VIDEO SHOPS

I am interested in video shops, but hesitate because of the editors and if they will reject the video on the smallest error. Feedback on video shopping and if it's worth the risk?

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I have done many hundreds of video shops since 2005. The only ones rejected were because somehow the (earlier models) camera tilted so that there was about 30 minutes of video of my nostrils.

If you are experienced and have gotten good marks with similar non-video shops, you should not fear having a video version rejected.

Since the shopper is audio recorded, of course, it is best to become very confident with the non-video versions of longer shops, such as apartments, automobile sales, senior and assisted living, and new homes, to name a few, before starting to do video. That was, once you have practiced using the body-worm camera at home, you will be less nervous when doing your first video shops. Finally, before spending $400 on a video rig that meets industry standards, try to do some for an MSC that will loan you a rig to use. You will either love it or hate it; but try three before you decide!

You can get low cost or even free video training. It is offered often by IMSC, on line At every IMSC conferee there is a full day of hands-on training. (where there is a fee, but well worth it!!)

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.
@walesmaven @Chilo take the above very good advice. Take the video shop training. Practice your aim and method. The rewards can be profitable when you have video shopping experience and know how. Also, there are video shoppers who will coach you along when obstacles arise. Good luck.
@walesmaven,

What companies will loan you the equipment? I did one with loaned equipment several years ago but don't remember what MSC it was. Now, the video shop MSCs in my area won't loan out equipment. I am registered with about 120 MSCs from the list.

Can you provide a list of MSCs that have video shops so I can see if I am registered with them?

Thanks.
You probably are not registered with any of them. Nearly all except EPMS only want shoppers with their own equipment. The want to see a test video, by the shopper, using shopper's own equipment, before registering you.

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.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/06/2019 08:04PM by walesmaven.
I think Shadow, Business Observations, and EPMS used to loan equipment, but of course you get less pay if not using your own equipment. These companies and others may still loan equipment. It's best to just ask them.

It's not the end of the world if one of your first few video shops fail. All you invested was about 20 minutes or less of your time for an apartment video or about 75 minutes or less for a new home video shop, and you learned from your mistake.

I recommend that if you have decided you want to video shop, then buy your equipment, even if you have to do some extra well-paying shops first to pay for your rig. Then go out and do a few practice apartment video shops at apartment complexes that you are pretty sure you will never shop for money. Go back home and review and critique your video. You are your own best critic. There is often nothing you can do to prevent a rejection or failed shop that was due to the occasional technical issue with the equipment. That being said, I am still using the same DVR that I purchased in 2013.
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