MYSTERY SHOPPING THREAD 19 - please don't mention client names or fees on here!!

TractorGirl327

Just wondering if anyone who responded to the email offering Spa Days at the holiday parc from RA has actually been allocated anything?

Dotty13

StacFace wrote: »

We know 20 minutes is acceptable but there is a bit on the report that asks how long it took and there is a bonus for it being under 5 minutes, you have to get all of them on all questions they're available on 3 times in a row to get a staff Christmas party, from then on everytime you do it you get an extra £50 spent on it. If you just do everything right in terms of what's deemed acceptable (e.g. good service but without preferential specifically to them) you don't get that, you just don't get an early morning staff meeting the following Sunday to be told off and made to go through the training booklet again. That's why we do their meals first, clear their plates first etc.

And yes, it is RE.

I can understand this argument from both points of view. If my bonus depended upon giving exemplary service to a MS'er, then i would try to differentiate between the customers. One main give away is asking for a receipt. The next is down to experience (hence the text/phone scenario). You would obviously try to "go the extra mile" for these type of customers, just in case....

However, as an MS'er, I would like to think that I am getting the same service as everyone else, so I can give an objective report. In reality this is not the case. The staff know what to look out for, and what "hot topics" are being discussed, therefore making a mockery of the whole experience. That's the troube with MS'ing IMO. Just look at the eggs scenario

jen_br

boyoboy1986 wrote: »

Quick message to anyone visiting Livingston in future. You now have to pay to park in some of the car parks.

It is very cheap at 50p for up to 2hrs and you can get the money back when purchasing in certain shops. Some of the car parks require you to pay and display and some are barrier controlled.

Where did you park? McArthurglen and Centre are both free with about 6 free carparks around them?

jen_br

As for the Pub thing, I would actually mark down the pub if I noticed my food coming out first and others before me waiting. I would also be reporting suspecious activity *and have done in the past*. Personally I feel that you are trying to go above and beyond whereas if you just gave a GOOD service to all people that entered then maybe just maybe you would always score well and not have to sweat.

Your place sounds worse then a GAP burger.

For example I did a pub where I was handing out a bonus, the pub was full the waiter was polite I waited a bit for my food, took people with me the food was great, the service was good we were check backed on, but so was everyone. I generally SHOCKED the member of staff when I handed out the reward infact he cried a bit saying that he has never been recognised for his work.

THAT is good service when I don't notice a different level of service, and I would also be worried if I was your pub about Joe public complaining and your pub group having to hand out freebies I have complained to head office when I wasn't MSing, and they tend to take those comments more seriously.

debsjc

I think the mystery shop companies that ask for timings to the second, make us mystery shoppers stand out more. Standing there tapping a mobile phone or digital watch, just draws attention.

boyoboy1986

jen_br wrote: »

Where did you park? McArthurglen and Centre are both free with about 6 free carparks around them?

McArthur Glen started charging yesterday. There is a big sign as you drive into the multi-storey and also as you drive into the bit next to Wetherspoons.

mimi1234

Miss_Qwerty wrote: »

They're with RM now? That's excellent news, I love their coffee and was beginning think they'd dropped MS'ing completely and tbh I think I'd prefer RM to RE or TNS' questionnaires any day of the week

By little coffee chain, I mean little! I'm not talking about the BIG chain (wafer biscuit anyone?) TNS used to do!

TNS did 3 sets of coffee shops. The BIG chain is no longer shopped as far as I am aware. 1 of the smaller chains went to Catalyst and 1 went to RM.

SERENDIPITY where are you love? Has anyone heard from her lately?

Miss_Qwerty

mimi1234 wrote: »

By little coffee chain, I mean little! I'm not talking about the BIG chain (wafer biscuit anyone?) TNS used to do!

TNS did 3 sets of coffee shops. The BIG chain is no longer shopped as far as I am aware. 1 of the smaller chains went to Catalyst and 1 went to RM.

Ohhhh, ok. My bad. Don't think I ever saw any of the smaller ones so just assumed you were talking about the other one (Which I consider smaller than the other coffee chains who have a monopoly of shops everywhere).

Too confusing, i'm having a drink.

mimi1234

Miss_Qwerty wrote: »

Ohhhh, ok. My bad. Don't think I ever saw any of the smaller ones so just assumed you were talking about the other one (Which I consider smaller than the other coffee chains who have a monopoly of shops everywhere).

Too confusing, i'm having a drink.

I had 3 coffees today and I don't think I will sleep. I had to ask 2 questions at each shop and it was so numpty like. I mean who in their right minds would ask 2 questions when buying a coffee and a snack? It was so obvious I was the mysterious shopper. Service went from OK to impeccable. Anyway my bad, I should not complain, I got paid for feeding my belly. Happy days.

boyoboy1986

mimi1234 wrote: »

SERENDIPITY where are you love? Has anyone heard from her lately?

I was thinking the same the other day. She did say she was putting the house on the Market. Maybe she has had a mucho quick sale.

I miss her!