Mystery Shopping Thread 24 *PLEASE READ THE OP FIRST**PLEASE NO CLIENT NAMES OR FEES

Wizzbang

By the way, it would appear AA are not a member of either the MSPA or the MRA. BEWARE! It shows how unreputable they are!

Wizzbang

HappyMJ wrote: »

I have now taken to voice recording my mystery shops. Then I can refer back to the voice recording if I feel I have missed something or if the MS company queries something I can double check...and if the company or client were to complain about I can provide a transcript of the interaction and if it goes further I can provide the actual voice recording not that is has ever gone that far. It's been useful for gapbuster burger shops where I might have hit stop on the stopwatch rather than the lap button.

I'd go back to the shop (if it's nearby) and reveal yourself to the member of staff and ask them why they thought you were the mystery shopper. It's not going to do any harm now is it.

In my opinion it's a silly reason they ask you to ask questions that scream out "I'm a mystery shopper" yet won't pay you for doing just that. I'd take it further.

I didn't think we were allowed to record unless it's part of the brief, I think that's breaking the law- as you have to tell the other party that you're recording them. According to what I've read?

Wizzbang

Can't complain through MSPA as they're not a member. But have submitted complaint to MRA, unsure if they'll accept it either again if they're not a member? Trading Standards? Not sure

JohnnyG

I have a right handy zip pocket in my jacket, that allows me to record all conversations on my smartphone, which I use just about every time. Will be stuffed though come summer

Wizzbang, I would seriously consider the small claims court. I can't recall seeing anything on all the T&Cs for shops I've done that says you won't get paid if the shop thinks or suspects you're a MS, only if you purposely reveal yourself as a MS.

Trading standards......certainly worth a call to them.

Good luck.

skivenov

weeg wrote: »

The phone stores that used to be on GFK. Do the the MSC still require a photo? I can't see it stated anywhere on the brief, but there seems to be a space to upload a photo to the report.

Actually, I assume that they do wantone - I really just want to clarify that it's a standard ext shot.

It is, yes.

N.I.M wrote: »

Where have they gone now?

Douglas Stafford

Wizzbang wrote: »

I didn't think we were allowed to record unless it's part of the brief, I think that's breaking the law- as you have to tell the other party that you're recording them. According to what I've read?

You can record a conversation for your own personal reference, but it becomes an issue if you wish to distribute, store beyond a reasonable amount of time, or otherwise use it. I generally run audio recording if I need to check back or re-evaluate something, but I will not pass it on and delete it a month after the job is paid.

Wizzbang

I might start doing that too the, thought had crossed my mind before all this happened as a memory aide!

AA flatly refuse to give me the name of a more superior person to complain to. I have submitted complaint to MRA, but will try trading standards when I have time. I run my own business anyway, so am used to late payments, sending out payment demands etc. Just wondering whether small claims is worth it over a few pounds?

N.I.M

There is a principle issue, and small claims will scare them, and who are the MRA? The MRS or Market Research Society are the industry body, but are voluntary and self regulating and are the ones I would complain to.

Wizzbang

Sorry, that was a typo, I've complained to the MRS. I've threatened them with small claims and all they will say is they're sorry I'm not happy and that's the end of it.

N.I.M

They'll get plenty of threats, follow it up and they'll soon quiet down. And you never know, you might even get punitive damages on top of the rest of your claim

Lil_Me_2

Like many others I also voice record all my shops.