Medical Mystery Shopping - Part Two - It's Personal

Yesterday was another medical shopping day.  I was originally asked to have a blood test at a hospital lab.  However, I had to decline.  The last time someone tried to take blood from me, I got yelled at by two doctors, and I ended up leaving the emergency room three hours later in tears and without a real diagnosis.  Like it's my fault my veins wouldn't cooperate,  The next day, several people asked me if I was "using."  So, we won't go there again unless death is iminent.  I was ultimately approved for another much simpler lab test.  I had my morning all planned.  I could be at the hospital when the lab opened at 7:30 AM, get the quick test, drive down the road and complete a walkthrough at another hospital emergency room, and then go across the street for a final walkthrough at a surgery center.  I could be home before 11:00 AM.  Quick, painless, easy.  Or so I thought.

With tape recorder going and camera in hand, I arrived at the hospital.  I was immediately met at the information desk by a group of ladies I refer to as "the gestapo."  This is my not-so-affectionate term for the hospital auxiliary workers at this particular facility.  This is not the first time I have encountered these ladies.  I am fairly certain it would be easier to breach security at the Pentagon than to go anywhere unescorted in this particular hospital with these particular women at the front desk.  As it happened, the physician had not faxed over the order for the test, and I was not permitted to go to the lab.  I was not even permitted to go (unescorted) past the front desk.  I was turned away.

I came back later after I was instructed to demand the test without the doctor's order.  Supposedly, this was allowed since I was presenting as a self-pay patient.  So after spending 45 minutes there earlier and then completing my walkthroughs in another town down the road, I returned.  By this time, it was already 11:00, and I should have been home.  My mood was souring.  I re-entered the hospital, confident and arrogant.  I demanded my test.  Again, I was turned away.  I was beyond frustrated by this point - I was livid!  I decided since I had gone all the way out there (twice), I was not leaving that place without taking pictures of something.  So I decided it would be a good time to pick up the results of my gallbladder ultrasound from the last mystery shop I completed there.  I was finally permitted over the threshold, escorted by "the new girl."  I snapped as many photos as I could, which wasn't many because I was being watched like a hawk.  However, unlike previous visits, I was finally set free at medical records.  I couldn't believe it!  The new girl had walked away!  This was my golden opportunity.  I quickly retrieved my medical records and began to look for the lab, snapping pictures along the way of trash in the hallway, a straw wrapper here, a napkin there.  I wanted to find every possible infraction in these hallowed halls.  This had become personal!  I was so focused on getting pictures of the little things, I failed to notice I somehow made a turn that put me right back in the lobby.  I started to u-turn, but I had already been spotted.  As a certain teenager I know would say, "Epic fail!"  Golden opportunity lost.  I left the hospital defeated and dejected.

The day, however, was not a loss.  The company arranged an alternate lab visit, and I was paid an additional amount to complete an experience survey about what happened at the hospital.  Although frustrating, the day was profitable, and all's well that ends well.  Still, I am going to have my revenge on the gestapo.  Maybe not this week or even this year, but I'm not giving up.  Because now it's personal.

PJs: The New Career-Wear

Today I am working in a cool, dark bedroom surrounded by cats.  This is the busy time of month for editing.  So I generally hole up in the house somewhere for at least a week and focus on the editing.  No shopping.  No human contact until my husband gets home from work.  Just me and the cats and a bucket of Einstein Bros Bagels.  And PJs.  Lots of PJs.

I have an affinity for pajamas.  I always have.  The first thing that came to mind when I took the editing job was, "I can work in my pajamas."  I actually had a legitimate excuse to buy more pajamas.  I no longer tossed the Kohl's sale ads and 20% off coupons in the trash.  I cleared out another dresser drawer.  I got rid of every suit in my closet except one.  I hinted to my family that pajama-grams would be an awesome birthday or Christmas gift.  My career wardrobe gives new meaning to the term "Business Casual."

