I am on the fence about this issue because deep down (actually not deep at all) my reaction is, "Why did this have to happen on a mystery shop? How come it never happens when I am on my own dime.?" I think this feeling comes from the fact that this is a rare occurrence and if it happened on a mystery shop it will be a long time until it happens again for me and I would appreciate a free meal once in a while. Terrible food would not be worth it especially if I re shopped and had to eat a terrible meal again. On a fine dining shop after collecting all the timings and paying close attention and remembering all the quotes needed I have already done a good bit for that shop and it would not be worth it to me for a do over just a few days later. But yes, I feel the report should be done as it is important information for the client when this happens.
On the other hand there have been two times in my life as a mystery shopper when I have been comped or reported a sticky situation when I have been told I can no longer do that shop as the manager knows who I am. In one instance I was not allowed to shop other locations either.
So bottom line, I do think it would be nice (hmm maybe I need a stronger word here) if the client/msc offered some sort of compensation for your time when this happens. And a small fee with reimbursement still would not count in my mind on a report and shop that took me hours and the fee was $10. Their idea often is they are compensating your time with a great meal that they often think is a free meal for you. That free meal mentality is the part that I think keeps them from considering partial compensation. You did not get a free great meal and you did not even get the great meal they promised in return for your time and effort.
On the other hand there have been two times in my life as a mystery shopper when I have been comped or reported a sticky situation when I have been told I can no longer do that shop as the manager knows who I am. In one instance I was not allowed to shop other locations either.
So bottom line, I do think it would be nice (hmm maybe I need a stronger word here) if the client/msc offered some sort of compensation for your time when this happens. And a small fee with reimbursement still would not count in my mind on a report and shop that took me hours and the fee was $10. Their idea often is they are compensating your time with a great meal that they often think is a free meal for you. That free meal mentality is the part that I think keeps them from considering partial compensation. You did not get a free great meal and you did not even get the great meal they promised in return for your time and effort.