Aging out, woe is me!
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Yeah, I feel your pain. There is a grilled cheese restaurant nearby that one can't shop over 45 (I am 55). I love grilled cheese sandwiches, I would love to try some of these gourmet ones (on their dime)! I also can't shop Spencer's in the mall because I am too old as well, even though I shop there for gag gifts sometimes and see people about my age there, too. I know I am reaching an age where I will be "too old" for many others soon enough. What puzzles me is that these businesses don't get that with an increasing cap of age on the U.S. population of people, with some who are still vibrant and hip, they should up the range in age for their demographics as well.
I've been dealing with this issue the past several years---I am 65. And like you, I still eat and purchase retail. It's very frustrating. The plus side (a very limited plus side) is in November there are Medicare shops!!
@EileenS wrote:
I've been dealing with this issue the past several years---I am 65. And like you, I still eat and purchase retail. It's very frustrating. The plus side (a very limited plus side) is in November there are Medicare shops!!
Well there's some hope!
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning; the devil shudders...And yells OH #%*+! SHE'S AWAKE!
@JASFLALMT wrote:
Yeah, I feel your pain. There is a grilled cheese restaurant nearby that one can't shop over 45 (I am 55). I love grilled cheese sandwiches, I would love to try some of these gourmet ones (on their dime)! I also can't shop Spencer's in the mall because I am too old as well, even though I shop there for gag gifts sometimes and see people about my age there, too. I know I am reaching an age where I will be "too old" for many others soon enough. What puzzles me is that these businesses don't get that with an increasing cap of age on the U.S. population of people, with some who are still vibrant and hip, they should up the range in age for their demographics as well.
You're still a baby! But you made a valid point.
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning; the devil shudders...And yells OH #%*+! SHE'S AWAKE!
I hear those pay well, I have been holding off because for now if I am not of age I have to shop for someone close to me who is...and my mom died two years ago and my father has passed, so I just. Can't. It's too painful for me to try to do without crying.
MA Smith wrote: "You're still a baby! But you made a valid point."
And you are still vibrant and hip!
And you are still vibrant and hip!
Here comes the SENIOR of the forum....except for a few restaurants, I'm still working but it is crazy that our opinions don't matter, as we have the time and knowledge more than a much younger person. Why can't they use both, seniors love to go out.....younin's on a date don't want the trouble of reports and names, etc. I do tons of AARP seminars and they pay well. I am actually surprised I am still working and I want to retire. then I get a job...and off i go. staying relevant and hip is the key, Jas your a baby tons of jobs for you but when you want to do a certain one and can't, it's a bummer.
Live consciously....
@JASFLALMT wrote:
MA Smith wrote: "You're still a baby! But you made a valid point."
And you are still vibrant and hip!
Vibrant and hip, not so sure about that assessment. I did look like a fool in some establishment because I shouldn't know the lyrics and I kind of did the dance as you shop deal. It wasn't a paid shop. Haha
I've been working on new makeup. I can afford drug store brands. Cover Girl for old ladies, promoted by a comedienne with her own talk show...ain't getting it done.
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning; the devil shudders...And yells OH #%*+! SHE'S AWAKE!
I get bummed out when I have to tick the category ranging 35 to 50 years of age. Can't they just put 35 to 40 to make me feel better!
There is a shop here that the age limit is 42. I know I’m still young at 37 but I was stunned to see the age limit so young on it. I was thinking “Darn, in a few years I’m too old for it.” Lol. I think it’s really strange with this restaurant it’s a nice, sit down Mexican place. Not sure why the age cap on it is so low....
Marketing is almost always oriented toward the younger, usually teens/20s into the 30s since marketers believe they are the most likely to spend discretionary income and are more in tune with current trends. Keeping trends turning is how companies make the big $$$.
The irony is that people in those age groups may be among those least likely to devote time to MSing due to a full social schedule, university and career obligations.
There is a huge, beautiful new movie theatre near me with 10 screens and a big bar area. The MSC is always begging people take those 21-35 alcohol compliance checks. They just sit there waiting.
The irony is that people in those age groups may be among those least likely to devote time to MSing due to a full social schedule, university and career obligations.
There is a huge, beautiful new movie theatre near me with 10 screens and a big bar area. The MSC is always begging people take those 21-35 alcohol compliance checks. They just sit there waiting.
MA, Garnier makes a nice tinted moisturizer. I have been using tinted moisturizers as opposed to foundation for quite awhile now and I really like them so much better.
Though a few of the younger ages are based on target demographics, I believe the upper age caps are based on different parameters.
I used to work as a IT consultant. A client had a policy; no one could work more than 10 hours a day based on productivity studies that they believed in.
I believe that many of these upper age limits are based on productivity studies a MSC or client feels they need to adopt.
Though it makes sense to build in "curves" based on individual performance, it is easier to put hard cutoffs in. Us elders then can try to establish a relationship with the schedulers that want to work with us.
I used to work as a IT consultant. A client had a policy; no one could work more than 10 hours a day based on productivity studies that they believed in.
I believe that many of these upper age limits are based on productivity studies a MSC or client feels they need to adopt.
Though it makes sense to build in "curves" based on individual performance, it is easier to put hard cutoffs in. Us elders then can try to establish a relationship with the schedulers that want to work with us.
My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
I am old and very vibrant but I doubt anyone who is young or who markets to the young would call me hip in their sense of the word. I run and play myself in a soccer group of women mostly in their 30's. My kids are millennials. Their shopping and especially spending habits are completely different than mine or any of my friends, even the high spender friends. So I can understand when a client decides their target demographic is 20's and 30's that they are the ones they want as shoppers. It does bother me though as I personally spend my money at those same places.
