I was at a baseball game (not doing a shop) the other day, and my boyfriend and I went to the concession stand and got 2 hot dogs and a small drink with a voucher. After the worker got our order and saw that we were using the voucher, she winked and asked if I wanted a drink as well, then gave me another small soda for free. My boyfriend commented that it was a good thing I was not on a shop so I didn't have to get that wonderful woman in trouble, and I completely agreed.

I've had several experiences like this when I have actually been on a shop, and of course it has to be reported. The bartender will get a little flirty and tell me not to worry about paying for my fountain drink, and I always feel a little bad about the thought that I'm getting him into trouble. I know the argument is that the management is paying for the shopping service and this person is losing money for the management, but really, how much does that small fountain soda cost them? And then I suppose the next argument is that they are probably doing that multiple times, so it could add up....But I still find myself feeling bad and wondering if I'm getting anyone fired, and I'm curious if anyone else feels that way?

My gentleman friend tells me that when he was bartender he was allowed a certain number of 'on the house' drinks to foster customer loyalty. He suspects that most bartenders with any seniority are allowed that as well. Of much more concern is when they have a customer pay for a drink and pocket the money, accounting for it as an 'on the house' drink.

Generally in a bar it is the alcohol used that is tracked. It is not unusual when we are doing a bar visit and I am having a soda while my companion is having a beer, that my soda will be refilled multiple times while he sips his beer. Since we don't know the policy of the establishment we are visiting, any free drink or free refill needs to be reported, with no opinion as to why. If a free soda is allowed or not is up to the policy of the establishment. I can see that keeping customers on the seats in an uncrowded bar would be a marketing advantage, as would having a solo female at the bar. But I don't get to make that call, just report what occurred.

On the other hand, when I see what appears to be potential dishonesty in handling payments, that is going to be closely detailed without judgment for the client to decide whether it is actionable or not. (When the bartender rings up a mixed drink, they are sometimes throwing a coin in a glass next to the register, or putting a toothpick on the stack next to the register, or adding 1 napkin to a stack next to the register, but they aren't doing that when they pour a beer or provide a bottled drink.)