Mystery Shopping Scheduler Tips That Can Help You Get More Assignments
Schedulers can be some of the most important people you deal with as a mystery shopper. They have assignments that need to be completed, sometimes on very short notice. If you develop a reputation for being dependable, you may find schedulers contacting you when they need help.
That doesn't mean you need to become best friends with every scheduler. It means being professional, communicating clearly, and doing what you said you would do.
These mystery shopping scheduler tips can help you become the kind of shopper schedulers want to use again.
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.
Mystery Shopping Scheduler Tips: Be Dependable
One of the easiest ways to make a good impression is simply to complete your assignment when you promised.
Schedulers often work with dozens or even hundreds of shoppers. If you accept a written restaurant shop for Tuesday, they expect it to be completed Tuesday. If something prevents you from doing it, contact the scheduler as soon as possible.
Don't wait until the report is overdue.
Schedulers understand that emergencies happen. Cars break down. Children get sick. Severe weather can make travel dangerous. A location may unexpectedly close.
Communication makes the difference.
A shopper who sends a message explaining the situation gives the scheduler an opportunity to find a replacement. A shopper who simply disappears creates another problem for the scheduler.
Read the Instructions Before Asking Questions
Schedulers receive plenty of questions that are already answered in the shop instructions.
Before sending an email, reread the guidelines.
If you're doing a restaurant assignment, make sure you understand what you must order, how many people can accompany you, the required time frame, and what receipts or photographs you'll need.
Video mystery shops require even more preparation. You may need to know where you're permitted to position equipment, how long the interaction should last, and whether additional documentation is required.
If something still isn't clear, ask.
A good question is much better than guessing and completing the assignment incorrectly.
Don't Accept More Than You Can Handle
It's tempting to load your schedule when you see several good-paying assignments available.
Be careful.
Five easy shops can suddenly become difficult when they all require reports by midnight.
Written mystery shops may require detailed narratives, photographs, receipts, business cards, or timing information. Video assignments can require uploading large files in addition to completing a report.
Look at your entire workload before accepting another assignment.
Schedulers would rather have you successfully complete three shops than accept six and cancel half of them.
Help When a Scheduler Is in Trouble
Here's one of my favorite mystery shopping scheduler tips.
Pay attention to last-minute requests.
A scheduler may send an email saying an assignment must be completed today or tomorrow. Perhaps another shopper cancelled. Maybe the client suddenly added locations.
If the assignment is nearby and you can reasonably complete it, consider helping.
Sometimes these shops include bonuses because the deadline is approaching. Even when they don't, helping a scheduler solve a problem can make you memorable.
The next time that scheduler has a desirable assignment in your area, your name may come to mind.
That doesn't mean you should accept an unprofitable shop just to make someone happy. Mystery shopping is still a business. Calculate your travel, time, reimbursement, and reporting requirements before accepting it.
Build a Reputation for Good Reports
Completing the visit is only half the assignment.
Your report matters.
Answer every question. Write clear narratives. Check names, times, descriptions, and other details before submitting the report. Upload the correct receipt and photographs.
For video shops, check your equipment beforehand and make sure the interaction was successfully recorded before leaving whenever possible.
Schedulers appreciate shoppers whose reports don't require repeated follow-up questions.
If an editor constantly has to contact you for missing information, you're creating more work for the company.
Don't Argue Over Every Problem
There will eventually be a disagreement.
Perhaps an editor questions something in your report. Maybe your reimbursement is different from what you expected. You might believe the instructions weren't clear.
It's important to stay professional.
Make sure to explain what happened and provide documentation when appropriate. One thing I've done is save the assignment instructions, receipts, confirmation emails, and relevant correspondence until I've been paid.
You can disagree without becoming hostile.
Remember that the scheduler may not be the person who rejected part of your report or changed a requirement. The client, editor, or mystery shopping company may have made that decision.
Your Reputation Follows You
Mystery shopping schedulers need reliable shoppers. They will call on them often. They also remember shoppers who repeatedly cancel assignments, miss deadlines, ignore emails, or submit incomplete reports.
Some of the best mystery shopping scheduler tips are also the simplest: read the instructions, meet your deadlines, communicate when there's a problem, and submit accurate work.
You don't have to be the shopper who accepts every assignment.
Become the shopper who can be counted on when you accept one.
That reputation can eventually lead to better shops, last-minute bonuses, and schedulers contacting you directly when they have an assignment that needs the right person.
About the Author
I'm Mystery Don, and I've completed mystery shopping assignments for restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, automobile dealerships, and new home builders.
I created this website to help people avoid the mistakes I've seen—and to show new shoppers how legitimate mystery shopping really works.
My book Take That Job And Mystery Shop It! lists over 150 mystery shopping companies to contact. I offer beginner-friendly tips and honest guidance without hype.
We're always looking for new faces to visit different places.
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