From the state-of-the-art Samsung folding phone to Advanced Computer Trends, many people around the world are fascinated by technology. As a former trainer for Best Buy employees representing six electronic firms, I try to maintain intelligence of emerging fields and apply them to my work environment today.
If you relish cutting-edge smart phone apps or couldn’t imagine life without tech, mystery shopping in technology fields could be your calling. Companies like Ipsos, See Level, Jancyn, The Source are great spots for opportunities. (Please visit those links to register for jobs with those companies.)
Simply scanning competitive prices with your device, pretending to purchase smart phones, computers or appliances, or scheduling a visit from a tech company can be an easy avenue for financial gain and entertainment.
If you generate long distance telephone calls from home the Ooma phone system is great. Like all VoIP telephones it requires an internet connection. After the initial payment for the box, there is no cost (except for monthly federal taxes) to make phone calls anywhere in the United States. It has saved me thousands of dollars over the past 15 years. I have found the system very useful for conference calls, and phone mystery shops. Ooma Telephone System
Key elements to successful technology shops:
- Proper Representation
- Educational Opportunity
- Objective and Perspective Viewpoints
- Attention to Detail, Timely Reporting, and Accuracy
First “good” companies will give you guidelines to follow. Will you be a shopper or temporary company representative?
As a quality mystery shopper you must represent yourself as the guidelines direct you.
You may get a letter to hand a manager.
Sometimes you are permitted to have knowledge about advanced merchandise and discuss with associates. Often you are required to pose as a typical patron with limited product information during the shop.
Be careful not to blow your identity…
Generally you can not be a typical client telling a store employee what he or she should know.
Many companies will tell you to visit websites and become familiar with specific brands before going to a location or shopping online.
Some companies require short test before you are allowed to apply for the shop.
I look at these as an opportunity to learn new things and utilize them for the shop as well as my own life.
If you have conducted any mystery shop, you probably know that some questions can be answered with a yes/no or defined answer while others require your view of the events that happened.
Do not volunteer your opinion of associates, stores, devices…only provide data if challenged to do so by the mystery shop company or the scheduler that has hired you for the job. Confidentiality is a must. Companies may use the information you provide to create better items, devise innovative features or even the elimination of entire lines.
Did the associate hand you the phone or did you pick it up? Sounds harmless to answer wrong on a shop questionnaire, but the associates job may depend on whether you answer truthfully.
I can not stress enough the importance of reporting your mystery shop findings before deadlines. This will impact future jobs from any company and it is a great business practice to follow to be on time or early.
With the advent of cameras at stores, and recorded phone calls, your lack of accuracy in reporting could jeopardize your mystery shop payments as well. Recently I conducted an in store phone mystery shop, and because the time stamp on the stores’ video camera was wrong I almost did not get paid. Thankfully the photos I took had elements to prove me correct.
Finally more information is always a good thing. If you are required to get a business card or photo, get an extra picture or two, or a brochure from the location. Generally speaking if a scheduler questions you and you are able to provide an extra photo, brochure or descriptive elements (he wore a red sweater vest)…your pay check tends to come a lot faster.
4 Companies That May Have Technology Mystery Shops In Your Area: Ipsos, See Level, Jancyn, The Source
James Edward Montgomery is a professional mystery shopper and company brand ambassador. With over 30 years experience in both fields he writes from practical experience and hails from the SW Virginia area.
Hello this message is for Mr. Montgomery and I was wondering if you could give me any tips or information on how to get started as a brand ambassador. Basically I am now currently a shopper and I found it interesting when I saw that you are a shopper and Brand Ambassador because this is exactly what I am trying to do! I sincerely have a passion for assisting small business owners, it brings me complete joy to just share my friends’ Facebook post promoting their Business and products. I put thought into it, I make sure it’s eye catching & I effectively post it, and that is all for free lol But recently after doing my sharing, I brought a close friend 3 different customers & that’s when I knew I could make this my career
I was previously cut off but I guess my question is what is the best way to start when becoming a reputable, paid brand ambassador?
Would like to br a part of these new shop opportunity.
I am in tucson Arizona can you help.
Great article,
Quality Writing!
I always wonder if I am giving too much information on some of these shops. Just recently questioned on a report; when you answered, “were the dishes cleared from the table?” NO, please explain, (This was over the phone). Included in this report were required photos. The picture that is required as you walk away from the table shows the dishes still sitting off to the side. My tips are on the TABLE!
And Yes, they are that exacting.
Phone call assignments, on a RECORDED Line.
And let me tell you, I have learned, listen to the recording,
WRITE it down word for word, and that is how you fill in reports.
If you do not usually you are either questioned to recheck your comments OR not get paid. Even though they can listen to these recording, we are the ones being PAID to report to them.
The Editors to these reports Are doing their Job when your reports sound too good to be true.
yes, the waitress did not return to the table with in five minutes to check.
yes, I was not told to have a good day or take it easy, at the end of the transaction and I had to ask for the receipt.
THIS Is what they Truely want to know.
That’s my soapbox today!
I am in KC. What areas offer this opportunity?