Help with ideas for a grocery store shop
I ask customer service is I need to re-link my customer loyalty card each year for my kids schools, if I can add my nephew to my card, if I can return fruit that I just purchased the day before that already has that gross white fur stuff on it (that truly happened), if they can take a coupon that expired the day before (yes, some will let you), if they have e-coupons, I could go on and on...
For seafood....I am with you. I HATE it. I tell them that and that I would like to add it to my diet for health reasons but don't know where to start since I don't like that "fishy" smell or taste. I ask them what the difference is between a piece of salmon and a salmon steak. I ask how long you cook shrimp as the last time I did, it tasted like I was serving rubber bands with Old Bay Seasoning on them. I ask can you put tilapia on the grill or will it fall through. Again, I could go on and on....
For seafood....I am with you. I HATE it. I tell them that and that I would like to add it to my diet for health reasons but don't know where to start since I don't like that "fishy" smell or taste. I ask them what the difference is between a piece of salmon and a salmon steak. I ask how long you cook shrimp as the last time I did, it tasted like I was serving rubber bands with Old Bay Seasoning on them. I ask can you put tilapia on the grill or will it fall through. Again, I could go on and on....
These are great and so helpful so far! Now if you really wanted to go on and on Im here! I'll Listen! Thanks!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2013 08:02PM by Stacy567.
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2013 08:02PM by Stacy567.
If the shop allows you ask for a product location like raisins..... could be many places.
For a grocery store without a loyalty card, I ask if the store has one. If a grocery store has a loyalty card, I ask if I need a temp (since I forgot mine) for the cash-out.
For the seafood, I have asked if the crabcakes/lobstercakes are made in-house and "What the heck is SWAI and what does it taste like and how does one cook it?"
For the seafood, I have asked if the crabcakes/lobstercakes are made in-house and "What the heck is SWAI and what does it taste like and how does one cook it?"
That's a great seafood suggestion. my one problem this is my go to grocery store for everything I need. I'm there all the time anyways for my normal grocery shopping, I really don't want to look like a crazy person by asking questions they know I already know the answer to....lol
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
I agree with liamgrey...there is always some random fish that I have never heard of to ask about. Who knew Monk Fish was also known as poor man's lobster and actually tastes just like it but I don't feel so savage trying to rip an entire creature apart to eat it.
This reminds me of a question I asked the meat manager about catfish. He said he didn't know how to cook them. He goes out to a restaurant when he wants catfish, lmao!! So much for that question. hahahaha
I ask for the stores coupon policy and for seafood I ask if the lobster has to be cooked alive.
You can always ask if the crabmeat is real or imitation.
There was one grocery store I worked at during the summer when I was in college. I was in the deli and had to open a package of crab salad. Underneath the "Crab Salad", it said, "Made with genuine imitation crab meat."
There was one grocery store I worked at during the summer when I was in college. I was in the deli and had to open a package of crab salad. Underneath the "Crab Salad", it said, "Made with genuine imitation crab meat."
.
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
These are all great! I feel like I could never have too many question suggestions for these shops! Especially the seafood ones because I don't know what to ask since I don't even know anything about the seafood. ;P
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
Seafood questions...
-How do I devein shrimp?
-What clams are best for making clam chowder?
-Should I leave the shells on or take them off the shrimp before boiling?
-What spices should I add to a seafood boil?
-What's the easiest way to shuck oysters?
-I'm looking for a very mild tasting fish. What would you recommend?
-Do you take special orders for items that you don't normally carry?
-How often do your fresh seafood shipments come in?
-How do I clean hard shell clams?
-Can you tell me how to make calamari?
-How long can fresh shrimp be stored in the refrigerator?
-How many medium sized shrimp are in a pound?
-How do I cook shrimp on my outdoor grill?
-What is in imitation crab meat?
-How do I devein shrimp?
-What clams are best for making clam chowder?
-Should I leave the shells on or take them off the shrimp before boiling?
-What spices should I add to a seafood boil?
-What's the easiest way to shuck oysters?
