Business Observations

Has anyone done any of the video shops for Business Observations?
www.businessobservations.com

I had a message from them this morning asking me to do a couple video shops for them. I might add I have never done a video shop and am somewhat nervous about it. I'd like to try one and see how it goes. They have 7 shops here in my area and the pay is reasonable. $30 shop/$15 gas.

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Just be sure that you are in a one party state or that the MSC has verified that the targets have signed waivers permitting recording if youare in a two party state.

Also, be sure the MSC really will train you on the equipment! Some are getting into video without really bothering to train their inexperienced video 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.

I'm in NM and I believe we are a one party state because I used to work in a law firm and I remember transcribing tapes of conversations where the 2nd party did not know they were being taped. That's been 20 years ago and I doubt that it has changed but I do not know. I'll do an internet search and check.

I thought I would call the scheduler and ask her. Apparently there are 7 shops here with 2 being targeted. I hate targeted shops (at least the ones for EPMS). I also want to know if there is an evaluation form to be submitted along with the taped visit. I would hate to get stuck with doing a video plus doing some stupid redundant form like EPMS has.

$30 is not great for a video shop in general, but if they are loaning equipment AND training you it would be acceptable with little to no report.

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.

Lisa - The email stated that each shop pays $30 plus $15 for gas. Here in my city I can be across town within 20 minutes/20 miles so the $15 for gas is very good. The email stated that they could provide the equipment but didn't state whether they would take x dollars off the shop fee for providing said equipment. I have reviewed the training material on their website but I know that actually using the equipment is a whole other ballgame.

I am tempted to take on one just to see if I can do it and whether I like it. I thought I would call the scheduler on Monday and ask some questions like:

1. What is the evaluation form like and how long is it considering we are doing a video it should not be that long, correct?
2. Does the company deduct for providing the equipment?

Any other questions I should ask?

I see a $200 one here for weeks and weeks. Posted, reposted etc. So even $200 is not high enough. Each area is different.

Canadamommy,
You may be comparing apples and oranges. That $200 shop, in my experience, is likely to take 90-120 minutes on site and a very complex, fictitious, scenario. A business verification usually takes about 15 minutes on site and is scripted, in terms of the questions to be asked; the shopper usually actually carries the script into the shop and openly asks the required questions. No alias is needed; no follow-up phone number or email needs to be recorded on a unique phone number/address; the shopper is not responsible for maintaining a back-story that may include income, employment, housing/health/car ownership history (select one, depending on the shop).

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.

Is Virginia a one-party state? Thank you for all the help I get on this forum!

I never did video shops until I accepted an assignment from the company similar to what the original poster stated. The company provided training on the equipment that made using it very simple. There was/is no charge to use their equipment. They also give general guidelines to be used for the apartment or retail shops but allow you to personalize the actual shop to make it feel like you really are looking for an apartment or are interested in the product. They make everything very easy. The scheduler was easy to reach and the owners were even available. It's one of the best companies I have worked for.

Welcome to the forum, Granny!

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