I want to thank you Steve for putting this thread together. Although I have no interest in spending the amount of time required on reporting for Coyle shops at the moment I keep thinking that someday (when I finally get around to retiring from my regular job) I might want to do so. I read the Coyle threads often. I did do one small shop with no reimbursement and a $15 pay when I was first hired. That shop took me several hours to do so I have not been back. (There is a story behind the time thing).
How would a msc know whether you have visited their type of property? Many of the msc's I sign up with ask me my income level. It would be very easy to lie about that answer although I do not propose that people do so. I have never been asked what my bank account balance is or what my credit limit is. This idea of letting them know you can afford it when applying for a job is intriguing to me. Do you think other msc's would be interested in this info and we should all start letting them know if we drink, we spend, we have good and high credit etc.?

@sandyf wrote:

Q: How would a msc know whether you have visited their type of property?

They would not know for sure. Many other MSCs ask demographic questions about how often you dine out, travel, etc....but there's no way to verify that.

To be honest, I don't know what the application process with Coyle is these days, but in the past there was a questionnaire and writing samples required when you signed up. I had access to a database with the application from every single Coyle shopper. I would reference that when I needed a someone for a shop and didn't know any of the applicants.

Just like when you read shopper posts here, you quickly get an idea of the shopper's attitude and experience from the applications...and if you could fool me into thinking you were the right demographic, you probably were a good choice for the shop and could fool the hotel/restaurant staff as well. They are not necessarily looking for shoppers who would stay at those places. They are looking for people who can pull of appearing to be people who stay at those places. Part of that includes credit, access to cash, wardrobe, and ability to handle yourself in a multitude of situations.

Another admission; When I started working for Coyle, I was not in the financial position to stay in any of the hotels. I had lost my job, was on unemployment and looking at MSing as a way to help get by between jobs. However, my previous employment had me traveling around the world on an expense account, staying in many of the hotels that are Coyle clients to this day, and dining in the very same restaurants. I was comfortable in that atmosphere, so while I was looking for a job that would allow me to return to that lifestyle, I found a MSC that allowed me to live the lifestyle without the income required to do so. That's why it was a good match for me.

I took the job as an editor because I found that full time MSing could not generate the income I needed to get by, and I had not located gainful employment in my chosen career. I left my position there because I ended up managing a team of people and my travel came to a stop. While the income was better, it was not the lifestyle I wanted for myself.

The reality of the perfect Coyle shopper is someone in a similar position. If you could honestly afford the travel on your own without issue, why on earth would you put yourself through the hassle of the reporting...but if you've never travelled in that manner, you will have little to judge it against.

Don't get me wrong. Many shoppers were sent out on assignments that turned out to be a bad fit. It was just easy to tell after 1 shop what their experience was when they wrote that everything was, "Amazing!" Conversely, you don't want shoppers why criticize everything either. That also smacks of someone trying to seem like they know how things should work. The best shoppers are the ones who can point out a few positives and a few negatives from each experience they have. The balanced reporting tells of your experience, and I could quickly spot that in the sample narratives provided as well.

@SteveSoCal wrote:

@sandyf wrote:

Q: How would a msc know whether you have visited their type of property?

If you could honestly afford the travel on your own without issue, why on earth would you put yourself through the hassle of the reporting...but if you've never travelled in that manner, you will have little to judge it against.

Well Steve I will give you and others some perspective on the above from my own point of view. I am someone who could afford the travel but I am also someone who is addicted to mystery shopping with the correct shops for me (see addiction thread). I could not afford to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous and flit all over the world at the drop of a hat constantly nor would I want to. I could do a few thousand a night but I never would so that is probably why I can afford to. I am not the homeless person with a stash of $$ under my outdoor mattress but I do have enough money to live on and to splurge if I wanted to. I find saving money to be a game. My friends and I pride ourselves in finding great deals and doing so legally. I also am the person who gives feedback for free. When I see an issue I still call the customer service people and give them some ideas of how they can change things. Just did so yesterday with Frontier when my credit card bill listed the number to the phone part of the company for my account in the internet section of the company. I spent 20 frustrating minutes telling the rep I had auto billing on my credit card for my internet while he told me I did not. I mentioned internet and computer over and over. He finally told me he only handles land line accounts. Somehow he thought I was talking about my phone bill. So even after I asked him to let his supervisor know about the disconnect on telephone numbers provided vs the correct telephone number I got nowhere. This is a big reason I mystery shop. I like to put things right. I love to save money or not spend money....and I love to help others to do the same if they are interested. I do not think there are thousands like me but I do know others with the means but not the interest in spending money for services that are over the top in our mind. It is nice to experience it once in a while though especially without paying the hefty bill at the end.