-I'm looking for a very mild tasting fish. What would you recommend?
-Do you take special orders for items that you don't normally carry?
-How often do your fresh seafood shipments come in?
-How do I clean hard shell clams?
-Can you tell me how to make calamari?
-How long can fresh shrimp be stored in the refrigerator?
-How many medium sized shrimp are in a pound?
-How do I cook shrimp on my outdoor grill?
-What is in imitation crab meat?
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
Ohhhhhhh...you sound like you've done a lot of these, hahaha....good list you have here. 
shopgal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Seafood questions...
> -How do I devein shrimp?
> -What clams are best for making clam chowder?
> -Should I leave the shells on or take them off the
> shrimp before boiling?
> -What spices should I add to a seafood boil?
> -What's the easiest way to shuck oysters?
> -I'm looking for a very mild tasting fish. What
> would you recommend?
> -Do you take special orders for items that you
> don't normally carry?
> -How often do your fresh seafood shipments come
> in?
> -How do I clean hard shell clams?
> -Can you tell me how to make calamari?
> -How long can fresh shrimp be stored in the
> refrigerator?
> -How many medium sized shrimp are in a pound?
> -How do I cook shrimp on my outdoor grill?
> -What is in imitation crab meat?
Fantastic! Thanks! now would it be too much to see if you had a customer service list? The only problem i'm running into at the customer service desk is that it only rotates about four people at my store.....
-------------------------------------------------------
> Seafood questions...
> -How do I devein shrimp?
> -What clams are best for making clam chowder?
> -Should I leave the shells on or take them off the
> shrimp before boiling?
> -What spices should I add to a seafood boil?
> -What's the easiest way to shuck oysters?
> -I'm looking for a very mild tasting fish. What
> would you recommend?
> -Do you take special orders for items that you
> don't normally carry?
> -How often do your fresh seafood shipments come
> in?
> -How do I clean hard shell clams?
> -Can you tell me how to make calamari?
> -How long can fresh shrimp be stored in the
> refrigerator?
> -How many medium sized shrimp are in a pound?
> -How do I cook shrimp on my outdoor grill?
> -What is in imitation crab meat?
Fantastic! Thanks! now would it be too much to see if you had a customer service list? The only problem i'm running into at the customer service desk is that it only rotates about four people at my store.....
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
I think my store might start thinking I'm the neediest customer in the world...... LOL
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
Customer Service Desk questions...
-Do you have comment cards? The butcher/baker/whatever was so helpful.
-Do you sell stamps or money orders?
-Can I purchase a gift card here rather than go through the main registers?
-I'm planning a large party. Instead of wiping out all the soda pop on your shelves, can I get you to throw my order on a flatbed cart a couple days before my shindig?
-Do you ever plan on offering delivery service? My sister has it in her area and she just loves it.
-I lost my customer card. How do I get it replaced?
-I think my husband and I have two different customer cards. How can we combine them?
-What are your hours going to be for the upcoming holiday?
-What hours are the meat department/bakery/whatever staffed?
-Do you have any mobility carts available?
-Where do I find the ice?
-Can you tell me how much is left on this gift card?
-Do you have comment cards? The butcher/baker/whatever was so helpful.
-Do you sell stamps or money orders?
-Can I purchase a gift card here rather than go through the main registers?
-I'm planning a large party. Instead of wiping out all the soda pop on your shelves, can I get you to throw my order on a flatbed cart a couple days before my shindig?
-Do you ever plan on offering delivery service? My sister has it in her area and she just loves it.
-I lost my customer card. How do I get it replaced?
-I think my husband and I have two different customer cards. How can we combine them?
-What are your hours going to be for the upcoming holiday?
-What hours are the meat department/bakery/whatever staffed?
-Do you have any mobility carts available?
-Where do I find the ice?
-Can you tell me how much is left on this gift card?
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
In the seafood department, specifically shrimp...they have their own thermostat built in. When they turn pink, they are done. An easy question but one that can tell you real quick if the person in the seafood department knows what they're talking about.
.
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
shopgal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Customer Service Desk questions...
