Thursday, September 12, 2013

Door-knocking and car chasing

I was laughing out loud at the thought of a debtor trying to hide their vehicle in the parking area of the apartments next door. Imagine open, courtyard-type parking for neighboring apartments, sharing one driveway.

Field Services Door KnockBefore knocking on the particular door, I briskly walked to the rear parking area. A quick peek behind the debtors building - nothing. 

But! I glanced at the neighboring building's open courtyard-type parking and VIOLA! Paydirt! The make and model were correct from the rear. One quick dip around the front and the VIN matched, too! YES! By locating the collateral and recording the license plate number my contact percentage rate will increase.

Field Chase Damaged CollateralWait! Is the airbag deployed? Scratched front bumper and a cracked windshield? The collateral was wrecked! Apparently the owner doesn't want to pay for the car since it can't be driven. The nerve of some people! Just kidding. I have been there and done that. I was young. Maybe she is too. Maybe she is in the struggle to survive in this day upon the apocalypse. 

Recession Apocalypse Zombies
Door knock is a term you can search for when looking for field services work. In addition to mystery shop, inspect, or review. I have done just about everything in the field that does not require licensing or certification, although some companies will certify you to work with their proprietary software or equipment. I inspect cars, businesses, heavy equipment, damaged freight, and foreclosed properties. With 15 years experience, I have learned about some good companies and some not-so-good companies. I have learned what works for me and what does not. I learned these things through trial and error. 

Normally I would advise against paying to become a mystery shopper; but, here's a quick and easy way. It is a compilation of real time shops available in one spot! Free oil changes, amusement park tickets, demo jobs, movie checkers, and merchandiser positions, all in one area. 

Times are different from when you worked at one job (for an employer) and retired into your golden ages from there. Emerging from recession has changed the times. Lots of people now have bad credit as a result of the mortgage fiasco and subsequent recession. Because times have changed, creditors have changed as well. That's where we come in. It is unfortunate that people have lost their jobs and livelihoods, homes, and cars, but someone has got to service those bad debts. More and more creditors are sending people to the last known address of a debtor to make some sort of contact. Door knocks have become a by-product of the debt-ridden society we live in today. Because of those bad debts I have a job and you can too.

I've worked my way up to premium field services jobs in the last 15 years. Here's a little about my story 15 years in and counting!


You've got to start somewhere. You can do a lot of research for yourself, finding companies to work for and applying, or you can try this directory. All of the leg work is done for you.

Mystery Shopping Field Services


Happy shopping!

by Michelle Brown

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Photo Credits:

http://fashionzona.com/tag/online-shopping/

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-air-bag-deployed-car-wreck-aftermath-image7781316

http://cms.ac-martinique.fr/circonscription/trinite/file/Didapages/LVE/STORYTELLING/26554-door_rather_knock.jpg

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