What electronic device are you using for your shops?
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You may know by now that I am truly a tech dinosaur.
In addition, I shop rural areas, much of which has "no cellular network available". Even Field Agent won't work in those areas. My hotspot doesn't help, either.
Hard copy for me, 100% of the time.
In addition, I shop rural areas, much of which has "no cellular network available". Even Field Agent won't work in those areas. My hotspot doesn't help, either.
Hard copy for me, 100% of the time.
Me, my phone, and I. I use the NotePad app quite a bit to help me make sure I hit all the contact points.
I use my phone and/or hard copy. It depends upon the job, how tired or busy I am, and known connectivity issues. I have used several note-taking apps. You could try a few of them and see what you prefer. On the best days, I slept the night before and remember everything. I prefer this, because there is no need to create and store shop notes.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
I prefer a printout of guidelines or reports to take with me if it is a new job since reading them on my OnePlus 6 cell phone is difficult and I usually want the full page the first few times I do a job. I email a note to myself for most shops with name, addresses, important shop info, and a link to driving instructions when I go out for repeat jobs. I take some written notes on paper and fill out a majority of my reports over my phone but come home to finish on my computer where I store a PDF by date /name/ street name. Then I also keep my database of all jobs, milage, and $, etc.
I only use my phone when I'm out and about and my laptop for when I'm home for the day. I often just text myself timings and names and/or descriptions if needed. I very rarely print anything out, unless it has to be signed. I stopped printing out guidelines years ago, it's a waste of ink and paper. You can pretty much see everything on your mobile device. I wouldn't try to read it the first time on there, but for a quick check, it's just fine. For the few times where I don't get cell coverage and can't use the company's app, I just text or email myself whatever I need to remember.
Shopping the South Jersey Shore
I have found the Evernote app very helpful. They have a free option and 2 paid options available. Might be worth a look.
I like using my Samsung Galaxy S9+ for photos, app reporting, note taking, etc. But, I like to have printed copies of some things, and actually have to have those for LOA and such. If I am unable to access the Internet where I am, I am still able to take notes on the notes app on my phone.
I take along a phone, a tablet, and a cheat sheet with the high points for each shop. I skim the cheat sheet one last time before the shop, and afterwards write info on it for each point, e.g. time in line, # customers, whatever.
A tablet is a really good investment. You can put the guidelines on it and not have to print them, you can take notes on it after you leave the shop, you can fill out reports if you have them loaded, even if you have no Wifi. Even a 7" or 8" tablet is much larger than a phone and so easier to work with. You can sit in the parking lot at any number of businesses like McDonald's or Target and use their Wifi to upload or download. It's also good as a backup camera.
A tablet is a really good investment. You can put the guidelines on it and not have to print them, you can take notes on it after you leave the shop, you can fill out reports if you have them loaded, even if you have no Wifi. Even a 7" or 8" tablet is much larger than a phone and so easier to work with. You can sit in the parking lot at any number of businesses like McDonald's or Target and use their Wifi to upload or download. It's also good as a backup camera.
Good old calendar for me! schedule all shops for the month. Notebook for when payments are received. Simple, doing this for 14 years.
I use Google Keep for notes. I can access it across all of my devices: tablet, laptop, phone. I use it for taking shop notes and keypoints from guidelines.
I use my S7 phone for shops outside of home. I live in a metro suburb, so connection with Verizon is rarely a problem. At home, I use my laptop or phone.
I use my S7 phone for shops outside of home. I live in a metro suburb, so connection with Verizon is rarely a problem. At home, I use my laptop or phone.
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
I use my android phone only usually with a notebook mostly
However if I have alot of shops booked then I usually bring my laptop too and fill out the reports shortly after the shop..even if it takes a little longer I do prefer to have my reports done before I get home
However if I have alot of shops booked then I usually bring my laptop too and fill out the reports shortly after the shop..even if it takes a little longer I do prefer to have my reports done before I get home
Shopping Idaho and Oregon/Idaho border region.
I use a smartphone with Microsoft OneNote. I copy the shop guidelines into a OneNote file and place check boxes next to items I need to do, or notations such as associate descriptions; male/female, black/blonde hair, etc. If I repeat a shop, I copy and paste my guidelines from a previous visit and clear out all my prior responses in the check boxes. I sync OneNote before leaving my house and cell data service is rarely needed. If I need timings I use Mystery Shop timer, and for recordings I use Easy Voice recordings. All my shops are placed on Google Calendar with map locations. All receipts are scanned with text reading software, no receipt photos with questionable clarity. There, I gave away all my productivity secrets... 
Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2019 02:48AM by maverick1.
Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2019 02:48AM by maverick1.
You must have great eyesight.
I tape all my shops. If allowed inside I have hidden equipment and for shops that recording is not allowed; I record all the important facts when I leave the store so I remember when I get home. I also have a laptop/tablet combo and that really helps. I also go over the guidelines the night before and write what I have to do in that specific shop and take a quick look before going into the shop. Eventually, it becomes second nature and you will remember more easily. If you are doing a route; a tablet or laptop is highly recommended. I am exhausted when I get home to do reports.
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