Hi there,

I completed my first shop last Saturday and got my score back today. It was a 94.44%. However, that was the only number on there. It didn't tell me what my number score was (I thought I read they grade you up to 10?) Any ideas?

Thank You!

What is the biggest or longest report you have written for Coyle and how long did it take? Why do you think companies model some of their shops after the MMPI and MMPI 2 psychology tests?

@MegMeg wrote:

Q: I completed my first shop last Saturday and got my score back today. It was a 94.44%. However, that was the only number on there. It didn't tell me what my number score was (I thought I read they grade you up to 10?) Any ideas?

A: The current scoring system in Shopmetrics is out of 100%. There used to be 20 points that shoppers were graded on, which you will see listed below your total percentage. I believe they switched it over to 19 points, but none-the-less, your percentage is calculated from that.

Just look for the one component that doesn't have 100% scoring and you will know what needs improvement. If you are above 90%, you are in excellent shape, though.

@GuyFawkes wrote:

Q1: What is the biggest or longest report you have written for Coyle and how long did it take?

Q2: Why do you think companies model some of their shops after the MMPI and MMPI 2 psychology tests?

A1: I had a 2 week cruise that ended up being 72 pages of narrative. I didn't write during the cruise, but I took extensive notes, and processed all of the photos while onboard. I checked into a hotel upon departing the cruise and worked for three straight days while ordering room service for most meals. Luckily, I was in a country where hotels and room service were relatively inexpensive.

A2: I don't think that's a serious question. The questions on those tests are almost entirely subjective and that's the opposite of what most MSC questions are based on. You could have just asked me what the fasted land animal was....

@SteveSoCal wrote:

@GuyFawkes wrote:

Q1: What is the biggest or longest report you have written for Coyle and how long did it take?

Q2: Why do you think companies model some of their shops after the MMPI and MMPI 2 psychology tests?

A1: I had a 2 week cruise that ended up being 72 pages of narrative. I didn't write during the cruise, but I took extensive notes, and processed all of the photos while onboard. I checked into a hotel upon departing the cruise and worked for three straight days while ordering room service for most meals. Luckily, I was in a country where hotels and room service were relatively inexpensive.

A2: I don't think that's a serious question. The questions on those tests are almost entirely subjective and that's the opposite of what most MSC questions are based on. You could have just asked me what the fasted land animal was....

No, asking what kind of land animal runs the fastest would not have landed you a job with a retirement over $90,000 a year for life.

.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/14/2016 04:02AM by PasswordNotFound.

@borntobeabuyer wrote:

Q: Does anyone have insight on how to get assigned a job with this company?

A: This question was posted in its own new thread, so while the majority of options for the correct answer have already been addressed in this thread, it creates some additional questions in order to be addressed accurately.

1. DId you use the 'search' function here before creating a new topic about Coyle?

2. Have you read the Resource Center information about applying for shops?

I ask these questions because it seems like often new shoppers are so used to being overly directed by the mechanics of many MSC applications and operations, they often neglect (or forget about) their own resourcefulness...and by that I mean; Sometimes you have to do a little research on your own to get the best answer.

If one can't be bothered to search on a question they have and scan through the top 10 hits, there's a good chance that they also have not read the required information about successful shop applications. Your dream assignment with Coyle will probably not be handed to you. You will have do some work to get it.

For example: I have a dinner assignment next week at highly rated Michelin restaurant. I saw the posting early in April and noted that it had to be completed by the end of June. I looked up the restaurant, read through the reviews and decided I wanted this assignment. I went to the online reservations for the restaurant and found that there was exactly 1 dinner reservation available at that restaurant in the next 90 days. I immediately took the reservation and confirmed that there was not a single reservation left available before the end of June, fully well knowing that in early April, getting a June restaurant assigned was of little concern to the schedulers. My application simply read, "I feel well assured that I am the only evaluator in your database that already has a reservation at this restaurant before the due date."

