Ok I've f done a Mattress Shop this week and while it was the first time doing the location, it was the 3rd time I've had the Associate within 1 year. Within 5 minutes of my visit, Associate said "you look familiar, I think I've worked with you in a different location". I just shrugged and asked about the mattress.

The previous 2 times this Associate was 100% stellar. This time, milquetoast, rushed. The usual 45 minute visit barely lasted 20 and that solely because I initiated conversation to add time on the clock.

I wonder - was the Associate mediocre because they KNEW I was a shopper and if so, do I report as if everything was fine? OR do I report mediocre even though I suspect it was because they know I'm a shopper OR a time wasting customer. My inkling was to be totally honest because my job is NOT to judge the associates thoughts, but performance.

This associate has now been at 3 out of 3 of the stores in my 'neck of the woods'. I'm wondering if an "average" evaluation will really make them remember me - and then, they'd bust me/out me next time and I can't shop these stores in my area.

I WISH MSC - would give more freedom to reschedule these shops. I would've first called the store, found out the reps name, and if it was the same one - I'd atl east wait to do the shop on another day and have a better chance.

Thoughts? Thanks

Just report the performance. You're not there to divine their motivations.

I would report what happened and evaluate them accordingly. Clarify and explain your ratings.

If he/she remembers you, there's really nothing you can do. You could first say you got busy with other things, and after doing further research, you totally forgot about the previous visits and recommendations. Try to give the salesperson the opportunity to be fully evaluated with your scenario.

From the employee's perspective, he/she might think you're trying to shop around at different locations. Some brands are price-locked. The employee earns the commission. He/she might think after two presentations at different locations within a year, you're not serious about buying.

From my experience, I haven't had an issue with giving negative reports for certain salespeople. Also, I've seen the same employees at different locations. I'm not sure if it's because these shops need to be done from Mon to Fri.

On another note, I'm curious if future shops will change or go to another MSC, given that the acquisition of the client has been cleared and finalized.

I once shopped a mattress place that I hadn’t been back to for more than a year. I believe the guy remembered me because it was a stellar performance! I finished that location and went to my next one, in the same town. Well, that same employee was at the other store. I opened the front door and closed it just as quickly! I cancelled that shop and don’t believe I had a penalty. I also have not been back to either location.

They tend to move around from store to store. I have shopped the same person 3 times now as well. Twice and one location and once at another. The last time I had to quick, come up with a different line of crap. I may have to start calling before I go to see who is at the store. I usually only do these when they get up to the $30 mark so usually it is the same 2 or 3 stores that are left.

This is one of those I view as shop once only. Of course I have shopped for a mattress in a few different suburbs over the last decade as a mystery shopper. I did not tend to repeat in the general area since they were very personalized experiences - kind of like the luxury retail or cabinet shops out there - few people work for the business and tailor the experience to the client so you are no longer a stranger when walking out the door.

@BabyBooey19 - I think it is time for you to get a red curly wig.