As a recent grad, I have come to empathize with our new shoppers and seasoned shoppers when evaluating a client for the first time.  It’s a lot like starting classes, really. You sign up for a class knowing what subject will be taught, and likely who will be teaching it, but you haven’t completed this specific class before.  You aren’t as confident in the beginning as you will be at the end.

Here are a few tips to help you on your first day of classes and your first shop.

• Read your syllabus! Reading your shop guidelines well in advance will prevent a lot of mistakes.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Reading the guidelines will prepare you to ask questions before your shop. No question, no matter how small, is unimportant. Ask your professor (Scheduler) a few questions on your first day of class, and be sure to ask us questions when you call in to review your shop guidelines. We have the answers for you!

• Budget your time. Know the specifics of your assignment, and when it’s due. Being late doesn’t make a good impression in any situation.

• Keep an open mind. In class, you will come across ideas and concepts that may differ from your own. Some might align with your views while others may clash with them.  In mystery shopping, it’s good to keep an open mind in order to adapt to the situation.  Yes, we do prepare you through guidelines, but each individual experience will always be different.

• Accept criticism and learn to apply it. Your first couple assignments probably won’t be your best work.  You’re still learning the material, and you’re still getting used to your professor’s teaching style.  However, take whatever feedback you’re provided, and apply it to future work.  This goes for survey writing as well. Take the comments left by your editor at the end of your first shop and apply them. Making these adjustments will improve your writing and your score!

The only way to see what will work for you will be to actually go through the experience.  Your first day of class will teach you a lot about your professor, the course, and even your classmates.  Similarly, your first shop will show you your strengths and your weaknesses.  The key to both will be to make the necessary adjustments to improve, and remember that we are always here to help you through!