I also have a rotating office.  Several years ago, we converted a screened-in porch to a beautiful office, but it's in the back of the house, and it gets quite warm in the summer sun.  So I move around.  Sometimes I work in the spare bedroom, but the treadmill is in there, and when I am not exercising regularly, I get a guilt complex just looking at it.  Sometimes I move into the dining room.  The dining room table is a great work surface; it's large and can comfortably hold my laptop, printer, all my paperwork, and the cats.  Of course, we can't eat off of it.  And I think being in the dining room makes me hungrier anyway.  So this week I am working in the bedroom.  I'm cool, I'm comfortable, I'm focused.  I'm in my Sleep Number bed.  It's my favorite workspace.  If I get tired and want a little afternoon siesta, I don't even have to move.  I just take my computer off my lap and shift a little.

After all, I'm already wearing my PJs.

If you're a mystery shopper with a flair for writing, and you think editing from home in your pajamas might be a good fit for you, let me know.  We might have a position for you at www.a-closer-look.com.

Down time

For the first time in over a year, I took two days off from mystery shopping.  Not only did I take two days off, I spent my own money on a spa, hotel, and meals.  Not one single mystery shop!  I was not sure how I would feel about that, but I enjoyed it.  I mean REALLY enjoyed it!  I love mystery shopping and all the great (free) experiences, but this was different.  I was truly able to relax.  And isn't that what a spa visit is all about?  I didn't have to pay attention to what was being done, what was being said, what was out of place, how long everything took.  I could simply tune out.  And I did, most of the time.

Riverview Spa - Hot Pool and Waterfall



Another benefit was the opportunity to visit some small mom and pop type places that do not utilize mystery shopping.  We found the cutest little place to stay on the beach ...

Turtle Run Inn

... and the owner there introduced us to a new favorite restaurant where we enjoyed yummy flatbread, salads and sandwiches plus some pretty good chocolate martinis. 

Lisa and Heidi @ SoNapa Wine Co.

I still found myself timing my meal and noting everyone's names - habits - but I left my tape recorder at home, and I'm not even sure I carried a pen.  No texting, either.  So did I really tune out and turn it all off?  Well, my friend and I came back from our two-day excursion with a plan.  Next summer ... 48 states in 30 days at no cost.  So I guess even when I'm not mystery shopping, I'm still thinking about it.  I'll get back to shopping today, but I leave you now with a New Smyrna Beach sunrise - the view from my back patio yesterday morning.

Addiction

Tonight I will drive 90 miles to enjoy one of the finest dining experiences available.  I will enjoy fine wine, a $45 steak, some overpriced side dishes, and a perfectly prepared dessert.  I will be treated like royalty.  Then I will come home and write about it.  Fine dining mystery shops are what we work toward as new shoppers (well, that and a cruise).  Finally, the day comes when we have shopped enough fast food and casual dining restaurants and turned in enough well-written, on-time reports that the companies trust us with their high-end clients.  The downside is it's really easy to get used to the finer things in life.  So much so that it's difficult to go without them.  I know some of you know what I'm talking about!  It's difficult to go back to a 1/4 pounder with cheese and limp French Fries when you've had carpaccio, lobster mac and cheese, and the most tender filet on the bone.  Not to mention a $25 glass of wine that's actually worth it.  Which is why I will drive 90 miles tonight.  Restaurant clients have rotation requirements.  This particular client only allows the same shopper to visit every 6 months.  Per location.  That's the catch.  We can get our fix, but we have to be willing to travel a little further if we've already been to the closer locations.  I'm willing.

Ready for a new addiction?  Sign up at www.a-closer-look.com.

Happy Dining! 

Mystery Shopping on a Diet: Impossible?

I've been avoiding food shops like the plague for the past three weeks.  It might sound easy to do, but it's harder than you think, especially if you're mystery shopping all day long and schedulers start calling you mid-month dangling attractive bonuses as incentive.  For one thing, you have to eat while you're out.  I mean, mystery shopping is strenuous, hard work!  Okay, maybe that's just my excuse because I love to eat.  But I could pack my lunch, right?  A tuna fish sandwich, a piece of fruit.  I tried that once.  I forgot it was there, and I live in Florida.  Can you imagine the smell in my car?  No, I don't think I'll try that again.  Besides, I have to pay for that stuff.  If you're anything like me, you find it a ridiculous concept to pay for food when you can get it for free.  And there are just SO MANY food shops!  So, I broke down.  I said, "Yes," to the schedulers today.  I'm just doing my part, trying to be responsible and helpful so that one day, they might throw me a bone or something I really, really want.  Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of it.  I went online to add a few shops to my route since I was going to be "out that way" anyway.  Well, apparently my mouse has a mind of it's own.  It's like poltergeist in my laptop.  Whatever it is, I found myself with more food shops than I can possibly eat in a day (and I can eat a lot of food).  And they're not healthy food shops, either.  Burgers and fries, burritos, chicken wings and pizza.  It's a smorgasbord of cholesterol laden, artery clogging comfort food.  Thank God I have a husband who likes to eat!  Why can't I just find a nice, safe Subway shop?

