How did you get started with Ardent services?

I would like to get setup with this company, as their client is quiet obvious and delicious. I emailed one of the schedulers a few years back and they said they did not have any available locations in my area, but she would keep me in mind. Never heard from her again. I work in a major metropolitan area and see new locations open up all the time and wonder how they get filled.

So, today I thought I would fill out a new shopper app with Ardent. It requires a referral, which I don't recall it requiring in the past. I don't expect anyone to give me a referral, but if you could let me know how you got started and any tips and suggestions for how I should go about getting started would be greatly appreciated.

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I'm in the same boat. I think I submitted an application at one time even, but never heard back.

You know, I can't pretend to speak with any real authority on this-- I'm not registered with Ardent -- but I have seen the "referral" spot on other applications and it seems to work like this... if you're in the location that these services shop (the specific ones, as in Ardent's case) and the writing sample and background information you supply is impressive enough, they'll allow you the opportunity to shop for them.

I have never had a referral. I have lots of business referrals and a few personal referrals, but I've never known anyone in this business or really worked for anyone long enough that I've felt comfortable to ask for one, so... I have to imagine a lot of people are in that very same position.

Just focus on writing a really great best/worst dining experience review and then on talking about applicable work you've done in the past. I can't imagine them turning down the chance to at least give it a try, you know? The worst that can happen is they get one bad report and then have to tell you it's not working out. =)

Best of luck to you!

Jen

KSS International sometimes schedules training sessions for Ardent. That was how I got started.

Ardent conducts training sessions only if they need more shoppers in specific areas.

I can't refer either of you, naturally. However, if you tell me the zip codes or cities & state(s) you can shop, I can and will check with my scheduler and find out whether there will be training sessions in those areas soon.

If you have a good track record with schedulers or MSCs, some of them may be willing to refer you.

I received a phone call from Ardent asking if I would like to attend a training session. I wasn't sure until the caller said I got a free meal plus $10.00 per hour of training. The kicker: you have to complete a shop before you got the training fee.

Ah, I forgot about Kern. I'll have to keep my eye on them.

I am a few different areas frequently. A 50 mile radius around each of the following should cover it: 95124, 93635, 93740.

Thanks for checking BusyBee!

As for getting referrals from certain schedulers or MSCs, did you have any in specific ones in mind or just proactively asking from random ones you have a good rep with?

No problem, mejv3. Just sent your shopping area info. to my Ardent scheduler. Will let you know what she says.

I don't have any specific ones in mind. If I were in your shoes, I would pick a scheduler or MSC I have a GREAT relationship/history with, approach them to ask if they are willing to be my referral, and then act accordingly. I'm sure you know already but make sure you don't violate your ICA. Be careful not to say something to Ardent like, "Oh they love me at ABC company. I've done more than 50 Client123 shops for them and got 10/10." =D

CFK Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I received a phone call from Ardent asking if I
> would like to attend a training session. I wasn't
> sure until the caller said I got a free meal plus
> $10.00 per hour of training. The kicker: you have
> to complete a shop before you got the training
> fee.

That's fair, though, isn't it? You get a good meal, for free. However, if you don't actually complete a shop for them, why should they pay you a training fee? It doesn't benefit Ardent in any way to provide you with the training if you don't use that training to complete a shop.

I've shopped for them for many years. They are honest, very easy to work with, pay fairly, and pay like clockwork. If you are truly interested in shopping for them, go for it. =D

You do not need a referral. Email the scheduler again, now that you have [client] in your area. The training session is very good. And, you will get your first shop after training quite quickly, so don't worry.

There is also no age cut off, although you will hear in some places that there is.
Just tell the scheduler and there will not be a problem.

Great people to work with at Ardent.

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, I don't think you meant to name the client in your post.

Just sent out another email to the scheduler and submitted an app. Her name is Deanna. Do any of you know if she still works for Ardent?

Thanks for the help and advice everyone!

