How do you handle this situation?

What if you forget a detail during your shop that the form asks you about - such as whether the outside garbage cans are empty or not (did they even have outside garbage cans?) I do not mean like a big glaring error, rather something small - what color pants were they wearing....something small like that.

I made a rookie mistake yesterday and emailed the scheduler about it - but wondered how others handle it.

What if you made a special trip to do it? Would that change how you handle it?

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I wouldn't go all the way back if I didn't have to for something very minor. I wouldn't think in most cases a small detail would jeopardize the shop, but then again the client wants answers to those questions for a reason. I would definitely email the scheduler.

I actually highlight the smallest details in my notes so they stick out. Otherwise, I know I would forget.
I forgot to check the bathroom on a Sentry shop. I was honest and emailed them. They contacted the client and I was docked $1.00. Worked for me!

Shopping Central Jersey Shoreline. WHAT? I'm an adult?! When did this happen?! How do I make it stop?!
If I'm not positive about the color or style of a clothing item, I just say "dark pants" or "light colored small patterned top". If I notice a cowl color or short or princess sleeves I throw that info in as well. I just don't sweat it ... life is too short as it is.
@Chix wrote:

What if you forget a detail during your shop that the form asks you about - such as whether the outside garbage cans are empty or not (did they even have outside garbage cans?) I do not mean like a big glaring error, rather something small - what color pants were they wearing....something small like that.

I made a rookie mistake yesterday and emailed the scheduler about it - but wondered how others handle it.

What if you made a special trip to do it? Would that change how you handle it?

As long as I've been shopping, I figure I would have noticed if the outside garbage cans were in need of attention, and give them a pass if I don't remember.

@BeachBumess wrote:

I forgot to check the bathroom on a Sentry shop. I was honest and emailed them. They contacted the client and I was docked $1.00. Worked for me!

Funny thing, I also did a Sentry shop where I missed the restroom check. It was close by so I went back over there and snuck into the restroom, made my observations, and snuck out. Yes, I was glad the client apparently does not run video...
I forgot to look at the top of the menu board at Sonic, so I drove back within viewing distance and spotted that the top DID have a pop sign smiling smiley
I have gone back, to visit a washroom, see if someone wore glasses etc. I have also assumed that the garbage cans did not need attention or I would have noticed. I try to carry something to throw in the garbage at certain shops to make sure I notice the garbage can.
lucky for me, i have a weak bladder....all i have to do is drink some water before I head out (or even the drink with the fast casual meal) and I will need to use the bathroom.....but one shop says the bathroom check should only take 10 seconds....it does take me a little longer...but looks more natural spending at least a minute in the bathroom......
All the more reason to take notes just after the shop. I pull over in a nearby parking lot or safe place on the street. If I find something I missed, it is often possible to go back for the observation. Checking outside trash cans is an easy one to go back for. If it is something that cannot be done in such a manner, I bite the bullet, tell them what I missed, and ask for a re-shop.

Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut
I once forgot to get a signature from a store's manager after doing an inventory check/overt shop. I drove back 90 minutes (each way) because I knew it was my mistake and I would learn my lesson.

But an exterior garbage can - damn, that's minor. I like princes's take on this, assume I would have noticed if there was a problem.
I once forgot to get the cashier's name on a shop (rookie mistake I know, but there were a lot of violations I focusing on). I went across the street to fill out the form saw my mistake. Drove back across the street, she was outside checking a vendor. I told them I was lost and needed directions. Checked her name tag while getting directions.
@prince wrote:

I have gone back, to visit a washroom, see if someone wore glasses etc. I have also assumed that the garbage cans did not need attention or I would have noticed. I try to carry something to throw in the garbage at certain shops to make sure I notice the garbage can.

What a great idea. Exterior cans are one thing I tend not to notice if they're not right next to the door. But i keep a trash can in my car. It would be easy to reach in and grab an empty sandwich box or drink cup to throw out on the way in.

Time to build a bigger bridge.
I would go back, and have done so many times. For outdoor stuff, just look from across the street or circle around the lot. For interior stuff I will often either ask for the distance to the next town if I've only walked to my car and back, or ask if I left my sunglasses or phone on the counter if I've already driven away.
If it's too late to go back and still get the report in on time, I'll fess up to the scheduler and hope for the best. Negative reinforcement is one way to learn.
90 minutes from Edmonton. Hmmm is that where my shops are going? lol


@Kate in Edmonton wrote:

I once forgot to get a signature from a store's manager after doing an inventory check/overt shop. I drove back 90 minutes (each way) because I knew it was my mistake and I would learn my lesson.

But an exterior garbage can - damn, that's minor. I like princes's take on this, assume I would have noticed if there was a problem.
Hi Prince! Yep, I'm your poacher!!

A couple times a year, when the roads are good, I like to take a road trip. South as far as Red Deer/Olds/Rocky Mtn. House, east as far as St. Paul/Vermilion or west as far as Drayton Valley.

I get a new audio book and coordinate enough stops to make it worth my while.

The one I mentioned was a convience store in Lacombe.
Well, I'll buy you coffee at Tim's if you're in Camrose taking my work. lol

She hurries off to check some job boards. lol

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/09/2015 07:15PM by prince.
Once I forgot to check to see if the the level of music on an airport shop was too loud. I could not even remember if the store was playing music. In the report I was able to explain that the music level was not inappropriate because I would have remembered loud music on the shop. Also,I was able to have a normal conversation with the associate. The editor and client accepted my report.
Like others have said, if I'm close by, I'll go back and re-check the detail. I once forgot to check the restroom at a small grocery store. I pulled into the gas station next door to fill up and make notes and realized I had forgotten the restroom. I went back inside the grocery store and the manager was near the entrance and he asked me if I had forgotten something. I told him the restroom at the gas station was gross, and asked if would he mind if I used his. Worked like a charm!
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