Most shoppers appreciate having feedback from editors about how to improve a report or how they can get the attention of a scheduler. Some shoppers will get extremely defensive and rude when someone from a mystery shopping company is just trying to help. The best thing any shopper can say when someone has offered constructive feedback is, "thank you." When a shopper gets angry because someone was trying to tell them how to do a better job, they look unprofessional. Saying inappropriate comments or sending a mean spirited email is not the way to motivate a scheduler to work with you.

The email below is from an actual shopper who was angry that a scheduler tried to give her feedback about the content of an email.

I think that when I told you that the correct word was "grammar" and not grammer", you got extremely defensive, and decided to go for revenge. You told yourself: I HAVE THE POWER of denying her admittance to the exclusive Mystery Shopping Company. What is your education Ms. Doe? What I resent the most is not your criticism to my writing, but your threat of not acceptance.

Thanks,
"Crabby Shopper"

The words that will get you farther along in the conversation are, "thank you." The best way to have someone decide you aren't the best fit for the company is to be defensive and rude.

Shoppers who don't reply when they are angry and don't take feedback personally are the ones who will become much better at their jobs. When an editor gives some useful tips on how to write a better report, the shopper should print out the information and keep it handy for the next report.

The next time someone at a mystery shopping company offers details on how to become a better shopper, say "thanks" and ask if there is anything else that could be learned.

Being happy will make you more productive and more appealing to a mystery shopping company. Being angry will prevent you from being the best shopper possible.