Russell Cellular Guidelines
Store Hours of Operation Verification
Important: Always verify store hours before visiting.
General Time Frame
- Avoid lunch time as some locations may close with only one team member present.
- If a store is closed for lunch, you must wait until they reopen.
Use Either Scenario Below
Scenario #1
You are not a current Verizon customer and are looking to change service. Say that you have a different carrier other than Verizon (T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Boost, a pre-paid phone) and that you would like to switch to Verizon.
Scenario #2
You are a current Verizon customer and are thinking about adding a line or upgrading. Be prepared to give your information to them so they can look you up and speak with you. You must be an authorized account holder to do that.
IMPORTANT
Ensure LOCATION SERVICES are ON and ALLOW your CAMERA to access them. This is mandatory, and shops will not be accepted without it.
How to Enable Location Services
- On iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle it on. Ensure your camera app is set to "While Using the App."
- On Android: Go to Settings > Location and toggle it on. Ensure your camera app has location permissions enabled.
Required Photos
Please capture the following photos during your shop:
Photo of the iPhone display
Photo of the outside of the building
These photos are required for survey submission and must be provided.
You can discreetly take a photo of the iPhones, pretending to send it to someone. The staff won't suspect anything unusual because they don't know they are being shopped.
Additional Instructions
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1Please see the form for exact details on questions.
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2You MUST speak with an associate. If they are busy, you MUST wait for them to be free. Cell phone stores are often busy, so it may help if you go at a time when they wouldn't be as busy. They are typically busier in the evenings after people get off work, at lunch time when people are on their lunch break, and on the weekends. If you do not speak with an associate, the shop will not be valid.
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3You should be willing to proceed with the "sale" up until the point at which the associate asks for the sale. At that point, you can reply "No" and that you are still looking around at different stores.
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4If you visit the location and no one is there during regular business hours, please wait 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, it will be considered a COMPLETE shop and you will be paid. You must, however, take a photo showing proof the location was closed (you can take a picture of a note on the door, empty/dark showroom, etc).
Payment Information
We pay via direct deposit before the end of the following month. HOWEVER, don't be surprised if you get it way early. We start processing pay at the beginning of the month so no one has to wait until the end of the month.
When we are ready to send your payment, we will send an email with instructions on how to set up your direct deposit. Once you set it up the first time, you will not need to take any action for future checks to be deposited.
The Key to Get More Shops
📜 We frequently receive numerous applications for the same shop. Your previous performance is crucial in our selection process. When choices are tough, we focus on the finer details and favor those who deliver the most precise and well-crafted reports. Enhance your chances by adhering to the following tips:
- 📖 Guidelines and Survey Questions: Be sure to check the assignment guidelines and survey questions before each shop, as they may do change periodically.
- ⏰ Timeliness: Ensure timely completion of all assignments by paying close attention to due dates and avoiding excessive cancellations. Plan your commitments responsibly, and don't take a shop with the idea of rescheduling later. Maintain effective communication by responding promptly to all team communications.
- 📝 Well-written Reports: Craft detailed reports with enough information so we can read through your report and feel as if we were there. Use clear, concise language, and avoid using "talk to text" to maintain accuracy. Write in complete sentences, use a spell checker or grammar checker if needed, and refrain from abbreviations. Ensure there are no strong opinions unless specifically asked. Avoid giving business owners unsolicited advice like, "They should be doing this..." or "Most restaurants do this...".
- 🔍 Negative Feedback: Support any negative answers with specific details to eliminate ambiguity.
- 📸 Photos: Submit all required photos. Avoid duplicate photos, or unnecessary photos. Make sure your uploads are in a picture format and not a PDF.
- 🎙️ Accuracy: Clients often examine video footage when they receive negative feedback. To ensure accuracy and safeguard against disputes, in states permitting one-party consent, consider covertly recording audio during your shop with your phone or an Apple Watch. Keep the device concealed (in a pocket or purse) to remain unnoticed. This approach enables you to revisit conversations while compiling your report, ensuring detailed accuracy, as minor exchanges like a thank you can be easily missed. Retain the recording for a few weeks for reference.
- 📍 Request Different Locations: Opt for diverse locations in your assignment requests. Clients value variety, and this approach can enhance your chances of being selected. When two top shoppers request the same location, preference is given to the shopper who has not visited that location for the longest period.
- 🔥 Anonymity: NEVER disclose your identity as a mystery shopper. Maintain anonymity to ensure continual shop opportunities.