For the years that I've been mystery shopping across the country, I've never shopped the District of Columbia. I accepted a small retail route a couple of weeks ago, and had an interesting perspective from shopping the nation's capital. Here are 12 reasons on what you may experience when mystery shopping Washington, DC:
1. If you can, take the metro rail. I used my car, and could've feasibly taken the rail. Next time, I will.
2. Pentagon City Mall is not Washington, DC. Its close enough, yet depending on your scheduler, they may route other Northern Virginia area/Chevy Chase, MD locations and call it Washington, DC. For a newbie, this may be confusing, if not intimidating.
3. Take the metro rail.
4. Never park your vehicle in Georgetown Park. I was there for less than an hour on a Saturday, and paid $18.00. Absolutely ridiculous, yet convenient. If shopping Georgetown, be prepared to walk several blocks.
5. Read the parking signs at all times. Nothing like seeing someone receive a $300 parking ticket on the weekend, or someone making a left hand turn when the sign says not to make a left hand turn. Don't be surprised to see a DC area cop.
6. Take the metro rail.
7. Cyclists and scooters are everywhere, and seem to own the road. Sadly, they often do.
8. Get used to parallel parking. If you don't know how to do this already, you aren't going to have a good day.
9. Retail locations are either super politely, or supremely rude and hoidy toidy. Don't take it personal- its just the way it is.
10. Be prepared for a protest/parade/large gathering of people at any given time. This is an expectation at all times, even more so during the summer. Pack a lunch.
11. Drivers with diplomat tags do not like you. Don't be annoyed, even if they are.
12. Take the metro rail.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2019 01:09AM by Eric in Tampa.