Deanna is my scheduler. Yes, she still works at Ardent.

Actually, Ardent has one client and they are quite happy to have the client named. They are quite exceptional in many ways and this is but one. Say "hi" to Deanna for me and tell her that I will be ready to return yo duty in October. (Had to take a "time out" for summer video routes.

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, Ardent has more than one client. I shop two clients for them.

Busy, I obviously need to check back with Ardent's job board.

Has anyone seen shops for the new Asian fusian fast casual spinoff?

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.

I just checked their board and all I see is Chipolte. Is the second client not a national one? Would love to do more for Ardent. Their schedulers and editors are great.

walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Busy, I obviously need to check back with Ardent's
> job board.
>
> Has anyone seen shops for the new Asian fusian
> fast casual spinoff?

Oh, wow, that finally opened? I'd completely forgotten that was in the works!

Edited: I checked, and there's only one location. Surprised to see it opened awhile ago -- also surprised that it hasn't expanded more quickly.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/23/2012 04:32AM by nicelytwicely.

Not that one.

We have a Chipotle here in Abq. but in looking at Ardent's web site, they do not show Alb. NM as a location where they use shoppers.

plm,
It may be that you are looking at the list of where they currently need more shoppers.

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.

Wales - That is true - I am looking at the list where they need shoppers and they state they ONLY need shoppers in those areas.

There's a list of locations where they need shoppers? That could help me out as someone who is trying to shop for them. Are there any locations in CA?

Busybee, have you heard back from your scheduler? I haven't received any response.

Yes there is a list of the California locations. Go to their website and it's on the home page.

And Wales - they want you to select the city closest to you and there are none listed for New Mexico. At the current time, I'm busy enough I'm not going to worry about it. If in the future, I feel I really want to get on Ardant's list I'll email them at that time.

I haven't gone to the Chipotle's here yet but I'm not sure I would like it. We have our own unique New Mexican food and often any of these places that are a little different are just not on my favored list.

I shopped a Calif. Tex-Mex food place for Sentry and got heartburn just walking into the place. I lost my objectivity on my first report and made a comment that I did not think the place would be successful because we had our own traditional Mexican food. Got called on that and rightly so. What is ironic is that I was called to do a third shop w/bonus for the same place. When I arrived I found them packing the place up as it had gone out of business. Just as I had predicted.

Oh, it's part of the application. How long does it normally take to get a response from them? Also, how extensive were your writing samples? I just copied something I did for Coyle with a little formatting. How do you think that compares?

Sorry, I'm just full of questions. Ardent has been so elusive for me.

I passed along all info. I received to Deanna, who is passing it along to Karan, who is in charge of recruiting. I haven't heard back yet.

Edited to add:

Heard back from Karan. Here's some information for shoppers interested in training--

"If you search on MSPA or Jobslinger, you will find the ads for all current training needs. As soon as I have a location, it is posted there.

[www.mspanorthamerica.com]

www.jobslinger.com"

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/24/2012 06:25PM by BusyBeeBuzzBuzzBuzz.

Thanks for getting back BusyBee. I'll keep checking those boards. I went and checked those boards after reading your post and realized they don't have a way to sort by company...at least that I could find.

Karan's response somewhat indicates that the locations available on their website may not be updated as much as it should. I was excited because I saw a good amount of locations around my area.

No problem, mejv3. Good luck.

I got started with them when there was an application to go to training for them in person.

You have to do an in person training to be able to shop their company they handle.

I have been doing the monthly shops for them where I am.

Silver certified
hidden video shopper - I have my own equipment PV500 lite
Full time professional shopper - it is my job.
I will travel to get the job done.

I have been Mystery Shopping for nearly 10 years now. I must have a pretty good reputation because I was approached by them to attend a training in the area. I think if you keep doing good reports and make good relationships with schedulers, you'll eventually be approached.

Their reports are really long, but they do pay regularly.

***

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