One of my biggest goals in mystery shopping is NOT to be memorable or stand out. Blending into the crowd and being 'just another random customer' is sometimes harder than it sounds. Have you ever stood out on a shop?
I just did a shop last week for one of my fav companies and when I arrived I was so out of place one employee looked at me like I was crazy and another asked basically if I was lost.... yea, I don't think I was flying under the radar like I wanted to on that one!

Yes, I took a cable company shop and when I got to the location it was a Spanish speaking community service center. Lucky, I have dark black hair and brown eyes and have in the past been mistaken for Mexican. The lady that waited on me commented "you have really good English". I still felt like I stood out like a sore thumb. The lady was real nice and helped me though.

All the time. I mainly just stand out due to a combination of my race, very unique last name and age, whether it's a high-end store where I'm the huge minority, I'm at the fancy hotel where I'm again the huge minority, or I'm in the hood for a shop and again, I'm a huge minority. You get used to it.

Even when I'm not on a shop, I do feel I get treated differently as a customer with little to no service, then directed to the back for the clearance priced products...... Even though, that's where I was going to go either way.

It is not enough to say that we should look like we fit in or blend with the crowd. I never fit in or blend because they never ask for "boring old bag, looks young for age, would rather read real book".

I now do mostly merchandising because being the boring old bag is okay for that job.

Guess what? Many clients are very interested in how someone who "doesn't fit in" is treated by their employees! My motto: PPress on regardless and strive for tone.

Me walking into a burger place located where I didn't "fit," and having every employee stare at me...while I ordered and while I ate, then asking me if I wanted anyone to walk me to my car. Didn't do that one again.

@Tarantado wrote:

All the time. I mainly just stand out due to a combination of my race, very unique last name and age, whether it's a high-end store where I'm the huge minority, I'm at the fancy hotel where I'm again the huge minority, or I'm in the hood for a shop and again, I'm a huge minority. You get used to it.

Even when I'm not on a shop, I do feel I get treated differently as a customer with little to no service, then directed to the back for the clearance priced products...... Even though, that's where I was going to go either way.

Do you only shop clearance? Is that your stereotype/demographic? Just curious.

My son got followed around by security at Nordstrom in Seattle. He is literally the last person that would steal anything. It was funny, but slightly annoying, since we both have a lot of experience with store security. It was a good experience in one way though. Now he knows what it is like to get followed around by security due to your skin color.

What about customet impact?

I've never worried about it, really fit in anywhere, confidence and dressing properly may help, although jeans go anywhere in today's world. I see many types here in L.A. and never think someone doesn't ft in..could be in your mind only....maybe I wouldn't "fit in" in the hood.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/04/2017 02:27AM by Irene_L.A..

@SoCalMama wrote:

Do you only shop clearance? Is that your stereotype/demographic? Just curious.

My son got followed around by security at Nordstrom in Seattle. He is literally the last person that would steal anything. It was funny, but slightly annoying, since we both have a lot of experience with store security. It was a good experience in one way though. Now he knows what it is like to get followed around by security due to your skin color.

No, not only; however, I tend to refrain from buying unless I know I paid the bottom-low price I can find, or if I'm willing to cough up the premium for not waiting. I wouldn't exactly say it's my stereotype for my 'look.'

I think my skin color combined with my age and maybe being dressed down too casual gives many the impression of how much I can afford. It's not like I'm dressed down too much either.

It could also be because he was young. I am just saying out of experience; there are other reasons.

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

I just did a shop last week for one of my fav companies and when I arrived I was so out of place one employee looked at me like I was crazy and another asked basically if I was lost.... yea, I don't think I was flying under the radar like I wanted to on that one!

I'm curious in what way you stood out, especially if it's a favorite company I would imagine you are right in their target market.

The first shop I ever did (25 years ago? could it be?) was a Benetton. I'd never shopped there, and they didn't stock my size, so I said it was a gift, but we found nothing. I never felt so out of place and awkward. It was my first and last shop until a few years ago. I still don't like doing retail.

