Mystery shopping isn't a career for me: it's something I started in college for pocket change and pretty much only continue to do now as a supplement for my entertainment dollar. If these go away I'll shrug and go back to my full time job.@dspeakes wrote:
@Misanthrope wrote:
I for one am enthusiastically for as much automation as possible. While it is probably an early concept and will have issues to iron out, anything that can be done by a machine cheaper and more efficiently than a fallible human being should. I shed no tears for the farrier and the cooper come the time of the industrial revolution, I care not for the waiter or the bag boy now.
That's because you were not a farrier or cooper.
You do realize that there will be little reason to mystery shop robots, don't you? If this catches on as much as you hope ("as much automation as possible" not only will all the people we shop be out of work, so will we. Automation doesn't just make things easier and cheaper it puts people on the unemployment line while stuffing more profits into corporate pockets.
How do you feel about that automation now?
Be careful what you wish for.
@Misanthrope wrote:
I for one am enthusiastically for as much automation as possible. While it is probably an early concept and will have issues to iron out, anything that can be done by a machine cheaper and more efficiently than a fallible human being should. I shed no tears for the farrier and the cooper come the time of the industrial revolution, I care not for the waiter or the bag boy now.
@Shar007 wrote:
the teller at my favorite bank asked if I ever used the ATM to deposit checks. I am not an ATM user and prefer to go inside. She informed me that they are closing a lot of their brick and mortar branches and only using the ATMs. I do not like that. Luckily I have other bank options - so far. I rarely use the self checkouts and when I do, I usually have a problem and it takes longer anyway.
@ces1948 wrote:
It seems to me that if we embrace the use of technology in conducting our shops (smartphones, tablets, audio and video recording devices) that it's a bit peculiar that we object when our targets do the same.
@Shar007 wrote:
the teller at my favorite bank asked if I ever used the ATM to deposit checks. I am not an ATM user and prefer to go inside. She informed me that they are closing a lot of their brick and mortar branches and only using the ATMs. I do not like that. Luckily I have other bank options - so far. I rarely use the self checkouts and when I do, I usually have a problem and it takes longer anyway.
@dspeakes wrote:
Not really. Not if you're still tipping whoever brings your food. I don't tip the cashiers at places that put in the self-service checkouts so I'm not saving anything by using them (except, in some cases, time).
@kathierost wrote:
I would hate those germy touchscreens. Yuck, just as I'm seated and ready to order, I would have to go wash my hands again before eating. I'm sure I wouldn't feel like my normal 20% tip was warranted, either.
As for the self-checkouts, am I the only one who always seems to have a problem with the item I'm scanning? The screen always comes up with something like "Additional assistance required" and I have to stand around and wait for a real person to help. I feel they're counterproductive.
@Hoju wrote:
@dspeakes wrote:
Not really. Not if you're still tipping whoever brings your food. I don't tip the cashiers at places that put in the self-service checkouts so I'm not saving anything by using them (except, in some cases, time).
I guess. It's probably not like a normal restaurant where you see the runner once during service and never again. Someone still needs to keep your drink full and be there to answer any questions and field requests.
@AustinMom wrote:
The way it has worked at Chili's the last couple times I was there is that the waitpersons have become runners. The (live) person who seats you gives you a menu (I agree, there must be a million germs on the menu!) and even though you still deal with a menu, you order through the table screen. The runner brings your drinks, appetizer, and entrees. When you want refills, you call the runner by using the touch screen. No one visits your table to see if you have questions or keep drinks refilled. You call a runner by using the touch screen if you have a question or if your drink needs a refill. The waitpersons are now runners who respond to your direct requests made through the touch screen.