I've read posts about people having their favorite schedulers, or schedulers that contact them on a regular basis. I've only done about 10 shops for different companies but I don't think I've ever gotten a "personal" email from one and never got a phone call.

aunt,
It's too early in yout MS carrer to expect to develop much rapport with schedulers. And, when you shop for some gigantic MSCs, you may never do so, since they deal with huge numbers.

That said, I began to develop a history with some schedulers right from my first shop for them. I would send an email saying that I had just submitted my first shops of [some knid, like an apartment] for them and, since I was wanting to better understand their standards, I would appreciate any constructive feedback. About half of those schedulers replied with helpful and supportive comments.

The other thing was that I made a rep as being absolutely reliable, and then woulsd ask if there was some threshold that where I might anticipate being considered a "preferred shopper" for that company.

Also, I tried to contact schedulers when I had good news for them; not just when disaster struck.

I am sure that other seasoned shoppers will chime in with more ideas and experiences. Bottom line is that it is up to you to "cultivate" these relationships. That can be as simple as being sure to smile and sya "please" and "thank you," and as complicated as taking a deep breath and counting to 100 when you think that you have been disrespected or treated unfairly. THEN, you can calm down and state your side of the case to a scheduler or manager in a logical and professional manner. No need to grovel; no excuse for spewing fire and brimstone, eiher. lol



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2012 08:11PM by walesmaven.

Hi AuntCarrie!
I have learned that scheduler's may have the hardest job in the mystery shopping world. They have to nearly beg and plead for shops to be done at the best possible pay (for the client of course), on time, and with complete reports. Given that, I always keep my schedulers posted, whether I have worked with them once or 20 times. I send them a quick message after I have completed a shop to let them know the shop is done and I will submit the report when I return home or certainly before the stated deadline. I cannot tell you how many times I have received a thank you from schedulers for sending a short message to them. Basically, it was one potential issue they could cross off their list. You know you will do the shop, but they have no idea if you will do it, flake, or have a legitimate reason that keeps you from the shop. I am constantly amazed at how many checks/payments I receive from companies that I have never spoken a word to in person or the phone. At any rate, I think schedulers stay on pins and needles when their deadlines approach hoping that shoppers will come through. I would imagine it would be a big sigh of relief to get a confirmation before the report was submitted that "all is well in mystery shopping land!"

amie is right on the money! Schedulers need good news like plants need water! Almost no one communicates with them when things are going well. Even those who get thousands of emails will not be upset if you send one with GOOD news.

Also, a nice closing is always a good idea. Something like, "Thank you for your continued help and support." It's all part of playing well with others.

Being a loyal monthly shopper and getting good marks gives you a one up.....this (of course) takes time, but does happen and is nice. I love getting one on one "Invites" to do jobs that aren't on the boards. I get
first choice of jobs because they can depend on me, be patient, continue doing your best work, I've been at it 6 years, and many fellow forum members much longer. Rome wasn't built in a day!

Welcome, Auntcarrie4! One way to get to know your scheduler is to make yourself memorable to them. Take the occasional out of the way assignment, make your email contacts friendly, get to know them on a personal level and thank them if they go out of their way for you.