Spotters

Hey,
I don't need one right now, but a local friend who owns a bar asked me if I know of any spotters. That is, basically, a private investigator who observes employees for a couple of hours or so and checks if they're ringing things in properly, etc. Employee theft can cost owners a small fortune.

I did use one once in Tucson. I know some people (esp. bars) use them regularly. Anyone here know of any that are reliable and reasonably priced?

Thanks!

Contact Ziggy or Aaron At Marketing Endeavors http://www.meshoppers.com. 866.445.9117

I have "mystery shopped" for their company for several years. They are local, but do projects across the country. Hope this helps!

Michelle i have heard of mystery shoppers a lot, but never known anyone that actually does it. how does it work? is it worth it?

I looked at their website. I'm not sure they're what I'm thinking of. I don't just want someone to come in and order a coffee. I'm talking about someone who hangs out for a couple hours, observes all transactions, takes notes, and then later on can verify with the owner if the employee was not ringing up transactions and skimming. This is more PI work than mystery shopper work.

But thanks!

i know a PI. he is licensed and local. we've been friends for 11 years now so i can vouch for his trustworthiness. if you'd like his info, shoot me a pm or email. jessipoo84@yahoo.com.

I'm talking about someone who hangs out for a couple hours, observes all transactions, takes notes, and then later on can verify with the owner if the employee was not ringing up transactions and skimming.

I would still give them a call (IMHO.) This is exactly the kind of thing I have done for them - observe the bartender, look for overpours, freebies, money not making it all the way into the register, etc. If they can't help, they can probably point your friend in the right direction.

Michelle i have heard of mystery shoppers a lot, but never known anyone that actually does it. how does it work? is it worth it?

Basically, you register with companies (NEVER pay to register) and they send shop opportunities out through e-mail. You might have to watch a short video, look through an online training manual, maybe even take a quiz on it. If you accept a shop, they will provide you with instructions and a report to fill out. Most restaurant shops are just questions and a bit of narrative, especially if something negative happened. Usually payment is reimbursement for your meal. Some can be really specific, like bar shops. Other shops I have done - hotels, cell phone, car repair, coffee, mailings, electronics, vision, groceries, gas, any retail you can think of - covert and reveal.

Is it worth it? - I think so. I balance the just reimbursement shops with some that I don't have to put money out for.

I'm talking about someone who hangs out for a couple hours, observes all transactions, takes notes, and then later on can verify with the owner if the employee was not ringing up transactions and skimming.

I would still give them a call (IMHO.) This is exactly the kind of thing I have done for them - observe the bartender, look for overpours, freebies, money not making it all the way into the register, etc. If they can't help, they can probably point your friend in the right direction.

Oh. Ok...good to know they do this sort of thing. It might work for my buddy...
Thanks!!

I have done this for years, stopped about two years ago because they only send you to chains and I got sick of McDonalds, Applebee's and Red Lobster. If you do the same places over and over they get to know you and it becomes ineffective.

I have done "shopping" for several restaurant owners and done it for gift certificates. I write the report of what goes on and they take it from there.

Nimbus, I would be more than happy to do this for you if you don't want to hire a company. Just drop me a PM.