@ShopWhisperer wrote:

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

I just did a shop last week for one of my fav companies and when I arrived I was so out of place one employee looked at me like I was crazy and another asked basically if I was lost.... yea, I don't think I was flying under the radar like I wanted to on that one!

I'm curious in what way you stood out, especially if it's a favorite company I would imagine you are right in their target market.

The first shop I ever did (25 years ago? could it be?) was a Benetton. I'd never shopped there, and they didn't stock my size, so I said it was a gift, but we found nothing. I never felt so out of place and awkward. It was my first and last shop until a few years ago. I still don't like doing retail.

It was a parking shop. I was parking at a special event location (that hosts a WIDE variety of events). I didn't actually have to attend the event, just watch where the cash goes when I pay for parking....... The special event happened to be a football game between two all African American colleges and I'm a 35yr old Caucasian 'soccer mom' driving the Honda mini van......

Heck, for all they know you were there to cheer for a family friend or a cousin! That would just make you part of an American family.... like MINE.

I've learned quite a bit in a few years of shopping.

My hair is over 3 feet long. If it's down, people will remember me. I tend to put it in a folded over ponytail, a bun, a wrapped up braid, or just under a head wrap or hat so no one sees much of it.

I have giant tattoos on my back. I forgot and wore a tank to an oil change express... several people commented on the work. 0_o I learned real quick to not do that. I also have them on my feet and wrist. I make sure my shoes are closed up and my watch is on my wrist so people do not take notice.

I also have piercing holes in my face and ears from being a weird one in college. Still a weird one, but in a different manner these days. I tend to cover those with tiny concealer dots if I think it may pose an issue. Rarely ever do people notice but one day someone [rudely and loudly] exclaimed OH MY GOD YOU HAVE HAD YOUR LIP PIERCED--- TWICE!!!! 0_o I tried to tuck my hair over my ears so they didn't see the dozen holes in each one. Sheesh. I cocked my eye brow at her and said "the key word is had there, anyway, what can you tell me about..."

I'm tall(er) at 5'8"ish so nothing I can really do about that. I have had a few people comment when they realize that they're not towering over me because they're usually the tall woman. My banker once upon a time was 6' and she immediately noticed I was a taller woman. Don't think I was outted though.

Oooh I literally stuck out like a sore thumb once. I dislocated my thumb and it was still fresh but couldn't pass up a $250 bonus car shop (I used the bonus money into a set of front tires). When I checked in, the guy said something along the lines of holy @#$@#$ and had half the garage coming to investigate my hand.

I was sketching at a car dealership once and a fellow took notice and kept coming over to investigate the artwork. I don't sketch anymore and usually work puzzles. Or flip through boring magazines. I don't know if I'd call that standing out but it brought unwanted attention. I was also wire wrapping with copper once and a similar thing happened so I stopped doing that too. I get antsy/bored when I gotta sit for 3 hours with daytime television going. I haven't had TV service in over a decade and we don't do much TV other than say, 7-9PM tops. I don't wanna watch Days or General Hospital or even CNN.

Someone noticed animal hair on my hoody. Apparently the kitties decided it was a good spot for a nap. I dunno about standing out there either but I felt weird when someone casually mentioned I must have pets and started a convo up with me about animals that lasted longer than I wanted to talk about them.

You'll learn and sometimes still stand out.

And even with tattoos, holes, and all that -- business clothes and proper attire take away most of any standing out. Now, if I'm going to do a Spencers shop, I'll straight up put in a lip ring, half dozen hoops, wear my funkiest metal band shirt, and roll with it but most days you'll find me hanging out with a long blonde braid, a pants suit, dressy sneakers (I have heel spurs 0_o), minimal makeup, a Timex watch, my wedding band, and a single piece of gold jewelry around my neck.

