So I attempt an unannounced audit of marketing material for Commenity Bank at a local jewelry store. I walk in and ask for the manager. I was told that the manager was not there, so I ask who would be in charge in his or her absence. One young lady steps up and asks how she can help me. I show her the memo from Commenity Bank authorizing the audit and all hell breaks lose. Now, she no longer wants anything to do with the audit. I explain that I am only looking at the credit card application to verify that the most current version is being used. Next thing I know, that manager is on the phone demanding to know who I am and who sent me there. He states that he knew nothing about an audit and asked me could I come back at a later date, so he can investigate. He instructs his employees to retrieve any information that they gave to me and escort me from the store. I left but explained that I needed to take a photo of the front of the store as proof that I attempted the shop. I thought that they were going to call Mall Security on me. I guess that I will avoid jewelry stores in the future...geez!!! Once I got to my car, all I could do was laugh about the experience!!!!

Oh my... What did the MSC tell you once you spoke to them?

I actually called while I was there. She told me to make sure that I had a picture and that I would still get paid.

Good.

Oh wow. I guess they will get valuable information from that as well...

Not sure Ivan. I was really surprised at the response. Although, this store did not have ANY brochures from Commenity visible. They actually went to a back office to FIND some. I think that that was more than likely the reason that I got kicked out :-)

I am trying another one this week coming...we'll see what I post about it :-)

Oh my! I just did my first jewelry store, they seemed flustered. I was asked why I didn't call first. I looked through my documents and said" There are no instructions to call". I handed that person the letter provided that I printed off.

They had the cards hidden as well and there wasn't signage that I was supposed to look for, only 1 lonely placard in the corner of a display.

I guess people forget about secret shopping and the like. Too bad.

I hope your next trip isn't so lively.

I’ve never done these shops and now I definitely won’t. Thanks!

Yes Bryan, I agree...YIKES! That sounds too confrontational to me. I'm not sure how I would have handled it... you're one brave lady

That sucks! But at least you're getting paid. You did your job. Good luck in the future!