Why Every Second Counts
The Video Verification Reality
- Clients review video evidence
- Your written report MUST match video timestamps
- One minute of inaccuracy can invalidate an entire report
The Cardinal Rule: NEVER Guess on Timing
What to Do When Unsure
- If you cannot precisely recall a time
- If your timing documentation is incomplete
- If you have any doubt about a timestamp
Immediate Action Steps
- IMMEDIATELY contact your scheduler
- Ask for guidance on reporting
- Do NOT fabricate or estimate times
- Honesty is always the best approach
Timing Documentation Methods
Primary Tracking Tools
- Smartphone stopwatch
- Digital timing apps
- Wristwatch with second hand
- Audio recording (where legal)
Audio Recording: A Timing Backup
- Provides a way to verify timestamps after the shop
- Helps recreate exact interaction timeline
- Serves as a backup if stopwatch is forgotten or misused
- MUST be done legally, with full understanding of consent laws
- Used only for professional documentation and timing verification
Timing Documentation Essentials
What to Record
- Exact time of arrival
- Duration of interactions
- Precise waiting periods
- Specific moment interactions begin and end
Potential Timing Scenarios
Restaurant Visit Timing Example
✅ Precise Report:
"Arrived at restaurant at 6:23 PM
- Seated at 6:27 PM (4-minute wait)
- Server approached at 6:32 PM
- Drink order taken at 6:35 PM
- Total wait for first interaction: 12 minutes"
❌ Vague Report:
"Waited a while before being seated"
Retail Interaction Timing
✅ Precise Report:
"Entered store at 2:15 PM
- Approached first employee at 2:18 PM
- Initial greeting lasted 47 seconds
- Completed product inquiry at 2:22 PM"
Common Timing Mistakes
- Estimating instead of timing
- Rounding numbers
- Forgetting to start/stop timer
- Relying on memory
- GUESSING AT TIMESTAMPS
Pro Timing Strategies
- Start timer immediately upon entering location
- Use multiple timing methods
- Note timestamps for EVERY interaction
The Stakes Are High
- Inaccurate timing = Potentially rejected report
- Clients cross-reference your report with video
- Your reputation depends on precision
Timing Documentation Checklist
- ✅ Exact arrival time
- ✅ Duration of key interactions
- ✅ Waiting periods
- ✅ Time stamps for critical moments
Backup Timing Methods
- Smartphone stopwatch
- Digital timing apps
- Audio recording (legal verification)
The Golden Rule
If you can't prove the timing, it didn't happen.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, reach out to your scheduler. Guessing is NEVER an option.
