I am new to mystery shopping. I did several phone shops and three retail shops. I am doing my first bank inquiry shop soon, and I need to inquire about checking accounts, I am nervous. Any suggestions about bank shops? Thank you.

If the conversation might be lengthy or detailed, use the voice recorder on your phone so you will have all the info you need for the report. I think it is legal in your state but check to be sure.

Thank you very much. I did not know that my iPhone had that capacity; I played around with the phone and found the Voice Memo app in the extras folder. This will be very useful.

Keep in mind the assignments always seem more complicated in the written instructions than they are in real life.

Have a story or probable scenario in your head before you go in--such as I just moved here or I am getting a new job in the area when you go in. It will help you feel your way through the chit chat the banker will have with you. If you are really opening an account up, using your own info will be more comfortable. Also, remember that you are helping out the bank and the employee in keeping to standards and staying compliant with the rules in place. Good luck!

Go in just like you're a regular customer. Do what you would normally do if you were not a mystery shopper.

RG - If you tell us what state you are in, we can tell you if you are in a two-party consent state. If you are, then recording the conversation is likely to be a criminal offense.

Many bank shop guidelines absolutely prohibit recording. Regardless of the location.

Also keep this in mind: assignments are usually more complicated in real life than they are in the guidelines.

No one has gone to court over recording a mystery shop. That law about recording people is meant for issues where you are already in court for a case. But if you don't feel comfortable doing it, than don't.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/01/2019 01:30PM by johnb974.

I do more bank shops than probably any other kind. Be alert as to whether the banker listens attentively and suggests specific products that match your scenario, rather than just giving you the laundry list of everything they offer (which has happened to me, making for a very long shop). Don't rush the banker. Be sure to listen for him or her using your name and shaking your hand. If you're given a brochure or placemat, ask the banker to write, for example, the current interest rate next to the account they recommend. This is a natural question a real customer might ask and gives the banker another chance to point out features and explain benefits. This will help you remember them.

If you can record the shop, I would, depending on the instructions relating to that and/or on your state's laws. In some two-party states, it's allowable to record a conversation for the purposes of study (in academic settings, for example) or for work purposes (e.g., if you're at a conference taking notes or using the recording for training purposes). Not sure those exceptions still apply or in what states, but they did exist at one time. But even if you do, don't rely on that and forget to listen carefully. You'll find that when you do your report, you'll remember more than you think you will! Good luck!

I live in FL. The law about recording people is meant for any and every situation. And it is a felony.

@johnb974 wrote:

No one has gone to court over recording a mystery shop. That law about recording people is meant for issues where you are already in court for a case. But if you don't feel comfortable doing it, than don't.

@panama18 wrote:

I live in FL. The law about recording people is meant for any and every situation. And it is a felony.

@johnb974 wrote:

No one has gone to court over recording a mystery shop. That law about recording people is meant for issues where you are already in court for a case. But if you don't feel comfortable doing it, than don't.

Name one time when that was ever enforced? How many times have we seen police stops recorded and no one has ever been sued. Or people being recorded at a restaurant. Has anyone been sued for that?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/01/2019 06:50PM by johnb974.

RG YOU DO NOT NEED A RECORDER.
Like BirdyC I have shopped 3000 branches in the last 12 years. You do not need to record anything.
READ Guidelines completely, add notes to your report form.
READ all of the report form, make notes of things you need to remember. Take with you in the car.

#1 be sure to get the name of the teller if you speak with one. They have name tags, sometimes business cards, just ask at the end of your conversation. Wait for the Banker to offer you a business card, if not ask.
#2 Notice how many customers are waiting in the sitting area.
#3 Check the time from the time you wait until you are greeted and assisted.
#4. Use your own name first until you get used to using an alias.
#5. Listen attentively, do not feed them any information, only answer questions like you are a real customer.
Get the Bankers hair color, length, aprox. age. location, Desk, at teller window, office.
#6. Do you have Direct Deposit or not.
#7. Checking balance, use what you normally have unless you are given the amounts requested by MSCompany.
#8. Tell them you want just a regular account, they will select the best account for you (that is what it is about)
#9. If you are in an area that you don't live in, if asked, tell them you are thinking of moving, or you work in the area, don't say where.
#10. If you are asked for a license, do not give them one, no SS #, no address, no accounts with them(alias if you have an account) Just say at the end of your conversation, "I'm not sure yet, I will think about it, or I'm looking around.
#11. I always say ,if asked that my Bank is, Bank of America, don't give a small bank name.
The shops are easier than you think, you won't remember every detail, but you will remember what was offered, and if they spoke about, finances, credit card, saving accounts, no details just if they gave you information.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/01/2019 08:44PM by shopper8.

If you don't want to record inside the bank, bring a recorder with you and record outside the bank. Note everything you saw and did. This will keep your memory fresh.

@johnb974 wrote:

No one has gone to court over recording a mystery shop. That law about recording people is meant for issues where you are already in court for a case. But if you don't feel comfortable doing it, than don't.

You really do give terrible advice.

@SoCalMama wrote:

@johnb974 wrote:

No one has gone to court over recording a mystery shop. That law about recording people is meant for issues where you are already in court for a case. But if you don't feel comfortable doing it, than don't.

You really do give terrible advice.

You really try to scare people about mystery shopping.

Long time forum members knew that John just does what he wants without worrying about the consequences. He has admitted to fudging shop times in the past, and now he says it's okay to disregard any legalities by recording a shop...sigh. OP, just use common sense and you will be fine.

any lawyers in the building that can add expert opinion on this recording issue? But wait if your a lawyer your probably not mystery shopping.

I think we had 1 or 2 lawyers, maybe calicakes? Not sure who it was but someone from California.

I also just think it's not necessary. Like most shops, bank shops are not that hard once you do a couple. And if it's an IPSOS bank shop it's super simple.

@jlovesnyc wrote:

any lawyers in the building that can add expert opinion on this recording issue? But wait if your a lawyer your probably not mystery shopping.

can anyone site one time when a person recording a mystery shops has gone to court over the issue? When has anyone gone to jail or been sued for recording anyone in a restaurant?

If you don't want to record inside the shop, record your notes and what happened right after you leave the shop.

@johnb974 wrote:

If you don't want to record inside the shop, record your notes and what happened right after you leave the shop.

Now, that's good advice. I usually record voice notes in the car on the way home. Or I drive to a nearby parking lot and record them.

*cite*

I would just encourage people to be so well prepared that they are not self-conscious. Simple things to do: Read the guidelines an extra nine or twelve times. Look around your kitchen or garage seventeen times and, thirty minutes later, describe every detail. When you are on site for a shop, you will be comfortable with making observations, and you will find it easier to remember details.

Be prepared with a back story/scenario (i.e. salary, job, where you currently bank, why you're interested in switching to a new bank, how much $ you have in your checking account/how much $ you plan on putting in the account, etc.). The banker will most likely ask some questions about you and your financial needs so you'll need to be able to answer them immediately and confidently. Usually most bank shops will want you to let the banker lead the conversation and for you to not to ask questions/try to rush the conversation. Don't provide information until the banker asks for it.

Thank you, everyone, for the advice. I almost got my bank and restaurant shop switched up. The bank ended up being on a Friday instead which was better because I was able to read all of your suggestions and comments. I appreciate the time you put into helping a new shopper. I found the bank job to be easier to do than I thought. I did not record in the bank; but, I used the verbal app to make reminders as I drove home. I am doing two more bank jobs this upcoming week. Fingers crossed.

John, in my state, which is a 2 party state, you can and will be prosecuted for recording someone without their consent.

Mine, also. It has been done.