As the news surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic continues to trend in an optimistic direction, we have also seen a very positive trend in terms of our mystery shop clients resuming their service over the past month or so. Country and state guidelines are allowing for larger capacities within dining establishments, fitness facilities, and retail outlets, and some of the mandates and policies have loosened in the past couple of weeks and will continue to do so across the country.
While this is all very good news, it is important to keep in mind that some restrictions within the clients and industries we shop for will remain in effect. There is still a lot of work to be done and our top priority, along with the majority of our clients who conduct in-person evaluations, will always be safety.
Some things to keep in mind as businesses reopen and you resume mystery shopping:
*Continue to verify store hours of operation.
This is always a best practice, as restaurant and store hours are always subject to change, but especially given the abruptness of which some locations have had to close if directly affected by a positive case. We have noticed that clients are starting to alter their hours of operation to a wider range, and it is important to confirm that, before embarking on your shop.
*Mask policies and social distancing are still in effect for most of the businesses we serve.
Please make sure you are adhering to the specific client’s policies that you are shopping for, in regard to mask mandates and social distancing requirements, even if you do not agree with them. These rules will continue to be modified as the numbers continue to improve, but you must be in accordance with the rules of the establishment you are shopping.
*Cleanliness and policy enforcement will continue to be a top priority for our clients, and this will continue to be reflected on shop reports.
You have probably noticed that most of our clients have added additional questions in regard to Covid compliance to their shop forms, and while these policies are still being enforced, you will continue to see these questions on shop reports. Please answer these questions objectively, and do not include your opinion about the policies the establishment has in place.
As we continue to navigate the new normal of mystery shopping and what that looks like, we want our shoppers to know how appreciative we are that they continue to complete shops for our company, given all the uncertainty. We will continue to communicate changes as they come up and as always, if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.