Harland Clarke - Serious Question
Warning: For Full Access Please Log In or Create an Account (Free)
They are VERY narrative heavy. Depending on the client, some are pickier than others. Every single yes/no question on the survey has to be addressed in the narrative, independent of if the answer was yes or no.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
I love these shops. I record the whole interview and then just type it up from there. Takes me no time at all. I'm in one-party state though.
Thanks for your replies. I am in a one-party state too. You've given me something to think about. Have a good one. 
I would recommend them highly. Just make sure to provide a full play by play narrative.
And then read over the narrative to make sure every yes/no question was addressed and add narrative to support the ones that are missing.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
I initially had some difficulty in writing the kind of report that Harland wanted. I recently did an investment shop and the company actually did a telephone conference to provide training. The most important thing the trainer told us was something I then used with my next Harland report. She said that the client never sees the questions that are on the report we fill out but instead sees our narrative answers. Her suggestion was that as we write the report we should use the questions to provide the information they wanted to report to their client. I used that advice when I did my next Harland report and it worked. I had no requests for further clarification. Because they are more narrative heavy, I wait until the shops are bonused before I take one.
The other good thing about Harland is that they are one of the few companies that pays mileage.
The other good thing about Harland is that they are one of the few companies that pays mileage.
I had just accepted one of these bank shops the day you posted this. It is the first shop I have done for them in several years. I didn't remember it being so bad, but after reading this thread I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. Well I did the shop this morning, just finished the report. It still didn't seem too bad. Let's see what THEY think.
I love to do shops for Harland Clarke.I have gone as far as 300 miles for a 20 minute bank shop. And as far as the report, not hard. Easier than a lot of other companies.
I have done several of these reports and they definitely require paint-us-a-picture narratives, however they provide a sample narrative, showing what they expect. I follow the sample and make sure I address all of the "no" answers and have never received any further communication from them; just a check.
(heart)
(heart)
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
One of their clients in particular you have to address every yes and no answer, not just the no's.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
I actually prefer their more "free flowing narrative" style than some of the more "yes/no" and specific narrative forms from other companies. I hate having one narrative box to describe the greeting; another to describe such and such. I find it easier just to "tell the story" from start to finish.
I am with you on that.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Super simple. Yes a fair amount of words but I do not consider them narrative heavy at all. Common sense answers to what you asked in the conversation.
They really solely on narrative. Sometimes, the editors will call (not email) you on points of clarification. I've had one instance where an editor called me three weeks after the shop had concluded for a couple more details to enter in the report. Luckily, I had my notes readily available at the time.
Other than that, HC's communication is pretty good, as well as their reporting protocol.
Other than that, HC's communication is pretty good, as well as their reporting protocol.
To me they are a bit on the narrative heavy side. I do agree the style of narrative is far superior to many reports making it much easier. Writing one descriptive narrative beats trying to go back and put portions of the narrative into specific sections. Figuring out where to put what is made harder because those damn sales people never do anything in the correct order
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 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.
Yes. They are a company that provides services to the financial industry, of which mystery shopping is just one part. I'm sure most people have seen their name on boxes of checks before.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Hi you all, I just signed up with them and they sent me the ISA agreement, am I supposed to mail it in?
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I could not find a way to fill it out online.
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I could not find a way to fill it out online.
****************
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
You should be able to scan or photograph it and email.
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 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.
@LisaSTL wrote:
You should be able to scan or photograph it and email.
Thank you Lisa! I never thought of that. I just hope that they have some shops in my area.
****************
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Ok Harland Clarke if you are reading... enough ENOUGH with the "emergency " shop titles... It is the same ones.
Does anyone know of other companies besides Harland Clarke that pays mileage?
@jpgilham wrote:
I love these shops. I record the whole interview and then just type it up from there. Takes me no time at all. I'm in one-party state though.
Sorry for dragging up an old post, but I am new on the forum. Did your HC Shop info state that recording was OK? I was looking into Harland Clarke earlier and I seem to recall that their "Shopper Handbook" had a line in it that said something to the effect that you can't do any recording (audio or video) unless they specifically say you can.
I have discovered that I love being able to record (on my smartphone) my shops. It makes it so much easier to make sure I report exactly what happened.
"Hey, it's only 4:43, we should have plenty of time." "Wow! Seven after six already! We need to get a move on." Of course dropping time markers like that into a recording is a little weird if you are by yourself....
Delizzy
Delizzy
------------------
If at first you succeed, try not to look astonished!
------------------
If at first you succeed, try not to look astonished!
I'm diving in, but I have to say my head is spinning with knowing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I'm used to guidelines that say here's your scenario, and these do not seem to have that. It's a bit unnerving, but the good news is that they have an 800 number to call for questions.
I have done numerous HC assignments and have found that they are verrrry responsive to email and I've always had a "live person" when calling their 800 # if I need clarification of guidelines, etc. Their reports are somewhat repetitive and the narratives require a somewhat high degree of sophistication regarding financial acumen but they pay well. Be prepared for about 45-60 days for payment.
I agree with all of the above from parkcitybrian except payment. They pay me much sooner that 45 days. Mine only takes a few weeks. They are an excellent company to work for.
I like the high pay. I also like that they are easy to get ahold of, however every time my contact person is not available but everyone seems able to help.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.