Also, I'm a very weird eater so I try to hide out in a corner where I can't be spotted messing with me food. Example: I don't like to eat the bottom bun of a burger so I toss it, straighten things up, and flip it over like a half a bagel. I also remake every wrap I get because I like it rolled a certain way. I don't want to be spotted as the weird person playing with their food

@Tarantado wrote:

@SoCalMama wrote:

Do you only shop clearance? Is that your stereotype/demographic? Just curious.

My son got followed around by security at Nordstrom in Seattle. He is literally the last person that would steal anything. It was funny, but slightly annoying, since we both have a lot of experience with store security. It was a good experience in one way though. Now he knows what it is like to get followed around by security due to your skin color.

No, not only; however, I tend to refrain from buying unless I know I paid the bottom-low price I can find, or if I'm willing to cough up the premium for not waiting. I wouldn't exactly say it's my stereotype for my 'look.'

I think my skin color combined with my age and maybe being dressed down too casual gives many the impression of how much I can afford. It's not like I'm dressed down too much either.

If you're 27 (your tag line) then I can understand in some situations. I'm 28 and the lack of service because of the younger look is definitely a thing. We went car shopping two weeks ago and no one really seemed interested in helping us. The guy who did help us -- was a 70+ year old hippie fellow with long white hair, goatee, a skateboard on the wall in his office, and a mouse for his computer that had a funny saying on it and a snow globe type thing in it. Basically, free spirited fellow.

We brought home a BMW. Everyone else missed out on that commission. Similar situation last time, too. I was only 24 at the time, shopping for a car, and only one associate came out to help or even paid notice to us. He was also sorta a hippie looking fellow. Sold us an SUV, new off the lot. Those two fellows will probably stay our "car guys" until they switch dealerships or retire just because they made that much of an impression on both of us.

@walesmaven wrote:

Heck, for all they know you were there to cheer for a family friend or a cousin! That would just make you part of an American family.... like MINE.

I should have added it took over an hour to get into the garage in bumper to bumper traffic and I was the ONLY Caucasian to be seen. .... I totally get blended families but I bet I observed well over 1k people between my time in line & walking around the parking garage & observing the tailgating lot. I am not worried about being paid or anything like that. but for these type of shops I try to blend in and on this one I failed big time. I was just curious if others had similar experiences.

I did a banking shop in the middle of Chinatown. Every customer and tellers were speaking Chinese. I did not feel like I fit in, but the representative that I sat with was great. I said, "I don't speak Chinese, my husband is doing business across the street so I decided to come in and ask about your accounts." We both laughed, she was great!

I've been there a few times, luckgirl0100, but not for mystery shopping. And trust me, you notice your "otherness" much more than anyone else notices it.

Do you only shop clearance? Is that your stereotype/demographic? Just curious.

My son got followed around by security at Nordstrom in Seattle. He is literally the last person that would steal anything. It was funny, but slightly annoying, since we both have a lot of experience with store security. It was a good experience in one way though. Now he knows what it is like to get followed around by security due to your skin color.[/quote]

My son-in-law was once followed around at a Wal-Mart. He had one of his sons with him and he decided to play with the security person. So he stopped in every department and picked up lots of merchandise, held it up and looked around like he was checking for security. And several different behaviors associated with shoplifters. After having his fun, he finally went to the security person, confronted her, and showed her his police badge. Apparently she was pretty embarrassed. He does dress pretty casually when he's out shopping and has a few obvious tattoos so maybe that's why he "didn't fit in".

Yep, i must have one of those faces that say ignore me!

I stand out! I wear my hair pulled back in huge Afro and always something colorful, yet professional/Cas as it puts me in a good mood!! I have been treated very disrespectfully over my 25 years of shopping. Ignored, cursed at, slammed door in my face even though I went to go in 29 min before closing, spoke to person behind me first in line, etc.....It actually makes me laugh.

