An inexperienced shopper requested an assignment without reading the instructions on the job posting. The assignment was to be completed any day in a specific month. All the shopper had to do was provide the dates she was free. The shopper requested the assignment and received the job.

The scheduler presumed that the location was taken care of and continued working on other locations. The shopper bailed on the location by saying, "something came up." In the end, the shopper was defensive when the scheduler asked what had happened and the shopper is now banned from that company web site. Could this situation have had a different outcome? Yes.

Here are some important details to remember when requesting any assignment, no matter how long you have been a mystery shopper:

1. Don't accept the job if you aren't available and really interested in it.
2. If you still have questions about the job, ask your questions first and make them as specific as possible.

• "Can I bring more than one guest?"
• "How long will I have to wait for my reimbursement.?"
• "Can I visit on the weekend?"
• "Do both of us have to order alcohol?"
• "Can you give me more information on the location of this business?"
• "Do I have to pay with cash or can I charge the meal?"

4. If you are not certain of your schedule, do not commit to a date you can't keep.

5. Never cancel a shop since it will give you a negative mark on your shopper record. The exception is giving the scheduler time to find someone else. If you have a really valid excuse, please be specific. Telling a scheduler that, "something came up" makes the shopper seem irresponsible. You can say you have an unexpected family emergency or a last minute hurdle. Apologize for the inconvenience and make every effort to get an extension before bailing on the assignment.

The best way to "fly under the radar" and keep a scheduler happy is to only request jobs that you are certain you can complete.