Matching score or confirmed availability: an important distinction
Why a high matching score is not a shopper commitment and how agencies can separate matching from availability.
Matching answers: who might fit?
A matching model can narrow the search using relevant criteria such as region, working radius, experience and other appropriate profile signals.
Availability answers a different question
Whether a shopper is actually available for a specific period or need cannot be inferred from matching alone. A suitable person may be busy, uninterested or temporarily unreachable.
Availability checks should be lightweight
At an early recruiting stage, a simple available, unavailable or question signal may be enough. The detailed agency and project process can follow after interest is confirmed.
Separation prevents false operational confidence
Keeping matching and confirmed availability separate makes it clear whether a list contains potential matches or candidates who have actually expressed current interest.
Continue reading
More on shopper recruitment for agencies
Recruiting mystery shoppers regionally: what agencies should consider
Why home location alone is not enough for regional mystery-shopping recruitment and which signals better reflect practical availability.
Read moreShopper database or active recruitment: what agencies actually need
Why stored shopper data does not guarantee current availability and how active recruiting signals can improve the search.
Read moreMystery-shopping recruitment: a controlled process from need to contact
A practical agency model: describe the recruiting need, identify suitable shoppers, make controlled contact and document responses.
Read more