Matt,
Companies that have "mystery shoppers" have a tough time keeping them secret. As a matter of fact in the one work situation I was in, the knowledge of a possible "mystery shopper" was used to keep employees on their toes. The idenity of the shopper and what time they might shop, were kept secret, but not their existence. Hence, they know it is coming.....they just don't know when or by whom.
Here's a lesson in mystery shoppers. (From an earlier post of mine, that can be found on SI)
In the franchise we own...there have been known to be "mystery shoppers." And I don't think they take the "shopping" approach that is "fictitiously" described in that "story." Mystery shoppers are not put out to rip the stores to shreds, challenge them yes. And in the end, it is not the mystery shoppers that would lose their jobs. When a company sends out a mystery shopper, they keep in mind that the "shopper" is on the cooperate side. The corporation respects them as a valued employee. They give a "mystery shopper" a rather important job, they don't trust that job to just anyone. A mystery shopper HAS to know ALL the workings of a company and what is acceptable and what is not. They don't change the rules on them midstream!!! When you consider that cooperation's make decisions that effect the entire organization, based on the finding of a mystery shopper, you can bet they make careful choices on who is a "mystery shopper" I bet previous product knowledge and knowledge of the competition are critical factors. (BTW ever time my hub has been shopped by a mystery shopper.....he get's rave reviews!!)
I don't this little scene works, nor do I buy his comment about it just being a little story to story to discuss, if these practice are appropriate.
I don't like the many ways this little scenario of a "mystery shopper" could be twisted. Just another way to deceive people about what is really happening.
AI
