Spouse tagging along- OK or not?

Hi Again All-

Another "newbie" question...
I know some guidelines are very specific on NOT having anyone with you when you do a shop and I'm totally fine with that and am sure to adhere to those rules.

But what do you do about the ones that do not specify? On one in particular I had at an electronics store where I had to ask about speaker systems To me, it just seemed much more "legit" for me to be doing this shop with my husband because he is more knowledgeable about these thinks than me- so I brought him along.

Do you think it is ok in situations like this or do you always shop alone?

Thanks again for any advice- Kim

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I guess it depends on your spouse or partner. Not everyone understands the do's and don't's.

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 always shop alone unless the guideline specifically say to bring someone.

Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain

129hutch, the employee at the store is there to explain the product. You don't have to know anything beyond that you are shopping for speakers for your computer or whatever. Use the scenario you're given and you will be able to do the shop on your own. That will result in better first hand knowledge and an easier report.

I always shop alone. I would never run the risk of taking someone along, whether or not the guidelines permitted it. In my opinion, most MSCs expect you to shop alone and do the interaction yourself.

Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.

If the guidelines don't say otherwise my DH tags along because we live way out of town and don't want to take two vehicles to town. But, he either drops me off, or if he's in the same store he stays completely away from my interaction with the sales associate. I need to do that on my own, to be able to see and hear everything I am supposed to. He might wander by and notice if the SA is wearing glasses, because he knows I find that detail easy to forget. LOL
Since I know less about electronics/home improvement etc. it gives me a reason not to make the purchase by saying I need to talk to DH before my final decision.

I've done many shops with my wife. Unless guidelines specify that you shop alone I don't have an issue.

My wife is a shopper too and my kids know the do's and don't's as well.

AndrewTX
Certifiable

The most important thing is that the assigned shopper, you, ask all the questions and be the one performing all of the shop requirements. Your husband/partner needs to stay a silent partner. Thenyoumight later confer bout your partner's impressions, of course. But, deferring to your partner's expertise by letting him ask the questions woul fundamentally change the dynamic during the shop. And, remember, the object of the shop is seldom, if ever, to try to stump the target by asking very technical questions.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

For retail, gas station, and post office shops, I like having my husband along. He checks out the mens bathrooms, drives while I fill in the reports on my iPad/wifi hub, and the company is good. We like getting into our car and heading to the mountains for some R&R every other weekend. If I can pick up some quick 10-minute shops, jump in the car and make $100 en route to our hike or campsite, it's all good.

For dining, yes, absolutely. It took a couple of years, but he is great at the "Find the Manager" game. We have fun describing the entrees on the drive home.

BUT - for video shops, I have to be so specific with my spouse ("Don't block my camera angles," "Don't forget my alias!"

that it is very difficult to bring him along, both for my sanity and for our marriage.

So, I suppose it depends on the type of shop for me.

I honestly can't see it as being a problem, so long as he keeps his distance during the actual shop. I have taken a DQ assignment near a park, where my partner waits for me outside with the stroller. I return with the treats and we go to the park to enjoy some family time.

I prefer to take no risks when it comes to $$$ and most shops ask you to be alone. I'm sure you could get away with him/her being there and not interfering with the shop but if you are doing multiple shops for the same client and they use video surveillance.. It's really up to you and what the circumstances are surrounding the shop. I enjoy having my down time away and am able to focus better without hubby, family, friends, etc, around - that's just me.

Silver Certified ~ Shopping all of Toronto and beyond

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