, and write a good report, then you can start to wait for fees to go higher. But, $7.50 is really low and I generally won't touch a cell phone shop for any company for less than $15. I like them when they are substantially higher. You also must consider whether or not they are getting snapped up quickly in your area. I know that some shops never get bonused in one area that may sit on the board for a much longer time in others.

Hi JASFLALMT,

I may try one just to see how it goes. I know it is a bit silly but I am busting to do my first shop! I work from home. It will be nice to actually go outside! Ha! Thank you so much.

If it's the shop I think it is $25 is very fair. Did one this weekend for $50 (!!) and would do another in a second for half that. Visit took about 15 minutes and the report took less than 10.

No, Ty, it isn't silly. We all had to start somewhere. But they are easy shops, so have fun with it. Oh, try to avoid lunch hours and late afternoon/early evening, and weekends are not a good time to shop, either. I think 10:30 a.m. is a good time to go M-F and also 1:30-3 p.m. is a good time. When the store isn't busy you don't have to wait as long to speak with someone.

I took plenty of cheap shops to build a record and a reputation and sometimes i still do. Have fun TyShop and good luck.

It depends. Do you like to write? I wait until they're $50; not worth it to me for the base rate.

"Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree? Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you - and why?” ~Walter Williams

@iShop123 wrote:

It depends. Do you like to write? I wait until they're $50; not worth it to me for the base rate.

There are scads of MSCs offering cell phone shops. The one I am thinking of requires very, very little in the way of narrative writing. OP, if you don't like to write a lot, you would probably do just fine with that company.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2017 08:28PM by guysmom.

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Quick Cell Phone shops - Are they actually quick and easy?

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