Evaluator Q&A
Could this be considered a full time job?
Being an evaluator with PatronEdge is not designed to be a full time job. In fact, it is
not even designed to be a part time job. It is designed to be a fun job where you get
paid to provide feedback on the things that you like to do. Don't expect to pay your
bills with the income from PatronEdge, just enhance your lifestyle.
Are there any prerequisites in order to becoming a mystery shopper with PatronEdge?
- Have email access
- Have Microsoft Word
- Be able to email "Word" documents as attachments
- Read through training materiels
- Complete telephone training
- Be genuinely interested in providing feedback to help businesses
- Complete and return the independent contractors agreement
Who makes a good mystery shopper?
The following types of people make good mystery shoppers:
- Dependable
- Detail Oriented
- Honest
Those who would like the opportunity to provide feedback to business owners regarding customer service issues.
Who makes a bad mystery shopper?
Someone who is in it just for the money and someone who does not understand this is designed to be a fun job
How are mystery shoppers classified?
Mystery shoppers are classified as independent contractors. You need to complete and return the independent contractors agreement.
Who is responsible for the actions of an evaluator?
Mystery shoppers are responsible for their own actions. PatronEdge is not responsible for your actions before, during or after a review. Mystery shoppers should not engage in any activity or do anything that they would not normally do. If you do not drink, then don't order a drink. If you do not drive on rainy or snowy nights, then do not complete the assignment. It most likely can be rescheduled. You should act the way you normally would, with the only difference that you are documenting your experience. It is basically common sense. You need to use your best judgment as you are responsible for any outcomes. Your safety should always be your top priority.
What should evaluators be thinking about when completing a mystery shop assignment?
Detail! Detail! Detail!
Shoppers should make pretend they are a sponge and absorb everything they observe during a review.
Shoppers should make pretend they are a video recorder and record everything they observe during an evaluation.
Shoppers need to be discrete during their reviews. If employees discover who you are, the evaluation most likely will be pointless. Many employees know that they will be shopped at some point and try to identify the mystery shopper.
How do shoppers prepare for a mystery shop assignment?
- Make sure you are familiar with what you need to evaluate.
- Make sure you are familiar with the evaluation form.
- Make sure you have a note taking system in place.
- Call or email PatronEdge with questions.
- Do not assume anything!
How do shoppers take notes when completing a mystery shop assignment?
A good note taking system is needed in order to document the detail of information required in the evaluation reports.
Many evaluators use a combination of note taking techniques. Several different note taking techniques are as follows:
Bring a newspaper or a magazine and takes notes on sticky pads or a small notebook.
Make it look like you are copying information from the magazine or newspaper.
Call your voice mail from you cell phone to document details.
Use a pay phone to call your voice mail to document details.
Bring a tape recorder and record your notes during the review.
Take notes in the rest rooms
How do shoppers complete the report?
All evaluations are completed in Microsoft Word. There are tables set up where you place an "X" in the yes, no, n/a section. Please see the sample evaluation for examples. There are also areas where you type in a summary. Please see the sample evaluation for examples.
The summary sections are the most important part of your report. All you need to do is type in the information. Do not worry about formatting the reports. Reports will be formatted by PatronEdge before being forwarded to the client.
Once the evaluation is completed, the completed report must be emailed to PatronEdge as an attachment within 3 days of the evaluation. Please save the templates and your reports to your hard drive or a disk and save often while completing the report.
When should the reports be completed?
Reports should be completed as soon as possible after the review has been completed. Ideally, the report should be completed later that day or early the next day. The sooner you complete the report, the easier it will be because the details will still be fresh in your mind.
Are reports checked before they go to the client?
Every report is reviewed by PatronEdge before it is forwarded to the client. You will be called or emailed if there is any missing information or inconsistencies in your report.
What is the compensation structure for shoppers?
Mystery shoppers typically get reimbursed for most or all of their expenses plus a fee. Depending on the evaluation there may be restrictions on what you can and what you can not purchase.
Keep in mind that you are paid by the completed job, not by the hour.
Are there any situations when a shopper might not get reimbursed for an assignment?
Yes. This is critical. Evaluators are accountable for their evaluations. Our clients can reject any report that is either incomplete or late. If a client rejects a report, you will not be reimbursed for your expenses or paid any related fees. It should be noted that this has never happened, but it is up to you to make sure you understand what you are responsible for. We are here for questions and will do whatever we can to provide you with the training and support that you may need.
When do shoppers get reimbursed for an assignment?
Mystery shoppers will be reimbursed within two weeks after they submit an evaluation that has been accepted by the client.
What happens if an evaluator forgets to complete a section?
With proper preparation, this should not happen, but if it does, just leave it blank. Do not make anything up.
Can I bring another guest or two and pay for their bill separately?
This is not a good idea. Only the shopper and a guest should complete the evaluation. If other friends are with you, this can distract you from completing the evaluation. These evaluations are very important to PatronEdge and our clients. I don't know of anyone who brings their friends to work, why should this be treated any differently.
For a restaurant review, what are the food/beverage purchase guidelines?
In general the following purchases are allowed during a restaurant review:
- 1 appetizer to split
- 2 entrees from different sections of the menu
- 1 dessert to split
- 2 drinks total each (1 alcoholic drink each if you choose)
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PatronEdge, LLC - We keep your customers coming back!
P.O. Box 72, Danvers, MA 01923 - (978) 774-9763 - patronedge@verizon.net
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