Is Lakeisha Dulin a bona fide scheduler for Service Scouts?

I got an email earlier today asking me to mystery shop a concert venue in my city, and there happens to be a band I like playing there. In her email- which was sent from a personal gmail account- I'm told I need to buy tickets first to prove to her that I intend to go, and that the shops aren't on their boards yet because she's pre-scheduling. Since there're no links in her email, the shops aren't on the board and I'd need to buy my tickets BEFORE getting the shop assigned to me, I would like to ask if anyone's dealt with her before and can tell me if she's legit or not? I don't want to be left holding the bag if it's a scam.

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Yes, she has a Service Scout email too and I have received emails about sporting events in my city. She is newer.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2017 04:14AM by foodluvr.
I find it VERY odd that a company wants you to purchase the tickets BEFORE being assigned the shop. I know she is a Service Scouts scheduler but that is some risky business there!
Not sure why they are requiring tickets to be purchased ahead unless they aren't providing entry and want proof you are going to do shops at the event? I have seens shops at theme parks etc that require you provide admission or passes.
@foodluvr wrote:

Not sure why they are requiring tickets to be purchased ahead unless they aren't providing entry and want proof you are going to do shops at the event? I have seens shops at theme parks etc that require you provide admission or passes.
They reimburse for tickets but it's not like other sports or event shops where they get the tickets for you (which is fine, since I've heard that when you do such shops you often get really shitty seats)
I did a bunch of basketball and football for them a few years ago. Except for one time when I was seated in the roof, I had very good or excellent seats. I do agree, it is luck since they do have various seats in different areas given to check experience of all guests, regardless of price of ticket.
Maybe someone will provide you with her Service Scouts official email and you can confirm that 'she' is actually the one who is emailing you through her personal email (which she should have done in the first place if you ask me).
I am wondering why your would buy tickets in advance without enough information? This is a business that you are operating? Would you expect one of your employees to buy something before hand? Would your reimburse that employee? Can that employee trust you? See if you can answer those questions before you would do this type of shop before you work with a scheduler with no e-mail address. I really do not like to fly my airplane blind. What do your think?
@gbarnes wrote:

I am wondering why your would buy tickets in advance without enough information? This is a business that you are operating? Would you expect one of your employees to buy something before hand? Would your reimburse that employee? Can that employee trust you? See if you can answer those questions before you would do this type of shop before you work with a scheduler with no e-mail address. I really do not like to fly my airplane blind. What do your think?

I don't think it's at all weird in many businesses to have the employee to buy something and then invoice their employer.
I don't think it's at all weird in many businesses to have the employee to buy something and then invoice their employer.[/quote]

Agree, most shops have a reimburseable purchaese. Some higher than others, but hotels and restaurants require that you pay then submit the report and receipt to get reimbursed or changes reversed.
I don't think it's weird at all to be asked to purchase the tickets & be reimbursed. I DO think it's shady to be required to purchase the tickets BEFORE being assigned the shop. How many times have there been posts where a scheduler calls/emails/texts a shopper and sets up a shop but then it never appears in the shop log.......
or the client decides to cancel the shop

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

I don't think it's weird at all to be asked to purchase the tickets & be reimbursed. I DO think it's shady to be required to purchase the tickets BEFORE being assigned the shop. How many times have there been posts where a scheduler calls/emails/texts a shopper and sets up a shop but then it never appears in the shop log.......
The requests that I have seen usually say words to the following effect: "If you are planning to attend concert/event X, let us know, buy your ticket and we will assign the shop. " In other words, we only expect you to do this if you were going anyway and would consider the reimbursement well worth your while. So where's the risk?

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 have done several shops for LaKeisha Dulin. She is an excellent and ethical scheduler for Service Scouts. These newer shops are a little different, but if you follow the guidelines, they do prove to be worth it!
Greetings Misantrope,
I want to assure you that I am a legitimate scheduler with Service Scouts and have been since December of 2016. My official email address is Lakeisha@servicescouts.com. When you received this email from my personal account it was during a time when I did not have access, an issue I assure you has since been resolved. I certainly can appreciate your concern and I apologize for the confusion.

The shops that require you to purchase tickets we reimburse the ticket cost up to $200. It is advisable for the shopper attending one of these events to purchase their tickets ahead of time to be sure that they can complete the shop as scheduled, as many shows sell out quickly. I would caution purchasing tickets solely for a shop prior to becoming assigned and receiving the notification of assignment. You, however, can be assigned the shop before tickets are purchased.

If you have any questions please let me know and I look forward to working with you in the future. I again apologize for any confusion.

--
Lakeisha Dulin
Service Scouts Scheduler
lakeisha@serviceScouts.com

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/08/2017 04:05PM by ClassyShopper126.
I would like to mention that I received a check in the mail a few days ago with full reimbursement for the shop I completed for Lakeisha, with no issues during the shop.
Thank you for posting an update about your shopping experience. I look forward to working with you on more assignments in the future.
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