Salespersons with a photographic memory
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Were you there, two years ago in April? Do you often shop in a blue shirt?
She could say something like that to everyone she thinks is a shopper, or everyone who comes in during the week when they're expecting a shopper.
Did you tell her she must be mistaken?
I've got an MSC trying to get me to do a mystery shop plus reveal at a local FF place where I shop as a customer, not a shopper, all the time. I've told them it's not worth blowing my cover for $5 and a sandwich. If I do this shop, I could never shop that unit again.
She could say something like that to everyone she thinks is a shopper, or everyone who comes in during the week when they're expecting a shopper.
Did you tell her she must be mistaken?
I've got an MSC trying to get me to do a mystery shop plus reveal at a local FF place where I shop as a customer, not a shopper, all the time. I've told them it's not worth blowing my cover for $5 and a sandwich. If I do this shop, I could never shop that unit again.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
Keppi Wrote:
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> "I remember you. You were here two years ago, in
> April. You were wearing a blue shirt back then."
>
> This is a shop with a covert part where you will
> reveal yourself at the end.
>
> I would normally think that maybe they have photos
> of all shoppers in the back room, but I do this
> shop about twice a year. There were different
> employees there the last few times, I remember
> last time there was actually a young man there. So
> I guess it is possible she really did remember me.
The big question: did she say it before or after the reveal. If she said it before, she probably remembered you. If she said it after....well, maybe the reveal joggled her memory, or maybe she just deluded herself.
Back when I was just starting to do gas station audits, I did the mystery part, then the reveal, and then the attendant told me that he remembered me doing them a lot of times before. He insisted on it. I didn't want to tell him the truth, that this was only my third gas station audit ever, and definitely not a repeat of his station!
-------------------------------------------------------
> "I remember you. You were here two years ago, in
> April. You were wearing a blue shirt back then."
>
> This is a shop with a covert part where you will
> reveal yourself at the end.
>
> I would normally think that maybe they have photos
> of all shoppers in the back room, but I do this
> shop about twice a year. There were different
> employees there the last few times, I remember
> last time there was actually a young man there. So
> I guess it is possible she really did remember me.
The big question: did she say it before or after the reveal. If she said it before, she probably remembered you. If she said it after....well, maybe the reveal joggled her memory, or maybe she just deluded herself.
Back when I was just starting to do gas station audits, I did the mystery part, then the reveal, and then the attendant told me that he remembered me doing them a lot of times before. He insisted on it. I didn't want to tell him the truth, that this was only my third gas station audit ever, and definitely not a repeat of his station!
dspeakes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've got an MSC trying to get me to do a mystery
> shop plus reveal at a local FF place where I shop
> as a customer, not a shopper, all the time. I've
> told them it's not worth blowing my cover for $5
> and a sandwich. If I do this shop, I could never
> shop that unit again.
Why can't you eat at a store you did a shop at? If
I used your method I would need to move to another
country. I here Australia is nice, might have to check
it out.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've got an MSC trying to get me to do a mystery
> shop plus reveal at a local FF place where I shop
> as a customer, not a shopper, all the time. I've
> told them it's not worth blowing my cover for $5
> and a sandwich. If I do this shop, I could never
> shop that unit again.
Why can't you eat at a store you did a shop at? If
I used your method I would need to move to another
country. I here Australia is nice, might have to check
it out.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
The scenarios on some of these assignments are so poorly scripted that the employees know you are the mystery shopper.
If you go to a soft serve ice cream shop, look at the (female) servers chest area where the name tag should be and the print is to small to read so you must ask for the server's name the server thinks you are a pervert or a mystery shopper.
Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the shopper when you walk in. I asked, "What is a shopper?" and I proceeded to ask for a business card and I wrote down notes and I was not on a shop I was just looking to buy a phone.
At a Casual dinning locations that I do not shop anymore I look at my watch and write down notes. You get better service.
If you go to a soft serve ice cream shop, look at the (female) servers chest area where the name tag should be and the print is to small to read so you must ask for the server's name the server thinks you are a pervert or a mystery shopper.
Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the shopper when you walk in. I asked, "What is a shopper?" and I proceeded to ask for a business card and I wrote down notes and I was not on a shop I was just looking to buy a phone.
At a Casual dinning locations that I do not shop anymore I look at my watch and write down notes. You get better service.
Piled Hip Deep, PHD Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
....
> Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the shopper
> when you walk in
....
Can other shoppers confirm this?
-------------------------------------------------------
....
> Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the shopper
> when you walk in
....
Can other shoppers confirm this?
Ishmael Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Piled Hip Deep, PHD Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> ....
> > Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the
> shopper
> > when you walk in
> ....
>
> Can other shoppers confirm this?
I've never so far had one ask - not when I walked in OR when I walked out.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Piled Hip Deep, PHD Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> ....
> > Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the
> shopper
> > when you walk in
> ....
>
> Can other shoppers confirm this?
I've never so far had one ask - not when I walked in OR when I walked out.
He is piling it on deeper than usual today. If that has ever happened, he is the only who has ever said so. If you don't believe me, I've got the video to prove it
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I've only done four, but none of them asked me. Of course, it sort of helps when you don't wear your "I'm a Mystery Shopper, Hug Me" T-shirt.
Ishmael Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've only done four, but none of them asked me. Of
> course, it sort of helps when you don't wear your
> "I'm a Mystery Shopper, Hug Me" T-shirt.
mine only says "I'm shopping you."
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've only done four, but none of them asked me. Of
> course, it sort of helps when you don't wear your
> "I'm a Mystery Shopper, Hug Me" T-shirt.
mine only says "I'm shopping you."
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
She may also have "hyperthymesia" an incredible memory, like Mary Lou Henner...
techman01 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> dspeakes Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I've got an MSC trying to get me to do a
> mystery
> > shop plus reveal at a local FF place where I
> shop
> > as a customer, not a shopper, all the time.
> I've
> > told them it's not worth blowing my cover for
> $5
> > and a sandwich. If I do this shop, I could
> never
> > shop that unit again.
>
>
> Why can't you eat at a store you did a shop at?
> If
> I used your method I would need to move to
> another
> country. I here Australia is nice, might have to
> check
> it out.
I meant I eat there all the time, and I could never mystery shop them again if I did a reveal there.
But I'm pretty sure you knew exactly what I meant.
-------------------------------------------------------
> dspeakes Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I've got an MSC trying to get me to do a
> mystery
> > shop plus reveal at a local FF place where I
> shop
> > as a customer, not a shopper, all the time.
> I've
> > told them it's not worth blowing my cover for
> $5
> > and a sandwich. If I do this shop, I could
> never
> > shop that unit again.
>
>
> Why can't you eat at a store you did a shop at?
> If
> I used your method I would need to move to
> another
> country. I here Australia is nice, might have to
> check
> it out.
I meant I eat there all the time, and I could never mystery shop them again if I did a reveal there.
But I'm pretty sure you knew exactly what I meant.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
Actually, I had no idea what you meant. so I'm glad you clarified. I got the 'could never mystery shop there again' part, but since you hadn't said that you'd ever done a mystery shop there, or even that the place has regular mystery shops done, I wasn't sure what your concern was. In fact, I'm still not sure why it matters that you're a regular customer, unless it means that you're such a familiar face that they'd be sure to recognize you from now on.
Since you eat there all the time you should not be doing mystery shops there. Customers that are regulars and known often get treated differently. Therefore any shops you done are not an as accurate representation of the typical customer.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
Sheldon would say it's an identic memory, not a photographic memory.
My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.
Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
Sheldon would correct you and say it is an eidetic memory
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I stand corrected. BTW, doesn't Sheldon correct everyone?
My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.
Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
And stilllearning would ask you, "Who the heck is Sheldon?"
(heart)
(heart)
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Sheldon Cooper.
My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.
Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
cpburt Wrote:
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> Sheldon Cooper.
If it weren't for the glories of Google, I'd have been asking, "Who is Sheldon Cooper?"
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sheldon Cooper.
If it weren't for the glories of Google, I'd have been asking, "Who is Sheldon Cooper?"
I get a big bang out of googling.
My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.
Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
I just checked and sure enough, I was there in April 2012. And yes, I have a few blue shirts, but obviously don't remember if I was wearing one two years ago.
Ishmael Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Piled Hip Deep, PHD Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> ....
> > Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the
> shopper
> > when you walk in
> ....
>
> Can other shoppers confirm this?
I had one that I thought suspected me but didn't come out and say it.
Has anyone ever said something like, "I'm here shopping for __(phones)___ now. Isn't that what you're here for?" Then if they go on to further explain what a secret or mystery shopper is, I will act like I have only heard about mystery shopping as a scam.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Piled Hip Deep, PHD Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> ....
> > Most mobile phone shops ask if you are the
> shopper
> > when you walk in
> ....
>
> Can other shoppers confirm this?
I had one that I thought suspected me but didn't come out and say it.
Has anyone ever said something like, "I'm here shopping for __(phones)___ now. Isn't that what you're here for?" Then if they go on to further explain what a secret or mystery shopper is, I will act like I have only heard about mystery shopping as a scam.
I've shopped them exactly once so far. They don't know if I'm a regular until I get to the window to pay since I mostly only go through the drive thru there. By the time they saw me, if I were on a mystery shop, it would be too late to alter their behavior because of my being a regular. They've already either offered me the combo or not, tried to upsell or not, repeated the order and told me the cost or not. The only thing left is the receipt and I'll ask for that if they don't give it. But if they knew me from a reveal, and I came through either as a customer or as a shopper, likely they would plan to out me to invalidate my report. As long as they never associate my face with a report, they won't know to associate an upcoming report with my face.