It didn't matter to me if they gave the assignment away to someone else. That person would eventually try to make a reservation after it was assigned and have to turn the shop down when they could not acquire one. I had time on my side so I let the application sit for a month, knowing the assignment would eventually have to be given to me.

What happens to the shops that don't get filled by their due date? For example, there are several Dinner/Bar and Subjective Evaluation surveys that are due on June 20th,. How does Coyle reconcile this with the client? Is this an issue for the client? Is the client aagreeable to have the remaining assignments rolled over to the next round/quarter? Does Coyle ever send their employees to complete the assignments? Oh, here's a good one: Can Coyle employees complete assignments?

Thanks in advance, Steve.

@Professional Guest wrote:

Q: What happens to the shops that don't get filled by their due date?

A: Well...the 20th is really including a safety net so that all assignments can be completed by end of the quarter. The last 10 days are usually spend scrambling to fill the remaining shops, or reassign anything that was rejected.

Each client is different and while some might prefer to have an assignment roll over another quarter instead of paying a high travel stipend, or just skip it, others may insist on 100% completion. I know for a fact that the Mexico City assignment are usually "assign if possible", meaning that it's great if they can get a few evaluators per year, but they are not held to the monthly quotas there, so don't try to use a trip to D.F. as leverage for a high travel reimbursement.

@Professional Guest wrote:

Q: Can Coyle employees complete assignments?

A: No. The company attorney decided that it blurred the lines between employees and contractors back when I still worked there and that was a big part of my decision to leave. All assignments are filled by evaluators that are NOT employees.

Ok. I signed up to do a shop on Sunday, June 12th for an apartment complex. However, after my approval, I visited the business website and reviewed their information only to find that they are closed every Sunday (I also confirmed this information by phone). I emailed Coyle through the email address provided for questions and did not receive a reply as to if I should do it the day before (Saturday) or next weekend (though that would be past the deadline). Though I emailed Coyle late Thursday night/ early Friday morning, I have still never received a response. So I went ahead and did the shop a day early, when the business was open. I submitted Saturday night but haven't heard anything back regarding my first email or my report. Should I be worried?

@MegMeg wrote:

Q: Should I be worried?

A: I would not be worried, and would have done the same thing. You have to choose you own level of worry, however.

If this was an expensive meal, I would have been more inclined to wait until I heard back before moving the date without approval, since if support is overwhelmed and doesn't get back to you in time, it's their loss, and technically you can only do as instructed. It leaves the shopper in a tough place when they are trying to help and establish a record with the MSC, though.

Understand that support is not trying to jam you up. They simply operate from a place of being understaffed/overburdened at all times, and prioritize requests. They generally get back to me in a day or two, but when you need a same day answer, sometimes you have to wing it.

I wanted to chime in that I did my first hotel with Coyle recently, for their large newest client. I agree with Steve's assessment. Reversal of charge took 3+ weeks and required me to follow up 2-3 times. I have full faith in Coyle, but now am more aware to not expect immediate reversal.

@PasswordNotFound wrote:

Sorry to hear that previous history was not carried over. It does explain a few things, though.

Yes, I found this to be true as well and bummed me out. I had about 10 high scores previously in the old system. Now I feel like I am starting over for jobs.

Not a question, but more of a frustrating comment. Overall, I love working for Coyle. In fact, they are the only company I care to work for. I shop for lifestyle purposes, to try new places in my city.

So many hotels require weekday check ins! I understand that the hotel requires this as they may have more occupancy available. Problem is that Coyle prides themselves on having "lifestyle shopper" who could afford these properties for pleasure on their own/ is the same demographic as other hotel guests. I fall into this demographic, mainly because I HAVE A FULL TIME JOB. My full time job prohibits me from weekday checks in. Not Coyle's fault at all - just airing a frustration.

I did a weekday check in once at a property local to my office, so I could get my foot in the door with hotel evals. . I just wish I could snatch up more hotels though (especially the nicer resort-like properties that would be a perfect weekend trip!0

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/14/2016 03:10PM by laur371.