> -Do you have comment cards? The
> butcher/baker/whatever was so helpful.
> -Do you sell stamps or money orders?
> -Can I purchase a gift card here rather than go
> through the main registers?
> -I'm planning a large party. Instead of wiping out
> all the soda pop on your shelves, can I get you to
> throw my order on a flatbed cart a couple days
> before my shindig?
> -Do you ever plan on offering delivery service? My
> sister has it in her area and she just loves it.
> -I lost my customer card. How do I get it
> replaced?
> -I think my husband and I have two different
> customer cards. How can we combine them?
> -What are your hours going to be for the upcoming
> holiday?
> -What hours are the meat
> department/bakery/whatever staffed?
> -Do you have any mobility carts available?
> -Where do I find the ice?
> -Can you tell me how much is left on this gift
> card?
This list rocks! Thanks!
Thanks all
-------------------------------------------------------
> Customer Service Desk questions...
> -Do you have comment cards? The
> butcher/baker/whatever was so helpful.
> -Do you sell stamps or money orders?
> -Can I purchase a gift card here rather than go
> through the main registers?
> -I'm planning a large party. Instead of wiping out
> all the soda pop on your shelves, can I get you to
> throw my order on a flatbed cart a couple days
> before my shindig?
> -Do you ever plan on offering delivery service? My
> sister has it in her area and she just loves it.
> -I lost my customer card. How do I get it
> replaced?
> -I think my husband and I have two different
> customer cards. How can we combine them?
> -What are your hours going to be for the upcoming
> holiday?
> -What hours are the meat
> department/bakery/whatever staffed?
> -Do you have any mobility carts available?
> -Where do I find the ice?
> -Can you tell me how much is left on this gift
> card?
This list rocks! Thanks!
Thanks all
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
Canuck Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ohhhhhhh...you sound like you've done a lot of
> these, hahaha....
More than I can count!
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ohhhhhhh...you sound like you've done a lot of
> these, hahaha....
More than I can count!
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
If you need something to hunt for, french fried onion rings (sometimes found in the vegetable aisle, sometimes with salty snacks like potato chips), or raw peanuts (could be in the produce department, the snack nuts department, or the baking aisle -- or not carried at all) are good ones that most average customers wouldn't know offhand unless they use them regularly. (Raw peanuts are used to make peanut brittle).
I asked what was in the ham salad at my store and was surprised to learn they put maraschino cherries and cherry jello in it. Go figure.
I asked what was in the ham salad at my store and was surprised to learn they put maraschino cherries and cherry jello in it. Go figure.
:
:
==============================================================
I pray it does not occur that the last thing I did before I died was vacuum the house or eat broccoli.
:
==============================================================
I pray it does not occur that the last thing I did before I died was vacuum the house or eat broccoli.
Pharmacy questions...
-I'm making bath salts for gifts. Do you have Epsom salts?
-I heard you can use boric acid to take care of ant problems. How would I do that?
-My husband has a heat rash. What would you recommend to alleviate the itchiness?
-My dog has a hot spot on his back. Do you carry a non-toxic balm I can apply?
-Do you have an incentive for people to switch their prescriptions to your pharmacy?
-My vet said I can give baby aspirin to my dog occasionally when his arthritis flares up. Which do you think would be best?
-My mother now has to take a lot of different medications. Do you have a large pill box to help keep her organized?
-Can I give human grade glucosamine to my dog?
-What do you think of acai/gingko/raspberry keytones as far as what their benefits claim to be?
-My doctor says I have chronically low levels of Vitamin D. What would be the best supplement?
-My dog has stomach sensitivities, and the vet recommended I give him a probiotic. Does that come in a powdered form so I can sprinkle it over his food?
-I've heard that there are OTC supplements that can help alleviate anxiety, but can't remember which ones. Can you help me out?
-I'm making bath salts for gifts. Do you have Epsom salts?
-I heard you can use boric acid to take care of ant problems. How would I do that?
-My husband has a heat rash. What would you recommend to alleviate the itchiness?
