New shopper wondering about phone calls

Hi everyone,

I've pondered mystery shopping on and off for years but after reading a fair bit recently and discovering this amazing forum a few days ago (seriously, this place is great) I've signed up for a few companies but have yet to do my first shop.

I have anxiety issues and getting the nerve to get out there and do my first shop or two is a big hurdle but once I'm passed that it should be much easier. However, talking on the phone is generally a major anxiety trigger for me so I very much doubt I'll be doing any phone shops. What I'm wondering about though, is how often I might be called up by schedulers offering me shops or, conversely, how often I might have to call them. I'd really prefer to avoid this as much as possible. Them calling me, in particular. What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

(edit: formatting)

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/18/2018 11:27PM by loosepieces4d.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2018 07:44PM by Megs7521.

@loosepieces4d
You should be able to set your preferences with each company such that they only contact you via email.
There is a downside to this, however: I find that, when a company is desperate and really needs a shop done (and therefore willing to pay through the nose to get you to do it), the offer comes via telephone.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.

Wow, such quick responses. Thanks, guys.

At this point it really is much ado about nothing. Many companies have self-assign job boards so you would have little, if any, contact with schedulers while any editing questions would be handled via email. Honestly, as a brand new shopper you are not going to be on a scheduler's go to list yet. When you get to that point there is still the option of screening phone calls. Some schedulers will leave messages for you to either call or email them.

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.

I've been shopping for about 17 years and I rarely talk to anyone on the phone. Almost everything is via email.

Sounds good. Thanks for the info and reassurance.

I was anxious too when I started mystery shopping. Reading guidelines and then again and again. Doing the same type of shops gives you confidence. I barely feel any anxiety even on recorded shops. My advice would be to start slow. Definitely try all kinds phone and visits. I have learnt a lot about interacting with people over phone and in person. Makes you confident.

Welcome! I'm welcoming you before I even introduce myself! Definitely take it at your own pace, you don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. Just jump in, as Mum said, experience is what will boost your confidence. If you do have to get on the phone, keep a bag of M&M's nearby! LOL

I have to disagree a bit with my colleagues, but then we all run our businesses differently, I spend significant time on the phone and could not operate without doing so. Can a successful mystery shopping business be run with minimum phone time? Apparently so, but not my approach.

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New shopper wondering about phone calls

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