Understood on the weekday check-ins. I work full-time as well, but only part of the year, so I'm locked out from a lot of the hotels more than half the year. Luckily the new large client allows Saturday stays (and the rewards program even has a bonus for them), so I've booked out my Saturday nights for the next few months.

I'm off from my full-time job this week, though, so I'm leaving today for a week abroad and will be off the forum until I'm back and have recovered. I'm doing 4 hotels back-to-back so not expecting this to be a relaxing vacation, but should be a lot of excellent food and sightseeing!...

@laur371 wrote:

I wanted to chime in that I did my first hotel with Coyle recently, for their large newest client. I agree with Steve's assessment. Reversal of charge took 3+ weeks and required me to follow up 2-3 times. I have full faith in Coyle, but now am more aware to not expect immediate reversal.

How is the shop for their new hotel client? I have one coming up next weekend, coupled with a spa visit at the same property. I've looked over both reports and neither seem too difficult. In fact, at face value, the hotel looks like less work than I've done at all my previous hotels.

@asilverstein wrote:

How is the shop for their new hotel client?

I did a test shop locally last weekend and was able to get the entire report written and submitted in about 2 hours.

@SteveSoCal wrote:

@asilverstein wrote:

How is the shop for their new hotel client?

I did a test shop locally last weekend and was able to get the entire report written and submitted in about 2 hours.

Thanks Steve!

For the new client, does the after stay survey require any photos?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/14/2016 04:53PM by LindaM.

@LindaM wrote:

For the new client, does the after stay survey require any photos?

No.

I had an after stay survey that did require a few photos. Perhaps they have multiple versions? I submitted a couple of ones that were duplicated of the actual report. That said, the after-stay survey was simple and did not take more than 10 minutes.

@MickeyB wrote:

I had an after stay survey that did require a few photos. Perhaps they have multiple versions? I submitted a couple of ones that were duplicated of the actual report. That said, the after-stay survey was simple and did not take more than 10 minutes.

Apologies, I don't recall attaching images for any of the after-stay surveys for the new client, not for the three narrative survey for $15.00, nor the more comprehensive survey for $85.00, nor for the $30.00 spa. But then again, I think I've done 7 hotel assignments for Coyle, not all for the new client, within the last 45 days - so it's a bit of a blur. I'll defer to Mickey.

** Edited to add an article.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2016 06:00AM by Professional Guest.

Question on Coyle's Shopmetrics platform:

I can't figure out how to search Shopmetrics. If I put in my zip or state (MA), I get all sorts of listings from other countries. Clearly they were coded wrong. On the flip side, if I want to search for a posting in another country, I can't see to find it. I suppose I can search for a city name, but for example, if I'd love to do a job in Mexico, but don't care which city, how could I search to see what is available?

I HATE all the listing for other countries. Why is it if I limit my NY surroundings to say 50 miles, I get India, London and some countries I've never even heard of? And I'd like to take off the spa and airport listings too.

The problem seems to be with countries which use postal codes similar to our zip codes. This problem occurs with other MSCs which have clients outside of the United States as well.

What is Coyle's coverage of evaluators internationally? I see with their new client, they have shops in almost every major city internationally. Some of which I'd be interested in with some travel reimbursement, which doesn't seem to be offered. Unfortunately, as I just came back from a big EU/Middle East vacation and would have loved to complete some of those shops, but they weren't available at the time.

Do they have a large enough database that they will be able to easily fill those shops, or is it something that an American shopper could potentially pitch a travel reimbursement request to get assigned a few?

Good question @laur371. I'm having a hard time even searching for shops to narrow down the ones overseas. I see 2556 opportunities but when I clear the zip and my city, it brings up a whole lot of shops, but how do u narrow down to just one country? I'm going to be in China and Malaysia for vacation in July and I'm staying at the brand new property that is their new client in Langkawi, how do I search if there is spa shop at the hotel I'm staying at? I see other spa shops for this chain of hotels. Where do I put in the country name? On my site it only has City, State, and Zip as parameters. I did see one shop in Pudong, SH( Shanghai) but when I put in Pudong in the search under city doesn't even pull up that shop.

TIA!