I have my camera so I'm all set

One of the tools that is crucial in mystery shopping is a good digital camera. Now smartphones are a decent 'emergency' alternative but I would not recommend relying on the phone in lieu of a good camera. Invest the money because it will make  you money. Choose a camera that also takes great video. Be sure it has an audio that is top quality as well. I would also suggest choosing a camera that has an easy upload connection to your computer. Well, I have my camera so I'm all set! You coming with me on this secret shopping venture?

My camera is an essential tool for all aspects of my work. When I'm sleuthing to solve a mystery, I take two items with me: a digital tape recorder and a video camera that shoots great video and still shots. I take these same two tools with me whenever I go mystery shopping. The camera is very important for several uses during a mystery shop. Most assignments require a photo of the exterior of the store or any violations of health or safety codes. Often you will be asked to photograph the menus or sidewalk A frame signs at fast food restaurants. In completion of the shop, a digital upload of the receipt or business card is always required. That is where I rely upon my trusty digital camera. A smartphone will do the trick in a pinch but the image quality is not as clear.

All that said, let's pack our book bag with all the essential equipment and get on the road. I'm taking my SUV today because it has lots of room in the back to rest if I end up spending the night away from home. A motel isn't always in the itinerary! That's why I keep plenty of blankets and pillows in the back along with a suitcase that contains a few days worth of clothing for all types of occasions. By the way, I keep my video camera in a compartment next to the driver's seat. You never know what scenery you might encounter either! I double as a freelance writer so my eyes and my camera are always ready for what we can capture.

On this shopping excursion, we are not going very far. My assignments are within a thirty mile radius. We might even have time to stop off to visit some friends or hike one of my favorite nature trails. How I love my work!

The first stop is to fuel up at one of my favorite gas stations. I have to check the restroom, snap a photo, buy a snack then purchase five dollars in gas. I'll pay for that at the pump. While I'm fueling, I have to look around to check the pump island cleanliness. I can't be too obvious because I am on video as a customer so I'll glance around the station where I'm fueling, grab some paper towels to make sure there are plenty supplied, wash my window so I know there's a squeegee available and throw away my paper towels. If the trash can is not too full and everything else checks out, the gas station gets kudos today. You're probably wondering how I'm going to take a thirty mile round trip on five dollars in gas. No worries. I have two more gas stations on my list today exactly the same as this one.

Now it's off to breakfast at a fast food restaurant! Are you hungry yet? Okay, let's go then. The restaurant name is confidential so I can't list it here but you'll know soon enough when we pull up to the drive through window. You guessed it! We're not going inside for breakfast. It's grab and go today. Sit back, relax, turn on the radio and enjoy the ride. We'll stop at a nearby park to finish breakfast. We have two shops down and four to go. There's plenty of time to finish up. Three miles to the park. See, there it is now and breakfast is still hot. Let's eat and take a refreshing morning stroll down by the pond. I brought some wild food to feed the ducks. Oh yeah, grab the camera for me, will you while I carry the food for us and the ducks. This should give us the chance to take some nice photos for a nature article that I'm working on. You remembered that I'm a  creative freelance writer , didn't you?

To be continued......