I must say though that I put up with the loud music but wish it were not so loud. That is one thing I notice as a difference in ages. Also the amount of pickiness among some of my friends. I am not picky but it bothers me when they are. I really feel sorry for some of the staff who have to put up with some of my friends (who I really like otherwise). I do not see that so much in younger people and certainly did not have picky friends when I was young myself. I am not defending the practice since I would love some of those shops but I understand why they decide to do it. Not that I totally agree.
I must say though that I put up with the loud music but wish it were not so loud. That is one thing I notice as a difference in ages. Also the amount of pickiness among some of my friends. I am not picky but it bothers me when they are. I really feel sorry for some of the staff who have to put up with some of my friends (who I really like otherwise). I do not see that so much in younger people and certainly did not have picky friends when I was young myself. I am not defending the practice since I would love some of those shops but I understand why they decide to do it. Not that I totally agree.
I aged out of a lot of shops as well when I turned 28 a couple of months ago.
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
@SandyF...I do agree those in their 30/40's spend like money's going out of style (especially the ones without kids, which are ours). I am much more frugal (always was). My daughter is 42 and when we go out she never looks at the cost (clothes included) if she likes it, she buys it, although doesn't shop as much as her Mom so it may be even. Restaurants also know if a young shopper likes the place they will come back and bring friends spending more. I still think there is a place for all ages of shoppers, and it doesn't do a restaurant or any establishment good to cut an entire generation out. .last time she visited she pulls up in a darling Mustang Convertible, laughing and saying, come on Mom, we're going to Malibu with the top down, up for it...
p.s. Sandy, you are much younger than your years,
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2018 04:39PM by Irene_L.A..
p.s. Sandy, you are much younger than your years,
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2018 04:39PM by Irene_L.A..
I agree with all of the above. The MSCs have to do whatever their customers want regardless. I am Friends of the Library, the fund raising is geared to young parents who bring in more money than us elderly (I hate that word).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2018 10:21PM by shopper8.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2018 10:21PM by shopper8.
I like you, but hate that word....can't even say it...@shopper8 wrote:
I agree with all of the above. The MSCs have to do whatever their customers want regardless. I am Friends of the Library, the fund raising is geared to young parents who bring in more money than us elderly (I have that word).
Live consciously....
Hey, seniors spend money too and as such their opinions count. Also seniors who are retired are perfect to do shops because of their flexible schedules. I think MSCs who have age limits are missing out.
Most of the time you're not giving your opinion but instead you are reporting on the facts so age is not really much of a factor. The MSC's have made it a factor for some reason but how quickly you get your Taco is not age specific.
Rightly or wrongly, I think some clients believe that if a customer is of a certain, younger, age range, or the age range of the majority of their regular clientele, then the employees will be less likely to suspect that the guest is a secret shopper. Savvy employees may not be able to say for sure who exactly is a shopper, but they can usually figure out if someone might possibly be a shopper and change their behavior appropriately.
So true! On the other hand, I've picked up shops for my "granddaughter's" nursery school, Medicare insurance supplement programs, nursing home care for an aging spouse, and college tour for my out-of-state "grandson."
I did my first Medicare supplement shop when I was 56. I was SO scared that I would be outed as not belonging there, but no one said anything. And of course, each year I'm closer to the target age so they get easier to do.
@JASFLALMT wrote:
I hear those pay well, I have been holding off because for now if I am not of age I have to shop for someone close to me who is...and my mom died two years ago and my father has passed, so I just. Can't. It's too painful for me to try to do without crying.
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt
They allow you to do them younger, saying your looking for a place for your sister. or Mother. I did one in my town and then when I had to put my sister (Dementia) in a few years ago, I already knew about the place in Palo Alto...I learned so much. her son didn't know where to start and here comes Auntie irene to save the day. I'll say it is very expensive and not for everyone, she is doing well there and says she's in a hotel.
Live consciously....
@Irene_L.A. wrote:
You too Irene. I could not believe it when you mentioned your age some months back.
p.s. Sandy, you are much younger than your years,
I am almost 72. I avoid trendy clothing stores which attract a young type of person. Also, certain restaurants with loud music. However, I am still a consumer with opinions and probably have more experience with life than someone who is younger. If they wish to ban me from certain shops due to age then so be it. It is there loss not mine. Also many of the young people they are interested in are living at home with Mom and Dad; getting money from Mom and Dad and some are very lazy.
Yes, it's unfortunate that the MSC restricts age limits but we seniors can take advantage of the senior discount days. For example, ross stores have over 55 10% discounts on tuesdays, where I get my hair cut have senior discounts for over 55, the outlet malls near me have a 10% discounts at certain stores on thursdays. My son who is 24 will be over the age limit in a few years for the age compliance alcohol/tobacco shops. Also, many grown children can't afford to live on their own due to the rental cost of an apartment. For example, a fairly decent neighborhood apartment near me averages about $1,000 to $1,500 for a one bedroom. Okay, how many kids can afford first and last months' rent deposit after getting out of college and getting a decent paying job? Plus the way many companies advertise/marketing the latest technology (smart TV, smartphone, computers, cars) that you must buy this or that, it's no wonder many people can't afford their lifestyles because they're in debt.
Everyone is unique. There are old souls and young souls. We like diffetent things. Luke 12 reminds me that many of the mystery shop concerns are not and never have been my concerns. To paraphrase a scripture, life is more than reimbursed clothing and mystery meat.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/18/2018 03:57PM by Shop-et-al.
My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/18/2018 03:57PM by Shop-et-al.
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