If fattening comfort food sounds good to you (not to mention attractive bonuses for shopping and easy questionnaires), you might want to sign up for Market Force at the following link: https://www.applymarketforce.com/index.aspx?source=16&referralID=803042

Other options include www.strategicreflections.com and www.trendsource.com.

It probably isn't impossible to mystery shop on a diet for most people.  But then again, I'm not most people.

Happy Shopping!

Avoiding the high cost of fuel

Today I'm going to Ocala (45 miles away) to have my hair cut and colored.  Why do I drive so far for this with the price of gas today?  Well, for one reason, the person who does my hair is one of my oldest and dearest friends.  We actually shared an apartment after high school in Maryland and later learned we lived less than an hour from each other after losing touch for over ten years.  She does a good job, too!

But back to the high cost of fuel.  I don't worry about gas prices because I write off 90% of my fuel.  How?  I always pick up a mystery shop or two no matter where I'm going.  Then it becomes a business expense.  The IRS allows me to write off fuel at about 50 cents per gallon, so this can be a huge deduction at the end of the year.  Last year, my deduction was so large, it was the reason I got a substantial refund instead of paying in April.

So, I'm off to Ocala for a cut, color and good conversation.  Oh, and pet products.  That's my mystery shop.  And it's only 3 blocks away from the salon.  Practically perfect in every way!

Today's mystery shop is provided by www.shopperscritique.com

Happy shopping!

Medical Mystery Shopping

Yesterday was a busy day, but one of my more lucrative projects.  I posed as a patient at an urgent care facility and earned $150 for my time (forty minutes for the appointment and about one hour for the report).  Medical mystery shopping is particularly appealing to me since I do not carry health insurance.  Earlier this year, I was able to receive a mammogram as part of a mystery shop.  I also had a cholesterol check.  I was paid $150 for each of these in addition to having the procedures reimbursed.  If medical mystery shopping is something that interests you, I highly recommend The Baird Group (http://baird-group.com/mystery-shopping).

So, back to yesterday's appointment.  I went to the urgent care facility and told them I had been having headaches.  I spent $133 to find out I should drink a cup of coffee.  No kidding!  The nurse practictioner (that's right, no docs there) found out I had been off caffeine for eleven days and pretty much ordered me to grab a cup of java.  She wrote me a prescription as a back-up plan, but she seemed to think that Starbucks would do the trick.  I took her advice!

After the urgent care appointment, I did a walkthrough at a local hospital.  A walkthrough is exactly what it sounds like.  You go to a medical facility and just walk through, sit down, hang out, and pay attention.  Oh, and take lots of photos.  I forgot to mention a Smartphone is a necessity for these shops because you might be a little obvious if you're snapping pictures of the receptionist with your Kodak EasyShare.  The walkthrough took just over thirty minutes, and the report was not half as long as the patient visit form.  The payment was $50.  I love walkthroughs.

While I was out, I picked up a few other shops including a hardware store (batteries plus an $8 payment), an office supply store (staples plus $7), a deli (lunch), and two facilities where I was able to mail gifts to my out-of-state family.  When I arrived home, I made a few phone calls to another medical center ($5 each for 10 minutes of work) and then began the reporting.

Completing reports is every mystery shopper's least favorite thing to do.   They can be tedious, especially the longer ones like the medical shops, but the other reports generally take less than twenty minutes each.  Also, once you complete enough of the same type of shops, the reporting is much easier.  I type fast, so I don't really mind reporting.  Unfortunately, yesterday I had eleven edits waiting for me in my editing bin at www.a-closer-look.com, so by the time I finished my reports at 9:15 PM, I still had a long night ahead of me.  But I made over $300 in total yesterday, which will allow me to take a few days off in a couple of weeks when a friend comes to town and enjoy a much needed spa visit.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my job?