A reveal would draw attention to who I was and what I looked like. The fact that they do see me there about once a week at the drive thru window and am thus generally familiar to some of them would make it easier for them to recognize me after the reveal and invalidate my shops by proactively claiming they knew I was shopping them, even if I wasn't.
I just don't try to mystery shop any place where I have been revealed, and I don't reveal at any place where I am already a regular customer.
A reveal would draw attention to who I was and what I looked like. The fact that they do see me there about once a week at the drive thru window and am thus generally familiar to some of them would make it easier for them to recognize me after the reveal and invalidate my shops by proactively claiming they knew I was shopping them, even if I wasn't.
I just don't try to mystery shop any place where I have been revealed, and I don't reveal at any place where I am already a regular customer.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
Funny how you say you should not shop if you are a regular, I am sent over and over again 1-3 times per month to a local hamburger place, so of course they know me, I have only actually paid to eat there twice. I don't think I get treated any different other than a hello and goodbye, when shops ask for a hello and goodbye statement I always check and see what they say to others as they come and go to get a better feel than just for me, they could be looking the other way when I leave or arrive, better to check when I am sitting there.
If you're a guy, just act like a lech, if you're a girl, flirt.
Do not read so much, look about you and think of what you see there.
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
Richard Feynman-- letter to Ashok Arora, 4 January 1967, published in Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track (2005) p. 230
eating somewhere once a week is not a regular customer
that would be recognized with special treatment. Many people eat at the same
place for lunch at least once a week. If someone ate
there 5 times a week that is a regular. There are people
that do that too.
This chain only does revealed shops nationwide. With
some mystery shop only at certain locations. The rotation
for revealed is every 45 days last I checked so apparently
the client is fine with it. If they are fine with it, then so am
I.
Considering their revealed shops require you to go thru
the drive thru first then go inside to reveal(and not order more food).
It makes your argument
a moot point since as you said, they wouldn't know you until
it is too late anyway.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/28/2014 09:23PM by techman01.
that would be recognized with special treatment. Many people eat at the same
place for lunch at least once a week. If someone ate
there 5 times a week that is a regular. There are people
that do that too.
This chain only does revealed shops nationwide. With
some mystery shop only at certain locations. The rotation
for revealed is every 45 days last I checked so apparently
the client is fine with it. If they are fine with it, then so am
I.
Considering their revealed shops require you to go thru
the drive thru first then go inside to reveal(and not order more food).
It makes your argument
a moot point since as you said, they wouldn't know you until
it is too late anyway.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/28/2014 09:23PM by techman01.
I know a family that eats at Sonic four times a day!
At most fast-food places, even long-time staff eventually leave. Only the owner and perhaps a manager would know "regulars", whatever that means.
At most fast-food places, even long-time staff eventually leave. Only the owner and perhaps a manager would know "regulars", whatever that means.
That's precisely why I don't do reveal shops anymore. Some associates do remember. I am
thankful that I have gotten out of those awkward situations and they did not happen when I
was a rookie where I would not have known how to get out of them.
thankful that I have gotten out of those awkward situations and they did not happen when I
was a rookie where I would not have known how to get out of them.
Thank you, Techman, for defining "regular" for us because I didn't know there was a rule for what constituted a "regular" customer. And thank you for generalizing your definition of "regular" to apply to my small town where everyone knows everyone and it's a dicey proposition to mystery shop here at all. Did I not mention that I'm trying to keep the fact that I mystery shop a secret?
But since I'm the one who decides what my comfort level is, not you, I will decide this question, not you. Do you really think anything you think you know about the matter is going to trump what I know about my own risk factors trying to shop in this small town? I evaluated those risk factors and decided it is not worth a $5 shop for me to risk blowing my cover. I have done non-reveal shops for this particular store in the past and I do not want to have that taken away from me for this one shop.
I will not mystery shop where I have revealed. I do not reveal where I am a regular customer. Those are my rules. They make sense to me. They don't need to make sense to you. You don't live here.
But since I'm the one who decides what my comfort level is, not you, I will decide this question, not you. Do you really think anything you think you know about the matter is going to trump what I know about my own risk factors trying to shop in this small town? I evaluated those risk factors and decided it is not worth a $5 shop for me to risk blowing my cover. I have done non-reveal shops for this particular store in the past and I do not want to have that taken away from me for this one shop.
I will not mystery shop where I have revealed. I do not reveal where I am a regular customer. Those are my rules. They make sense to me. They don't need to make sense to you. You don't live here.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
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