shopping has really improved my personality

I used to be the person who didn't smile and make eye contact. It's still hard for me but on shops I have to make eye contact to see if they are making eye contact (which I think makes them make eye contact.) I do not give them a smile unless they earn it by smiling first.
And I would never have asked a store worker's opinion on a product because I prefer to be left alone but now I chat up all the team members.
I was walking through the mall the other day and saw a cashier from a previous shop in his store window. So I smiled and he waved at me. I remembered him because I had to ask him his name and it was awkward. He either figured out I was the shopper who wrote up a nice report about him or he thinks I am stalking him. Either way I win because I made eye contact and smiled.

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My experience has been similar in terms of personal growth. I think it's been the best "bonus" I've received from my time as a shopper. I haven't been doing it very long, but even looking back over the past year I can say that I'm not as timid as I used to be. I think being able to tackle a variety of shops has really helped, too. It's given me more confidence in my ability to handle a variety of situations.

I used to be the customer from hell.

Shopping has made me realize what they put those underpaid retail workers through and what they have to do.

I treat them much better now, if doing a shop or not.

Plus, it is also a safe practice to be extra aware of all your surroundings, people, faces, details, etc., anyway, not only in our business.

I find that it has helped my listening skills a lot. I tend to listen more than talk now and people respond to that. Another thing I have noticed is my powers of observation have gotten much better. I can remember details that I would have not noticed before mystery shopping. Must be all of those associates descriptions and names.

I think that I have become more sympathetic to those who try their hardest to meet unrealistic goals with obvious little training. I have become more aware of the common tactics that slackers employ in the interest of avoiding customer assistance.

I tend to be somewhat introverted and I live alone. (kids grown). So, I find myself on a typical day, not speaking to that many people (except a friend or neighbor) so mystery shopping can have me talking to "many" people during the day, depending on the shop.

When the day is done and I am heading back home to do my reports, I realize I am not truly alone and there are many people I have talked to during the day.

One shop I did the other day, the associate told me that she loved my personality and it was refreshing! So, I guess the way we perceive ourselves and how others see us, is two different things

Ever notice that if you are having a conversation with someone and you talk 80% of the time and they 20% you are perceived as a bore but if you talk 20% of the time and listen 80% you are perceived as a great conversationalist?

I have to agree with all of the above. I am an extreme introvert. My last "real" job forced me to be extroverted in the work place. Because of the clientele I dealt with, I learned empathy. Due to almost five years after that with no paycheck because of a work place injury, I learned humility. Mystery shopping has honed and rewarded all of these new-found skills/traits and I think has made me a better person.

Another thing is now I can recognize great customer service verses just doing the minimum job requirements. Even when I am not on a mystery shop and I see someone working hard to please the customers I try and compliment them. Those youngsters working hard at fast food shops always touch my heart. I used to take that stuff for granted. The other night I saw an "older" waitress - she was probably younger than me - haha, just working her arse off to please her customers. When I left I told her she was a really great waitress and some people do notice. She was so happy, might have been the tip but at least we both left smiling.

I know we are supposed to "wait" for the smile and the proper greeting but sometimes I smile first, which gets the associate to smile back. I always look directly into their eyes, to see if they are making eye contact. I think that some associates don't bother to look at the customer but I notice when I smile and look into their eyes, they seem to have a little warmth about them and you can tell, that throughout the day, maybe the customers don't bother to look at the associate at all?

I think that part is refreshing when you see that look on their face, that you treated them like a human being instead of the "fast food employee."

I agree with every comment above. My only problem is that sometimes I know what customer service to expect - and when I do not get it - then I am steamed. (when not doing MSing).

I recently went to a rather upscale restaurant which does get shopped regularly. Since I was there single I decided to treat myself (the guidelines require 2 guests, so this was going to just be a treat for me, not a mystery shop). Unfortunately, even knowing what kind of service to expect - I received HORRIBLE service.

Ach, I was so upset - after taking my order my Server never came around again! No manager came by, nothing. So, for me it is almost WORSE when I am expecting a certain kind of service and do not get it.

On the plus side though, I am extremely more aware of my surroundings and when I see employees doing a great job I am certain to let them know.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/29/2015 02:47PM by Chix.

@LIJake wrote:

Ever notice that if you are having a conversation with someone and you talk 80% of the time and they 20% you are perceived as a bore but if you talk 20% of the time and listen 80% you are perceived as a great conversationalist?

Yes. I tried a new massage therapist the other day and he just wouldn't shut up. I heard all about his wife, kids, places he has visited, the career he had before becoming a therapist, his hobbies, and his health issues. At the end of the session I couldn't wait to get out of there. He was all smiling and talking about how he really enjoyed our conversation! I don't think I got 20% of the talking in, more like 5%. Needless to say I won't go back, even though he gave a decent massage...

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shopping has really improved my personality

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