Just completed my first and probably last bar integrity shop for Mercantile Systems. While it was an enjoyable shop, the amount of detail required was just about impossible to complete. The bar was busy and we had seats that did not have a good view of the entire bar. It was tough identify everything they ask you to do. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it passes the editors.

I did about 3 of these, and only when bonused. It's a very tough shop. Twice when we entered there were no seats at the bar, but luckily seats opened up after we checked the restrooms. But if they hadn't we would have had to leave! All the shops we did were enjoyable but the reports sucked the life out of the overall shops. I still get offers but pass on them.

I have been doing them for years and enjoy them, but a tip is to go early and get a good seat near the register. I like to do the lunch ones or the ones that start at 3:30. I don't do the dinner ones anymore. I guess I got used to the reports, and like everything else, after doing them monthly, they get easier. They should pay more, but, that's msing and they are fun.

I have done one - for a different company, but it ends up being the exact same client. The report I did for this 1st company was a bit detailed, but it wasn't too bad.

I have two this weekend - same client, different locations - one is a lunch/bar, the other is the dinner/bar. I'm so glad my DH is going along, he "gets" all the alcohol and bartending. I'm not a drinker so it will be a nice learning experience for me.

I do agree with Irene though. We are definitely hitting them as soon as I am able on the guidelines! Ugh, I'm taking the cooler along with me though! I have a FF shop in the morning, a FF shop at lunch, then immediately over to the Bar Integrity for a "late lunch". The FF is going in the cooler, thankfully those are easy now. *laugh*

I have one today. I just read that I have to submit my guests ID as proof. I don't know if he will be ok with that.

Do they really watch you on tape? I'd be afraid I would miss something in the report, and they come back and catch me on it.

Mercantile does not have any guest ID's check to my knowledge....you have to report on carding. I wouldn't have a guest under 30. I suppose the above post is doing a different one, and yes, they have camera's, but in years of doing them no camera's come into place, but, they are there, good scare tactic huh. You could also be called to court if you report the Bartender stealing or report an unethical happening, depends on the laws in your state.

Just got feedback for my shop. Yes, they actually gave me a shopper rating and some nice comments. Why don't all the MSC's actually give us feedback?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/18/2011 03:19AM by beatlesfan1964.

beatlesfan1964 Wrote:
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> Just got feedback for my shop. Yes, they actually
> gave me a shopper rating and some nice comments.
> Why don't all the MSC's actually give us feedback?

BeatlesFan -

Me too! Did you get a phone call from the Scheduler/Editor?

My phone rang around 7:30PM on Tuesday night, and I almost didn't answer it - didn't recognize the number. It was from MercSys, and they gave me some awesome feedback on the shop. She told me I actually gave TOO MUCH information in the narratives, and she had to delete some of the comments because I could be recognized. (I have this problem across the board for all MSC's I do jobs with! I feel if I'm not explicit, I'm leaving something out they actually want to know!)

I don't know if the feedback changed your mind about doing these shops - but what was your experience? I really enjoyed both of them. Like I told the Scheduler on the phone, the differences between the bartender on Saturday, versus Sunday was apples and oranges!

I actually forgot to take my photos on Saturday.. I was so worried about forgetting something, I had my husband grill me on the way out of the restaurant. Completely forgot the photos! So Sunday we drove by and I snapped some - in the pouring down - surface-street flooding - RAIN! *Laugh*

I feel left out, never received a phone call except when doing the hotel audit, never for the (Brewery) audit. They give ratings, and anything between a 9/10 suits me, I don't need to speak with anyone. Just pay quicker please.

This post is not about the bar audit, but about Mercantile in general.
I did the chinese FF at the mall, and got sick. the place was a mess, bad service, cold greasey food and the whole 9 yards. I wrote this detailed in the report, and am happy to say, I just received a 10 and told this was an amazing report, filled with the detail they needed. I am so glad it was not only accepted, but am sure they will do something to improve the place. Someone listened. Good for Mercantile....

Proof that the good companies don't try to white wash the problems by picking apart and/or rejecting negative reports. It's a shame you had to get sick to prove the point

LisaSTL, like childbirth, it passes and I lost 3 pds.... I will not be going back.

Hi. My first mystery shop was for Mercantile. I was scared that I wasn't going to get it right but I got a 10 and some good comments. I had questions before the shop and emailed them. I got a fast answer. I enjoyed the shop and my husband and I had a great time.

I've done 2 bar intergrity shops for them for 2 different places and I enjoyed them. The surveys are a detailed but I've done some surveys for other companies that are alot more detailed. My husband loves to eat out and he goes with me and helps me. I think the more you do them the easier it gets. I try to get there at the start, it does make it easier. My very first shop was the bar integrity shop for Mercantile and it was pretty good.

Detailed to a fault but honest and they do not scre-- you. Before one @#$%&, look at some of the others and compare. Nothing is perfect and I am happy with honest.

I have done many Mercantile shops, storage, bar integrity and others. They want detail and recordings on the storage shops. Hovever, they do pay on time and do not give you editor crap as most others do. Woe unto the editors.

I love Mercantile, I think they are a great company to work for. They pay on time and always give nice comments. Grant you the surveys are a little long but they will help you if you have any questions. My husband and I enjoy doing their shops. But of course my husband doesn't have to do the survey.ha-ha

Looking forward to doing their hotel buffet (in my town) next week, and they pay a very decent fee for report.....they do pay with gift card for some of their restaurants here, but not all.