-My dog has a hot spot on his back. Do you carry a non-toxic balm I can apply?
-Do you have an incentive for people to switch their prescriptions to your pharmacy?
-My vet said I can give baby aspirin to my dog occasionally when his arthritis flares up. Which do you think would be best?
-My mother now has to take a lot of different medications. Do you have a large pill box to help keep her organized?
-Can I give human grade glucosamine to my dog?
-What do you think of acai/gingko/raspberry keytones as far as what their benefits claim to be?
-My doctor says I have chronically low levels of Vitamin D. What would be the best supplement?
-My dog has stomach sensitivities, and the vet recommended I give him a probiotic. Does that come in a powdered form so I can sprinkle it over his food?
-I've heard that there are OTC supplements that can help alleviate anxiety, but can't remember which ones. Can you help me out?
_____________________________________________________________________________
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
~Viktor Frankl
Cherries, really? I would never ever guessed that.
Makes sense to give it color but wow.
itsasecret Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you need something to hunt for, french fried
> onion rings (sometimes found in the vegetable
> aisle, sometimes with salty snacks like potato
> chips), or raw peanuts (could be in the produce
> department, the snack nuts department, or the
> baking aisle -- or not carried at all) are good
> ones that most average customers wouldn't know
> offhand unless they use them regularly. (Raw
> peanuts are used to make peanut brittle).
>
> I asked what was in the ham salad at my store and
> was surprised to learn they put maraschino
> cherries and cherry jello in it. Go figure.
Makes sense to give it color but wow.
itsasecret Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you need something to hunt for, french fried
> onion rings (sometimes found in the vegetable
> aisle, sometimes with salty snacks like potato
> chips), or raw peanuts (could be in the produce
> department, the snack nuts department, or the
> baking aisle -- or not carried at all) are good
> ones that most average customers wouldn't know
> offhand unless they use them regularly. (Raw
> peanuts are used to make peanut brittle).
>
> I asked what was in the ham salad at my store and
> was surprised to learn they put maraschino
> cherries and cherry jello in it. Go figure.
jpgilham Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I ask for the stores coupon policy and for seafood
> I ask if the lobster has to be cooked alive.
LOL! Remember that scene in "Annie Hall"?!
I'm not a seafood eater either. Never liked it, don't eat it. This would be my question
for the seafood department: Why would anyone want to eat that?
-------------------------------------------------------
> I ask for the stores coupon policy and for seafood
> I ask if the lobster has to be cooked alive.
LOL! Remember that scene in "Annie Hall"?!
I'm not a seafood eater either. Never liked it, don't eat it. This would be my question
for the seafood department: Why would anyone want to eat that?
*********************
I'm "Sandi" in the Middle!
I'm "Sandi" in the Middle!
SandiAigo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> jpgilham Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I ask for the stores coupon policy and for
> seafood
> > I ask if the lobster has to be cooked alive.
>
>
> LOL! Remember that scene in "Annie Hall"?!
>
> I'm not a seafood eater either. Never liked it,
> don't eat it. This would be my question
> for the seafood department: Why would anyone want
> to eat that?
ROFL I should ask that and then just stare and blink and wait for a reply.....
-------------------------------------------------------
> jpgilham Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I ask for the stores coupon policy and for
> seafood
> > I ask if the lobster has to be cooked alive.
>
>
> LOL! Remember that scene in "Annie Hall"?!
>
> I'm not a seafood eater either. Never liked it,
> don't eat it. This would be my question
> for the seafood department: Why would anyone want
> to eat that?
ROFL I should ask that and then just stare and blink and wait for a reply.....
***~~Dont worry...My misspellings and backwards letters are exempt from my mystery shop reports so please rest easy tonight ;P ~~***
OMG, that is priceless! LOL!!!!
(I feel exactly the same way. Who ever picked up an octopus and said, "Hmm. This looks like a taste bit of slimy rubber, think I'll have it for dinner"??)
(I feel exactly the same way. Who ever picked up an octopus and said, "Hmm. This looks like a taste bit of slimy rubber, think I'll have it for dinner"??)
