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Couple of questions...advice anyone?

December 09, 2011 07:49PM
Hi..I've been MSing for a few months and I enjoy it.

Let me preface my question by saying I know how weird this sounds.

I did an apartment shop today and the two women that worked there were great..my name is Lou but I'm female. Anyway, we talked about getting together socially for a drink or lunch. Any restrictions on this? The wrinkle is that I told them a big lie about why I was shopping for an apartment. I wouldn't mind making new friends though.

Also, I've done about 40 apartment shops for the same company. One of the schedulers/followup people starts contacting me several days in advance of the shop due date for status updates. The instructions usually state to shop and all on the same day, but when I don't call quickly enough I get an email. And, I sometimes get a letter on the same day the shop is due asking where it is. I've never missed a date or had to cancel but I'm starting to feel a bit hounded. Is there a business reason they are doing this? Maybe if I understand their side I won't be so annoyed.

Thanks in advance!
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December 09, 2011 08:10PM
lou,
Those reminders are almost certainly machine generated.

If you decide to socialize with someone that you have shopped, please remember that you can never tell them that you are a shopper. Also, it would probably mean that you could never shop any aprtment complex that is managed by the management company for whom your new friend(s) work, AND any one for whom they might work in the future. If it was me, I would look elsewhere for new friends.

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.
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December 09, 2011 08:52PM
I would need to agree with the issues involved in future socializing with those whom you have shopped. On reveals I have met some splendid folks I would enjoy seeing socially, but even in that scenario it is touchy. I am even very cautious in situations where I went back later to a situation to purchase goods or services. Reveals at least don't generally have a lie in them that can't readily be explained as just business.
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December 10, 2011 01:23AM
Lou, I am glad that you are finding this business to your liking. The unfortunate FACT is if you want to be in this business, you need to have a mindset that it is quite different from most other work you could do. To prevent yourself from getting hurt, fired and even sued, you need to make a couple of highly thought-out choices. Some shoppers are like me and carefully chose which jobs to take and which would interfere with how I want to live. Find someone who you trust, someone you can call and brainstorm with because this is not easy. I tell newby's the following:
1. If you are the social type, only takes jobs where if you do meet someone you like, it will not interfere with doing your work.
2. If you are not the social type... don't worry about it, your life will go on as it has in the past.

Try making a list of the types of Mystery or Secret Shopping you can do and stick to the plan and again, find a communication buddy to bounce your thoughts with. There are also a lot of revealed shops out there (usually do not pay as well, but you do not have to worry about secrecy). Also look into integrity shops as they are much easier to hind and you do not have to worry about your true identity.

Remember each day to "help someone, laugh and learn something new!"
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December 11, 2011 05:25PM
I had a smililiar experience on my last makeup shop. I got a makeover, but was there to see a face creme. The Associate said, could I give you a makeover, and I accepted, stating I was looking for a light mosturizer with SPF....well, she was darling and gave me an extensive makeover, looked great
and while talking, she says she gives makeover parties, do I have a few friends. She was super soliciting me into having a party, got a bit uncomfortable, long story short, she took my phone#, invited me back to an
event at the store, three days later I get a phone call asking if I was planning my makeover party. I know I can't do that, she was nice and just
trying to make a living, but being a shopper, put me in an uncomfortable
place. I did not write this in report, but did not follow up with
her invitation, even though I would have gotten some expensive makeup for
having the party. Wish I wasn't a shopper in this instance.

Live consciously....
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December 12, 2011 12:49AM
Thanks, everyone, for your advice. You're right...can't be friends with these women. What a shame but business is business!
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