Mystery shopping thread 26 *please read the op first**please no client names or fees

mrbanjo

Big_Graeme wrote: »

These are fee and reimbursement though.

I'm pretty much the opposite, I'll avoid chains, I've dined for a number of very good restaurants that way.

There are very few chain restaurants I will set foot in, I find them bland and predictable. Luckily Ms'ing gives the opportunity to sample some wonderful meals.

ISWMLE

missymouse wrote: »

So if they only want positive comments why bother with MSs..

The MF board is inundated with opticians and Why does RA think my local area is 2 counties away so I have to look for jobs outside my supposed area, got an email from them today then there is zilch on board.

I expect some MSCs are responsible for consultancy services too. Therefore, if they offer Mystery Shopping and there are too many complaints of substandard service from mystery shoppers it implies that their consultancy services are not up to much either or their mystery shopping programmes are not having sufficient enough impact to be worth the expenditures = bye, bye client next tender.

I expect that some MSCs doctor the results before they turn in the analysis and justify that by getting their proof readers to bully mystery shoppers into turning negatives into positives or threatening non payment for failed visits over some distorted brief inclusion that was effectively direction and control and nothing to do with the analysis the client needs.

We are not stupid. :eek:

ISWMLE

Big_Graeme wrote: »

These are fee and reimbursement though.

I'm pretty much the opposite, I'll avoid chains, I've dined for a number of very good restaurants that way.

So have I, only I make enough money not to have to bother mystery shopping in them too often.

Let's face it, the majority of foodie assignments are pizzs or burger fast food outlets or some sort of high street coffee chain of one sort or another.

Big_Graeme

ISWMLE wrote: »

Let's face it, the majority of foodie assignments are pizzs or burger fast food outlets or some sort of high street coffee chain of one sort or another.

I'm lucky to have lots of Service Measure work here, lots of very small outlets and small restaurant groups, still get the odd call from when I was in catering too. The only burgers I've shopped in 5 years are the MF American chain they have just taken on. I'd rather not do any of MDC's chains, bad reports are not acceptable for them.

ISWMLE

Big_Graeme wrote: »

I'm lucky to have lots of Service Measure work here, lots of very small outlets and small restaurant groups, still get the odd call from when I was in catering too. The only burgers I've shopped in 5 years are the MF American chain they have just taken on. I'd rather not do any of MDC's chains, bad reports are not acceptable for them.

In a good restaurant don't like having to observe this, notice that, time this that and the other, order this, avoid that, drink what's in the brief. When I have a good meal in a decent restaurant I want to enjoy it properly and that usually means no mystery shopping and enjoying a nice glass of wine or three..

My idea of rounding off a good meal is a brandy not a 90 question report.

weeg

I do the burgers for the money - definitely not the food!

I do do other reimbursement only hospitality jobs though. One of my favourite hotels in the whole country comes up sometimes on MDC - I'll happily have a night away with my partner and a lovely dinner in exchange for a hour or so of my time the day I check out. I've an excellent memory, so I don't find getting the details I need for the report that taxing while eating (and I set my shop timer running when I start and keep track of service speed that way).

And I'm glad to have learnt that certain chains are well worth avoiding (particularly the greasy, ubiquitous italian one) without wasting a penny of my own money.

But, as with all MSing, it's horses for courses. For example, I never do store card ones after having my credit checked on one without giving my permission, and I took one look at the new client gyp had and decided no.

ISWMLE

weeg wrote: »

I do the burgers for the money - definitely not the food!

I do do other reimbursement only hospitality jobs though. One of my favourite hotels in the whole country comes up sometimes on MDC - I'll happily have a night away with my partner and a lovely dinner in exchange for a hour or so of my time the day I check out. I've an excellent memory, so I don't find getting the details I need for the report that taxing while eating (and I set my shop timer running when I start and keep track of service speed that way).

And I'm glad to have learnt that certain chains are well worth avoiding (particularly the greasy, ubiquitous italian one) without wasting a penny of my own money.

But, as with all MSing, it's horses for courses. For example, I never do store card ones after having my credit checked on one without giving my permission, and I took one look at the new client gyp had and decided no.

When I did a lot of burger jobs, not with Gyp who I have never worked for, I was putting on too much weight. I don't do foodie gigs anymore for that reason alone. Some hotel gigs might be worth doing if you are travelling to a particular area for a holiday or leisure trip. But, there again, they aren't really that useful for work when you are able to deduct the cost of an overnight from your tax bill.

Big_Graeme

Each to their own, there is no wrong or right thing to do with hospitality visits, same with any other visit, it may be one shoppers ideal job and another's nightmare.

Big_Graeme

ISWMLE wrote: »

But, there again, they aren't really that useful for work when you are able to deduct the cost of an overnight from your tax bill.

Well it reduces the profit you pay tax on, its still your money you are spending as you don't knock the full amount off your tax bill.

Larac

Well still waiting for my login details for the drinks audit. Anybody got theirs yet? or do you think another extension is in the offing?