I know though, this is such great info when detailed appropriately on form to aid in our way discussion they may need to have with their supervisor on diversity. So Win/Win! Keep on embracing your uniqueness that's the beauty of life!

Ditto

I totally understand years ago when I was 26 my husband and I went to a car lot and when I asked about a certain vehicle he looked at me and said you can't afford that. I promptly asked for the manager, he was pissed at loosing the sale...I was already pre-approved...

I've made a life out of being myself (whatever that is), and not following the crowd. This has worked as people always ask where did you get that, love your look, etc. Being yourself and individual is a plus, carry your head high, and act like you fit in...with so many blended families today, people accept much more that in the past.
I recently did a dealership with a very unsavy Salesman who asked where my last name came from, and he didn't seem to like where, I did sense a bit of prejudice, but quickly covered it up....beside that, he wasn't a good salesman, actually left before we were done, handing me over to the Manager and leaving the lot...can you imagine what the report looked like, and then he kept emailing asking if I'd made my mind up...ya, right.

@Tarantado wrote:

All the time. I mainly just stand out due to a combination of my race, very unique last name and age, whether it's a high-end store where I'm the huge minority, I'm at the fancy hotel where I'm again the huge minority, or I'm in the hood for a shop and again, I'm a huge minority. You get used to it.

Even when I'm not on a shop, I do feel I get treated differently as a customer with little to no service, then directed to the back for the clearance priced products...... Even though, that's where I was going to go either way.

Haha, so here’s an interesting story that happened just now. So i decided to do one of those timeshares presentations out in the ski towns in Colorado. Despite the fact that I could easily afford one of the timeshares out here, I genuinely felt discrimitated again by my appearance and age. What I planned a 2 hour timeshare presentation turned into a 5-10 minute presentation and a bottomline, are you going to proceed or no?

Though I was the only minority there, I was also the only ‘single’ person there, while all others waiting for their presentations were coupled up and around my parents’ ages. I’m sure a lot of it had to do with the fact that I wasn’t married and hadn’t a female companion with me, but the bright side? I received a complimentary 4 day, 3 night stay at an acceptable hotel.

Now I just have to make sure I make it back to the city with this snow storm currently going on, so I’m not stranded!

The client will be VERY interested in your report. Some sales agent is going to be in for some intense retraining, if he/she is lucky enough to still have a job. Similar thing happened to an African-American male colleague, right age group, definitely dressed for the part and an experienced upscale shopper, at a $2 million condo in NYC. The sales manager overheard the interaction, popped out of his office and fired the SA on the spot. All captured on video.

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

@ShopWhisperer wrote:

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

It was a parking shop. I was parking at a special event location (that hosts a WIDE variety of events). I didn't actually have to attend the event, just watch where the cash goes when I pay for parking....... The special event happened to be a football game between two all African American colleges and I'm a 35yr old Caucasian 'soccer mom' driving the Honda mini van......

Well you evidently do not live in Los Angeles where the adopted children from African and Asian countries are seen often with their white and often well to do parents. We also have many multi racial marriages. A white mom with a different toned skin child is very common here. Even a big sister at age 35 can have a sib of a different skin tone.

@walesmaven wrote:

The client will be VERY interested in your report. Some sales agent is going to be in for some intense retraining, if he/she is lucky enough to still have a job. Similar thing happened to an African-American male colleague, right age group, definitely dressed for the part and an experienced upscale shopper, at a $2 million condo in NYC. The sales manager overheard the interaction, popped out of his office and fired the SA on the spot. All captured on video.

Unfortunately, this was not for a mystery shop. It was for a genuine timeshare presentation with a complimentary hotel stay

Sandy..what your saying is right for the "city" which is always full of diversity , however here in the subs, not so much, very white, mixed being a small % so, where you live makes a difference. I prefer diversity having grown up in a major city, which is known for diversity.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2017 05:41PM by Irene_L.A..