Introduction

​

Viewpoint Consumer Reporting (“VCR”) has been in business for over 20 years. We are licensed Private Investigators.

 

VCR is hired by our clients to provide information about their operation. The client, working with VCR, creates a questionnaire, which you, as the investigator, will complete. Along with the Yes/No questions of the survey, there is generally a narrative report that gives the details and supports the Yes/No answers from the survey.

 

VCR’s main goal is to provide accurate information to our clients. This information must be given in an easy to read format and in a timely manner.

​

The pay range for most shops is $25.00 - $30.00. Some special shops may pay more. You get your expenditures reimbursed up to a specified amount. You can spend more than the reimbursement limit, but you will only be reimbursed the limit amount. Parking is also reimbursed. The cost of parking does not count against the reimbursement limit. 

 

Becoming and Investigator

​

VCR contracts investigators to gather and report information at client locations. Investigators must be over 18 years of age.

 

A good investigator has the following traits:

​

• Observant

• Has the ability to blend in

• Can write a good report

• Timely

• Has good communication skills

• Can follow instructions

​

If you posses those qualities, you are an excellent candidate to become an investigator. Here is what you need to do:

 

1. Fill out the attached W-9 form

2. Read and fill out the sub-Contractor agreement

​

Once you have been accepted as an investigator, you will select assignments. You can see the open assignments on our website. If there is an assignment you want to accept, you enter the date you want to do the shop and submit the request. If you are selected to do the shop, we will email the assignment sheet and instructions.

​

VCR requires that investigators read the assignment sheet, instructions and a sample report

before performing each investigation. This information can change from month to month.

Failure to follow the directions could result in non-reimbursement of expenses.

​

PERFORMING AN INVESTIGATION

​

On the specified date of the investigation and in the specified time window, the investigator will

visit the location. Before entering the establishment the investigator should be familiar with the

instructions and questions on the questionnaire that they will have to fill out. The goal is to be

able to answer all of the questions on the survey accurately and to write a narrative that

explains the details of the investigation. If you have any questions about how to perform the

investigation, interpret the questions, or fill out the report, call the office before you go.

​

Submitting an inadequate report and/or failing to follow instructions may result in non-

reimbursement of expenses and/or fees.

 

Remembering this information without taking notes is difficult at best. VCR strongly

recommends that investigators covertly take notes while on-site. It is vitally important that no

one on the staff realizes what you are doing, and why you are there.

 

Many investigators use their cell phone as though they are texting or emailing someone, when

actually, they are making notes. Note taking can also be performed in the restroom, in the car

after you leave, or some other out of the way place. If an employee sees that an investigator is

performing an Investigation, because he or she saw you taking notes, or because they

overheard the investigator talking about the investigation, then the investigation is not usable.

 

Submitting your Survey

 

We recommend that you compose your narrative in a Word processing document, save the

document on your computer, spell-check, then copy and paste the narrative into our online form.

 

Save your work often to avoid losing data! Once you have submitted a report you no longer

have access to it. If you realize you need to make a change, you will need to contact our office.

 

All narratives are written in the past tense. NEVER write in ALL CAPS. Use complete sentences

with good grammar. Refer to each staff member using the position you listed in the On Duty list.

 

For example, Server #1 or Bartender #2. Do not use “the server” or the name of the server in

the narrative.

 

Scan or take high-resolution pictures of ALL of your receipts (bar, restaurant, parking) separately. Name each file with the invoice number of the report with the addition of a number or letter if you have more than one attachment. I.E 294102a.jpg, 294102b.jpg. Save your pictures as jpg files.

 

Submit the report and scanned receipts within 48 hours of performing the investigation. A $10 deduction from the investigator fee may be assessed for every day the report is submitted past the deadline.

 

Editors often may need to contact you via phone or email to clarify information in your report. Once a report has been submitted, you no longer have access to it. This is another reason you should have a copy of your narratives in a Word document. Please keep your notes and receipts for 60 days after submitting your report.

​

General Rules

​

VCR and our clients have a policy of only one alcoholic drink every 40-45 minutes while performing an investigation. Do not order shots, multi-liquor drinks, or an unusual drink unless instructed to do so. Investigators will not be reimbursed for more than ONE drink every 40-45 minutes. This accomplishes a number of things. First, it shows our client that investigators are not just there to drink alcohol. Second, you will remember the information more accurately if you have not been drinking too much.

​

As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own actions and liability in the event of an accident. Remember, non-alcoholic beverages can be consumed during the course of performing an investigation for this company. In addition, alcoholic beverages DO NOT have to be consumed in their entirety.

​

During restaurant investigations, we require that you order items from the bottom 2/3 of the menu (price-wise). NEVER order two of the same food items. To avoid duplicate orders, discuss your entrée selections before the server arrives, or allow your partner to order first.

 

Do not order bottles of wine unless it is specifically called for in the instructions.

​

 

Gratuities should be between 15% and 20%, based on service. In the instance of poor service, Investigators are not to tip more than 15%. Gratuities in excess of 20% will not be

 eimbursed. Some establishments may include an automatic gratuity on the check. Do not add any additional tip at these locations.

​

YOU MUST include the itemized guest check for the dining portion, along with your report. If

you are not given a receipt at the bar, DO NOT ASK FOR ONE, as this can raise suspicion. You

must state in your report if you were given one and you must include the check detail

information in your report if you have received one.

 

Here is a recap of things you should never do. Doing any of these items could result in forfeiture

of fees and/or expenses:

1. Post or refer to information from and investigation on social media, such as Yelp

2. Visit the wrong location

3. Go on the wrong date or time

4. Sit in the wrong area (for example, sit at a table when you are assigned a bar job)

5. Fail to follow instructions

6. Be recognized as an investigator

7. Drink too much or order the highest priced food items

8. Write a substandard report

9. Turn in your report late

10. Fail to respond to questions from the VCR staff in a timely manner

​

Following up on your report

​

For the week following your submission, check your email for questions from our editing staff. It is important to respond to those questions as soon as you can. Don’t let them sit without a response.

​

When responding to the questions from the editors, make sure you understand what they are asking, then write an explanation to each question. It is very common for the investigator to answer the first question or two and then send the email without looking at all the questions. Double check that you have answered all the questions and that your answers will be easily understood by the editor.

 

In Conclusion

​

Never share the information you gather on an investigation. It is to be used by the client only. Do not post any aspect of an investigation on social media, such as Yelp. Because you are working for VCR, which is a licensed Private Investigator, sharing this information is against the law.

 

While being an investigator or Mystery shopper is something many people can do, you should know before you start that it does take work. You have to be aware of what is going on around you during your investigation. You need to be low key so you do not stand out and are not

 emembered by the staff.

 

You should not be judgmental. You are there as the eyes and ears of the client, not judge and jury. If an investigation is not going well, keep cool and give the staff the best opportunity to succeed. While you will act like a regular customer, never be angry, short or abusive with the staff. If your food is not prepared properly or your bill is incorrect, you can bring it up to your server and see how the respond.

 

It is okay to make minor changes to the food items you order, but keep the changes to a minimum. We don’t want the staff to jump through hoops. We want you to be an average

customer.

 

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us at 760-943-0528 or email

jwustman@ViewPointCR.com

 

Thank you,

VCR Management Team