Odd requests from MSCs

I know that we all get strange instructions, requests, and interminable delays in processing our reports...but I thought a thread might be interesting if it included tales of odd requests or errors made by MSCs...it might lighten our load a bit to share those weirdnesses that happen!
Here's one....an instruction from an un-named MSC that always, absolutely requires proper spelling and grammar!
Describing a new and faster payment schedule for their already underpaid fast food shops!

"......same exactly shop as always!"

So, I guess I will complete this shop as 'exact' as always!

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.

Many years ago, I completed several assignments at Abuelo's Mexican eatery. I was required to obtain the names of the hostess, server, manager and bartender, but no one wore a name tag. I explained to the owner of this small MSC I was being outed by this action that, in my opinion, no paying customer would request. He stated that he agreed with me, but, it was the client's desire. There is no doubt in my mind the workers knew I was a shopper.

Asking for the last name of employees that used to work at Fry's electronic store was pretty ridiculous. Most of the time they didn't wear a name tag and again I'm pretty sure it was outing when you asked the cashier for that.

Pretending to be very rich.

Dissecting pizza and taking photos a different angles of pizza while sitting in the restaurant was a strange one too.

Trying to take a picture of pizza without shadows...I bet I took 80 pictures of one pizza just to be sure I got one that was good enough. By the time you finish taking pictures, the pizza was cold. I even stood on my table, over the pizza, trying to get "no shadows".

Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.

Dressing in business casual for a location where this would be considered 'formal'.

@foodluvr wrote:

Asking for the last name of employees that used to work at Fry's electronic store was pretty ridiculous. Most of the time they didn't wear a name tag and again I'm pretty sure it was outing when you asked the cashier for that.

I found near universal name tag wearing at Fry's, and quotation forms from the sales floor, purchase receipts, and return receipts always carried the employees' last names. That said, it certainly was a painful shop at times. It came as no surprise that both the MSC and client went out-of-business.

@Rho* wrote:

Dressing in business casual for a location where this would be considered 'formal'.

Business casual is a term that is flexible, particularly when shopping. A polo and khakis passes muster, and it can be made to look more real by also wearing dreary eyes of a person up too early for work, rushing on a too short lunch break, or exhausted from a hard day. Partially untuck the shirt and business casual is both business casual and dumpy, satisfying both shop requirements and the requirement not to stand out as over dressed.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/19/2021 01:21AM by Rousseau.

@ArkLaMissshopping wrote:

Trying to take a picture of pizza without shadows...I bet I took 80 pictures of one pizza just to be sure I got one that was good enough. By the time you finish taking pictures, the pizza was cold. I even stood on my table, over the pizza, trying to get "no shadows".

LOL! this one made me lol. taking overhead flash photography of a pizza.. i'm sure that didn't arouse suspicion at all from the restaurant! haha

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login

Odd requests from MSCs

Create an Account or Log In

Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies

Mystery Shopper Magazine