My first time recording a shop, and I'm glad I did....

Today I did an athletic shoe store. Since I would need to remember the various shoe recommendations, I decided to use the audio recording device on my iPhone (I checked and given the state it is ok). I'm really glad I recorded it. The salesperson was awesome. He recommended 4 different pairs of shoes, and asked me various questions about the type of running I did, arch issues etc.

I was having a great experience until I went to the register to make my purchase. The manager who acted as cashier was extremely rude. Didn't greet me, just mumbled, "Are you getting these?" No eye contact or smile whatsoever. When I politely asked her if she could throw out the tissue paper that was stuffed in the shoes she said, "No, our trash can is full." She then had the nerve to throw the tissue paper into my bag! I was shocked. What a b*tch! I left there feeling pissed off. I wrote the report included some good quotes, thanks to the audio recorder.

It's funny how the salesman was so wonderful but then a crappy cashier's attitude could really diminish the visit. I did make sure to write how great of a job he did. I hope something happens with that manager though.

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Maybe that sales agent will be promoted the next time you see him/her.

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.

Yes, I always record my shops in this 1-party state. I love being able to capture direct quotes. The technology shops reports I've done have been saved by the audio -- lots of terms sound similar in the pitch. If the tool is available and effective, I'm happy to use it.

Which app did you use on the iPhone?

And I have had several experiences where the last part of the visit left such a sour taste that I went home thinking the entire interaction was unfriendly. Then when I listened to my recorded notes I found the first half of the job was just fine with a very nice person.

At the risk of ruffling feathers (when has THAT ever stopped me

) and also sounding like a broken record, living/shopping in a two-party state does not necessarily prohibit you from audio recording a shop. Research your own state laws, exceptions, and precedents before deciding you can't record your shops. In some states, there are limited circumstances in which you can record shops.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/07/2016 12:20PM by BirdyC.

The standard voice recorder app on my Samsung Galaxy phone works great.
I have a spare after upgrading so it is dedicated for audio recording and stays in my MS bag. That also allows me to use the other one for covert timings, GeoVerify, etc.

This reminded me of an associate in a fast food place who's standard greeting was: *"NEXT!"* Every customer that approached the counter, including me, received no eye contact, no smile, just "Next". Then he would say, "What are you having?" And that was it. No Thank You,....Goodbye. Nothing.....

I hope that company takes a second look at the manager. In my humble opinion: She should not be in the customer service business.

In real life, I like that ^^ person's attitude. There's no need for extraneous conversation. I just want to say "number 3 with cheese, to go" and be done with it

Cashiers can be direct without being rude and that's fine with me. When you start seeing advertisements for a new FF restaurant called "Next!" that's mine!

I record all my shops, but recently I've been wondering if I'm relying on it too much. It seems like I used to be able to remember more details.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

You know what, Kathy? I have been wondering the same thing about myself. I have gotten into the practice where I video tape almost of my jobs. (I live in a one party state.) The upside is I capture more detail than I can recall on my own these days. The downside is that I must "relive" the shop over again. I attribute it to doing thousands of shops...

@KevinE wrote:

Which app did you use on the iPhone?

I have an iPhone 6S and there's a "Voice Memos" feature. It worked great. I had the phone in my purse and even with the super-loud Justin Bieber music blaring in the store I could hear the conversation just fine!

When I record using my iPhone, I use the built in application and put my phone on Airplane mode so there won't be any incoming phone calls or text messages to interrupt the recording. I then either email it or upload it using itunes if its really a huge file.

That manager should be fired and forced fed baby food.

I really like this topic.I also enjoyed reading the reactions of the people.this forum is amazing.
I am Sonam Mehta
(Mod note: Welcome to the Forum, Sonam. The company information has been removed to conform to Forum standards of no advertising of non-mystery shopping companies. The duplicate posts have also been removed.)

Has anyone tried to do voice recording of a shop through an Apple Watch? Curious about what quality it gets through its microphone....

The last shop I recorded stopped recording. I wonder if it is because I forgot to set the phone to airplane mode.

While reading this thread I got to wondering if recording was legal in my state (Hawaii). I found this useful table that lists all states and what kind of consent if required. I thought it might be useful for someone else

[telecom.hellodirect.com]

I record my shops for extra security. Most of the time, I don't even take the time to listen to them. Once in a while, I listen to get a timing or to get the greeting quote exactly right, but usually I can just delete without listening. It's my "Dumbo's feather."

You may want to investigate further if you live in a two party state. Florida has an exception if you are in a public place and conversation is not meant to be private. Loophole!

Things that have turned off my voice recorder: taking a photo; getting a text; sending a text; getting a phone call. I try to always put my smartypants phone in airplane mode now. Still, when I have to take a photo on the shop, I can't always restart the voice recorder without someone seeing. Or so I think, maybe.

Was the Mgr. having a bad day or other emotional issues?

What state are you in? Audio recording is a felony in quite a few of them.

Yes, but businesses are considered private property, and customer employee conversations fall u dear the statute. That's why recorded pre visit calls or phone shops can't take place in florida

Well. I am learning a lot.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/12/2016 10:43PM by Wentra.

Had this happened to me, I would have taken the tissue out of my bag and places it on the cashier's table as I left.

The other thing I do is use an old cell phone to record. I tuck it in an outside pocket of my purse with the microphone end up. It doesn't have any service, so it can't get a call or text. I can use my real one as usual without worrying about interupting the recording.

@LGRM wrote:

Still, when I have to take a photo on the shop, I can't always restart the voice recorder without someone seeing.

I am new here. May I ask what kind of video recorder you use? I am doing shops for BestMark. Who else would you recommend I mystery shop for? I live in Texas, less than 100,000 people. There are so many companies!

Verna B.

Fo you know why at the bottom, it says "thank you for this opportunity Verna Brown. I have no idea who did thst or how to take it off? Thank you

Verna B.

@vernalea wrote:

Fo you know why at the bottom, it says "thank you for this opportunity Verna Brown. I have no idea who did thst or how to take it off? Thank you

Vernalea,
At the top of your browser screen, click on your username that has the little triangle next to it. That will reveal a "dropdown" list.

On that list, click Control Center.

Then click Edit Signature.

Make your changes and click the Submit button at the bottom.

Good luck!

"If a train station is where trains stop, what are workstations for?"

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login

My first time recording a shop, and I'm glad I did....

Create an Account or Log In

Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies

Mystery Shopper Magazine