Video Shop Report Submission:
How to Finish the Assignment
A video shop report submission is the final step in completing a video mystery shopping assignment.
Finishing the visit doesn't mean the job is over. You still need to make sure your recording is usable, complete the required report, upload or submit the video correctly, and meet the company's deadline.
I've learned that what you do after leaving the location can be just as important as the mystery shop itself.
Want more help getting started? My book, Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!, walks you through finding assignments, completing shops, writing reports, and avoiding many of the mistakes new shoppers make.
Check Your Recording First
After completing a video mystery shop, make sure you actually have the recording.
You don't necessarily have to watch every minute immediately, but verify that the file exists, appears to be complete, and has usable video and audio.
This is especially important if something unusual happened during the assignment.
I've had equipment problems over the years, and there's nothing worse than thinking you've successfully completed a shop only to discover later that part of the recording is missing.
If there is a problem, don't try to hide it.
Contact the mystery shopping company and explain what happened. The company can decide what needs to be done.
Complete the Written Report
A video mystery shop may still require a written report.
One advantage I've found with many video assignments is that the narrative can sometimes be shorter because the client can see and hear the interaction.
But don't assume that means the report isn't important.
Answer every required question accurately. If the report asks for times, names, descriptions, or other details, make sure your answers agree with what happened during the recorded visit.
The video and written report should support each other.
Don't exaggerate or add something simply because you think that's what the client wants to hear. Report what happened.
Video Shop Report Submission Requirements
Every company can have different video shop report submission procedures.
Some companies may have an online system where you complete the report and upload the recording. Others may provide different instructions for transferring large video files.
Follow the company's directions.
Don't rename files unless you're instructed to do so. Don't change the video format simply because another company wanted a different format. And don't edit the recording unless the assignment instructions specifically tell you to.
The client may want the complete interaction exactly as it occurred.
Before starting an assignment, I like to know how the report and video will have to be submitted. That way, I'm not discovering an unfamiliar process when I'm already facing a deadline.
Video Files Can Take Time to Upload
Video files can be large.
Depending on the length of the assignment, file size, internet connection, and submission system, an upload can take considerably longer than you expect.
Don't wait until a few minutes before the deadline to start.
I once completed six video shops in five cities during a trip that covered approximately 800 miles. Completing the shops was only part of the work. I spent much of the following day completing reports and dealing with the videos.
That's something shoppers should consider before accepting multiple video assignments.
Your time doesn't end when you walk out the door.
Keep a Copy Until the Assignment Is Accepted
I recommend keeping your original recording until you're certain the mystery shopping company has successfully received it and the assignment has been accepted.
Don't immediately erase the file to make room for another shop.
An upload can fail. A file can become corrupted during transfer. A company may ask you to resend something.
Keeping the original gives you another chance if something goes wrong.
Once the company confirms that everything has been received and accepted, follow its instructions and your own appropriate data-handling practices concerning how long recordings should be retained.
Remember that these recordings can contain identifiable people and conversations. They shouldn't be treated casually.
Review Before You Hit Submit
Before completing a video shop report submission, take a few minutes to review everything.
Did you answer every required question?
Are names spelled correctly?
Did you enter the correct location?
Are your times accurate?
Did you attach or upload the correct recording?
If you've completed several assignments in one day, this becomes especially important. You don't want to accidentally send the recording from Location A with the report for Location B.
Develop a system that works for you.
Organization becomes increasingly important as you complete more assignments.
Don't Miss the Deadline
Mystery shopping companies have deadlines because their clients have deadlines.
If a report is due that evening, don't assume tomorrow morning is close enough.
At the same time, unexpected problems can happen. Your internet connection can fail. An upload can stop. A video file can cause problems.
If you know you're going to miss a deadline, contact the company as soon as possible.
Communication is much better than silence.
A scheduler or editor may be able to help with a technical problem or give you instructions for submitting the material another way.
The Assignment Isn't Finished Until Everything Is Submitted
Video mystery shopping requires more than successfully completing the interaction.
The client ultimately needs the recording and whatever supporting report was requested.
That's why I consider video shop report submission part of the assignment—not something separate that happens afterward.
Before accepting a video shop, consider the entire workload: preparation, driving, completing the assignment, writing the report, transferring the video, and handling any follow-up questions.
When you consistently submit accurate reports, usable recordings, and everything on time, you make life easier for the mystery shopping company.
And being the shopper who makes things easier instead of harder is a good way to build a reputation for reliability.
About the Author
I'm Mystery Don (Donald J. Servais, Jr.), and I've completed mystery shopping assignments for restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, automobile dealerships, new-home builders, and other businesses.
I created MystShopper.com to share what I've learned from my own experiences, help new shoppers avoid common mistakes, and explain how legitimate mystery shopping really works.
I'm also the author of Take That Job And Mystery Shop It!, which includes beginner-friendly advice, real-world mystery shopping experiences, and a directory of more than 150 mystery shopping companies.
Drawing on my 45-year career in television, I've also written 7 Keys to Success in a Changing Television Industry, a guide for people interested in building a career in television and video.
My goal is simple: honest guidance without the hype.
We're always looking for new faces to visit different places.
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