:
:
==============================================================
I pray it does not occur that the last thing I did before I died was vacuum the house or eat broccoli.
:
==============================================================
I pray it does not occur that the last thing I did before I died was vacuum the house or eat broccoli.
These are questions I ask at courtesy desk:
Does my card allow me to write checks, or do I have to use a credit card?
I did not get the flyer this week, do you have any coupons?
The bottle machine area is.... (there always seems to be SOMETHING in need of attention in the bottle room)
Can I get on the mailing list for the coupon inserts or do I have to buy a paper?
At the seafood counter:
Which clams are the ones you should use for making chowder?
Do you steam lobsters here?
What seafood typically goes into ciopinno?
What's the difference between octopus and calamari?
Does my card allow me to write checks, or do I have to use a credit card?
I did not get the flyer this week, do you have any coupons?
The bottle machine area is.... (there always seems to be SOMETHING in need of attention in the bottle room)
Can I get on the mailing list for the coupon inserts or do I have to buy a paper?
At the seafood counter:
Which clams are the ones you should use for making chowder?
Do you steam lobsters here?
What seafood typically goes into ciopinno?
What's the difference between octopus and calamari?
Evaluating and mailing packages since 1994. I am an undercover connoisseur of customer service, a master of disguise in the aisles, and a sworn enemy of subpar experiences. I blend in, observe, and report—because excellence should never be a mystery.
If you are doing several locations and are doing them over and over again, it might make it easier to ask the same question of every store on your route. That way you do not lose track of what you have asked where. Then you only need one new question each round.
Shopping since 1995; full-time since 2009. Blogging about shopping on www.myfrugalmiser.com.
Warning: This User Has Been Banned or Is No Longer Active
These are great and helpful for us.
Service Desk:
There recommended question: Do you have a bulletin board where I could post a car for sale?
Can I turn in rolled coins here? (they usually refer me to the machine)
Do you match competitor's sale prices?
Do you double coupons?
I volunteer for a non-profit. Does you store accept donation requests?
Seafood:
I look for a fish that is on sale. I ask, "Is that fish popular?" of "What's that fish like?" Then I ask them how to cook it and I usually ask for the smallest piece so I can try it. I buy it as part as part of my groceries. I like fish, so this was a great way for me to try different kinds. Plus, even though some of the fish is pricey, I small piece does not usually cost that much. On one occasion, the seafood person gave me a free sample (larger than I would have bought). He told me if I didn't like it, I was not out anything, but I liked it, he hoped that I would come in and buy more.
If I am not in the mood to buy fish, I ask, "How long will that (any fresh fish I see) be good in the refrigerator?" When they tell me, I tell them I will have to come back later in the week to buy it.
I hated these shops the first few times I did them. Now, they are one of my favorites.
There recommended question: Do you have a bulletin board where I could post a car for sale?
Can I turn in rolled coins here? (they usually refer me to the machine)
Do you match competitor's sale prices?
Do you double coupons?
I volunteer for a non-profit. Does you store accept donation requests?
Seafood:
I look for a fish that is on sale. I ask, "Is that fish popular?" of "What's that fish like?" Then I ask them how to cook it and I usually ask for the smallest piece so I can try it. I buy it as part as part of my groceries. I like fish, so this was a great way for me to try different kinds. Plus, even though some of the fish is pricey, I small piece does not usually cost that much. On one occasion, the seafood person gave me a free sample (larger than I would have bought). He told me if I didn't like it, I was not out anything, but I liked it, he hoped that I would come in and buy more.
If I am not in the mood to buy fish, I ask, "How long will that (any fresh fish I see) be good in the refrigerator?" When they tell me, I tell them I will have to come back later in the week to buy it.
I hated these shops the first few times I did them. Now, they are one of my favorites.
Seafood...I ask the difference between wild and farm raised Salmon, where they're from, and if they have GMO's.
Customer service.......tell them you changed your phone#, and need another application.
Customer service.......tell them you changed your phone#, and need another application.
Live consciously....
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