That is unclear.
I suggest contacting the scheduler for clarification.
Generally, the "view details" button will give a good enough description to know whether or not the shop is something you want to do. Once you are assigned, you will get a more detailed set of guidelines. If you ned more information before applying for the shop, you can always email the scheduler.
If that's the case, I would not spend the time on courses other than those required by specific companies when you want a particular shop. I've been doing this for two years and have invested in the following: MSPA Silver, Video Equipment.. I do this very part time and brought in $5200 the first three months of this year. You do not need to spend money to get yourself going in this industry.
If you are looking to increase your income, focus on doing every shop very well and on time. Sign up for as many companies as you can - there are well over 200.
You may not have the money to add video equipment right away (it is a $400 investment, give or take). However, video shops often pay double what other shops do and generally have shorter (sometimes non-existent) write-ups. Some companies will loan equipment to you to help you get started.
I have not seen any MSC's that use iSS offer loaner equipment.. I won't directly point folks to non-iSS companies on the iSS forum. I got most of my initial information about video shopping on the MysteryShopForum, which is not affiliated with any specific companies.
Applying for a deposit account does not affect your credit at all. I have opened many accounts and the same bank and not had a problem with being suspected as a shopper. Having a back story can be helpful... I have supposedly moved in and out of Latin American countries a few times, for instance.
If it is not listed with your assigned shops, you have not been assigned the shop.
There are many reasons you might not be assigned a shop. Knowing nothing about either your or the particular assignment, I can only list possibilities.
* The MSC/client might be looking for somebody with a specific demographic profile.
* The MSC might prefer somebody who has completed more shops with them before granting a specific assignments.
* It could be that a dozen folks applied for the same shop and the MSC could only assign one person.
* A shopper could have a poor record with an MSC and, therefore, the MSC will choose not to offer the shopper additional work.
You are generally not notified if you are not assigned a shop. It is up to the shopper to track shops when they are assigned.
Each company on iSS has a separate contract with each of their clients, so there is not a single release date for iSS. Moreover, iSS administrators are unlikely privy to that information.
If you are looking do more work than what iSS offers in your area, have you looked outside of iSS for mystery shopping opportunities.
I've signed up with about 100 companies beyond those here on iSS and regularly check what shops are available as far as 150 miles from home for about 15 of them.... I find that I'm able to keep pretty busy doing this.