What did I get Myself Into?!

Younger aged Rookie here!

Signed up with BestMark in late March, tried out a few shops -- including some big box electronic gadget dealers, and a bunch of car dealers and web sites. I've done roughly 2 dozen shops so far. I'm signing up with other companies (Rejected by Marketforce and Inteli), but going through the motions with other companies.

So far I am greatly enjoying my time with BestMark... But my only complaint is they have a lack of selection. I don't mind the paperwork at all and the editors have been outstanding to work with!

I am mostly here to lurk on and gather whatever advice from others that I can to make myself better.... but boy do I have some stories already. My 5th shop at the retailer was pretty eye opening. And the car shop yesterday...well....the dealer busted out laughing in complete hysteria when he asked me if my vehicle I was looking to trade in was ever in an accident. All I said was, "Yes." I was quite confused really

Good to be here!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2016 12:17AM by MysteriousLurker.

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Hi, welcome, mysterious lurker! Like you, I mostly read the forum to hear about other, more experienced shoppers' advice and wisdom. I like working with BestMark as well. I've found them to be very helpful. They also pay in a timely manner.

I have been mystery shopping for about six months and really enjoy being part of this forum. It is a great way of learning. I have had good experiences with Bestmark and have done a couple of shops for them.

@Bubbabubba wrote:

I'm bewildered as to how and why you people seemingly have a "relationship" with editors and or schedulers. You talk of them by first name as if they occasionally sit at your thanksgiving dinner table! I almost never, ever had a conversation with anybody at an MSC. Even then it was a micro conversation or a brief note.

You make it sound like rapport building with the powers that bee's is the end of the world, or something?

@MysteriousLurker wrote:

@Bubbabubba wrote:

I'm bewildered as to how and why you people seemingly have a "relationship" with editors and or schedulers. You talk of them by first name as if they occasionally sit at your thanksgiving dinner table! I almost never, ever had a conversation with anybody at an MSC. Even then it was a micro conversation or a brief note.

You make it sound like rapport building with the powers that bee's is the end of the world, or something?

@MysteriousLurker, read some of Bubba's other posts in the forum and you will quickly learn not to take any "advice" from him. Schedulers, editors and MSC owners read this forum also. That is probably why Bubba has not cultivated any relationships with these people.

I don't know... but the schedulers and the editors are technically "the boss" (in my world, anyways). Of course you want to establish some sort of relationship, but at the same time, you don't want to brown nose them either. Just be kind to each other, yes?

And point well taken, Sybil2

Yeah...alrighty. Cool man.

I view them as the client. I cultivate clients by thanking them, when that is appropriate, asking for clarification when necessary, and recognizing that we are in this together. If they, as individuals do not think that we need to work as colleagues, there are plenty who do think that, and I move on to work more frequently with them. With that outlook I do very, very well without demeaning myself in any fashion.

If you find yourself in a "zero sum game" with editors and/or schedulers, move on. But, if that happens a lot, time for self-examination.

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.

For me, it was a long time before I forged first-name-basis relationships with schedulers. There's attrition among schedulers, shoppers, and clients.

I determine MSC preferences based on communication and expectation, coupled with the client/reimbursement being worthwhile. Based on that, if I've had a mutually wonderful relationship with an MSC, great. If the MSC loses clients of value to me, I don't deactivate myself, but it takes a backseat in my lineup.

MysteriousLurker, I have shopped with, and liked Bestmark for years, and agree with you, wish they had more variety.

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