To learn more about some of the companies that provided yesterday's jobs, go to www.bareinternational.com, www.mysteryresearchers.com, and www.marketforce.com.

Why did I wait this long?

My first post on my first blog.  I should have done this the day I started my unusual occupation.  Now I only have my 40+ year old memory to rely on for the missed opportunities.  It all started in 2009 after my father's brain injury.  I gave up my job to go to Maryland and take care of him while he recovered.  When I returned to Florida three months later, I knew I had to make a living, and selling people's secondhand yard sale treasures wasn't cutting it (though it helped).  I remembered something I had done almost ten years prior ... mystery shopping!  I wondered if that was still an option.  I had only done a couple of restaurant and hotel shops back then, but maybe there was more.  After all, who wouldn't want to get paid to eat and shop?  I did a quick search on the internet, and I was surprised to find that mystery shopping had become a multi-billion dollar industry.  I couldn't wait to get started!  Like everything else in my life, I dove in head first.  I found two great sites - www.mysteryshop.org and www.volition.com.  I quickly earned my silver certification and then proceeded to register with about 50 reputable mystery shopping companies.  I was smart, focused, and ready, and I knew the job offers were going to start rolling in.  I couldn't wait for my first cruise!
 
That same day, I signed up for my very first shop - with a well known fast food chain.  I was going to make $7.50 and eat a free meal.  Success!  It wasn't exactly a cruise, and it was not going to pay the mortgage, but I had to start somewhere, right?  I did a few more searches, signed up for a few more shops, and before I knew it, I had six shops to complete on the same day.  I was a route shopper before I knew what route shopping was!

Since this was a business, I knew I would need some supplies.  So I made it a point to schedule some office supply store shops during those first few days.  I got a free clipboard, some pens, clips, and various other items to make my new job easier.  Better yet, it was all deductible!  (I did not realize until seven months later that it was also all taxable!)

I have to be honest.  During those first few months, I was not getting rich.  I was shopping anywhere between five and fifteen locations in a single day and only making between $5 and $15 per shop for most shops.  Occasionally, I would find a shop that paid $30 or $40, and I remember thinking I had hit the jackpot!  Then when I got home at night, it wasn't over.  I spent hours and hours on the computer doing the paperwork for those shops, scanning and uploading receipts, and printing out paperwork for the next day's shops.  Sometimes I would work twelve to fourteen straight hours to make $100.  But it was a job, it was mine, and overall, I was having fun.

Now, almost two years later, what has changed?  Honestly, not much.  I still do some of those $5 and $7.50 shops, but today, more people come to me and offer projects that are a bit more lucrative.  Just last month I worked on a senior living project that paid almost $500 for about eight hours of work.  I've also done some route shopping that netted over $300 a day.  But what about the cruise?  (I knew you were wondering.)  I still have not done a cruise shop, but I was approved for a company who shops cruise lines, so I'm getting there!  So, what was the best shop I've done so far?  I always enjoy fine dining, so those shops are near the top of my list, and one of my favorite dining shops was in an Orlando theme park and came with tickets to the theme park ... that was nice!  But my favorite so far was a weekend at a beachfront resort hotel.  Two days, all expenses paid, plus a $50 payment, and the form was so simple, it took less than 20 minutes to complete.

But the best thing that has come out of this?  Last year, I was offered a position as editor at one of the companies I shopped for (www.a-closer-look.com).  I still shop, but I also edit other shoppers' reports.  Between the two, I can definitely pay the mortgage!  I still have all the perks of shopping, but when I don't feel like shopping, I can stay home and work in my pajamas.

So, what do I hope to accomplish with this blog?  I hope I can use this blog to document my more interesting mystery shopping experiences as they come along, but I also hope to educate and inform anyone who might be interested in mystery shopping and does not know how to get started.  I might even toss in some amusing anecdotes from some of the reports I edit.  If I mix in some other stuff about "life," so be it, because I've already made up my mind, I am only blogging in one place.  This is it.  Welcome to my unusual occupation.  Welcome to my life.