During a recent review of our files, we came across submissions from a contest we ran several years ago. We asked shoppers to submit funny mystery shopping stories.
There were some very amusing stories. And some sad stories (no one ever likes to write up a bad report, now do they?)
But what we noticed most was how most mystery shopping stories could just as easily happen today as they did ten or eleven years ago.
Technology has changed the way consumers shop, pay, and even receive their goods. Smart phones, wi-fi, and incredible software has changed the way mystery shoppers submit information.
But customer interaction with people is still a very powerful. People like working with people.
And, unfortunately, some people get caught not being at their best when mystery shopping (on both sides!).
Today, we would like to share a couple of our favorites.
A Double Skinny Latte, Please!
“I asked the young man behind the counter what the difference was between a couple of new drinks the famous coffee place was now serving, to determine if he was knowledgeable about his company’s new product:
“I’m sick of my same old coffee; what’s the difference between espresso, latte, and cappuccino?” I asked as the “Customer” (mystery shopper).
The young man shrugged and simply replied,
“I don’t know, Dude; you just press the button and the s#!@ comes out!”
Not quite the response expected for a mystery shop!”
Hello! I’m Here!
“One day I was shopping a chain shoe store at a local mall. I went in and was looking at children’s shoes. Two employees were visible – one talking intimately with a girl in the corner, one on the phone on an obviously personal, not work-related, phone call. I was totally ignored. After 5 minutes, I asked for assistance, which met with dirty looks and disgust that I had been an interruption.
Then an older couple came in and sat down. The lady got a little note pad out of her purse (which I did look at and it WAS her shopping list). Both employees immediately went over and catered to them. I overheard the one employee tell the other they were due to be shopped by their mystery shopper and they were sure it was these people.
I heard the one employee say were tired of getting bad reports and getting in trouble. They absolutely fell all over these people while continuing to ignore me. While talking to each other I heard them saying that this time the reports would be great no matter what they had to do. They made fun of the couple behind their back about how dumb they were but that it didn’t matter, as they knew who they were and were sure they made a good impression this time.
All the while, I was ignored and was treated rudely, as they did all but kiss this couple’s feet as they assisted them. After the couple left they were high-fiving and calling people saying what a great job they did, as I still stood there observing and being ignored. They again failed and after this report, the store was closed.”
Quick Thinking Saved This Shopper
“I had scheduled a mystery shop for a cell phone location. The shop required me to go in and role-play, as I was interested in getting a phone. I was to also say I did not currently have a phone.
Well, it so happens that on the day of my shop my kids had a half-day of school. I had to take them with me. I found a parking space right in front of the shop and would be able to see my kids from inside with no problem. I was only steps away from my car so I decided to leave my 10-year-old in charge of my 8-year-old.
Everything was going well with my presentation. The sales associate had just asked me if I ever had a phone and I had just answered “no”. As he was showing me features on a phone, my daughter comes running inside the place with my cell phone stating, “Mom, Dad is on the phone for you!” I’ve must have turned 20 different shades of red. The sales person gave me a look that said, “I thought you said you did not have a phone”. He didn’t say it but he did not need to.
I quickly grabbed the phone, hung up on my husband and told my kid to give her aunt back her phone. My child left all confused, but she listened.
I had to explain to the sales associate that it was my sister’s phone and I thought that it would be more convenient to get my own phone than to have my sister with me at all times. The sales associate had a quick laugh and continued with his presentation.
I later explained to my daughter and my husband (since I had hung up on him) that I was on a mystery shop, of which I had failed to inform them!”
Your Turn to Tell us a Funny Mystery Shopping Story
Have you had a mystery shop that took an interesting or funny turn? Share with us below or at our Facebook page. We can all use a little laugh these days!
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