Do you think mystery shoppers could be a negative approach?
I am curious what is everyone's thoughts on mystery shoppers? Do you think the mystery shopper should be a subject matter expect in the coursers or field they are posing to be a perspective student in?
It is all about the approach taken as rather it can be negative.
Absolutely. A mystery shopper should go through the admission process. Great idea.
melanie, That's a great point; sometimes we are too close to see what is going on. Mystery shoppers are meant to inform on positive things being done, as well as negative. And you are correct that it could be negative if the shopper is not trained.
Elizabeth Wheeler
Mystery shoppers could possibly be a "negative approach" if the shopper "himself" was not adequately trained in that position. I really like this concept though because sometimes we're too close or too involved in a situation to be able to be objective about it.
Joseph, Agreed. Mystery shopping is designed to inform the institution on what they are doing right, as well as identifying any possible opportunities (including compliance).
Dr. Jean Norris
no I think this is a good way of getting the customers perspective of your organization
Cecil, That's an interesting point. It's important to be aware that mystery shoppers look for things that are being done well, not necessarily areas of opportunity.
Elizabeth Wheeler
I think that's a great question. Could I be as objectively critical interviewing for a school I had no interest in as one maybe a family member or a friend had attended. Especially if they were successful I don't know.
I don't think the mystery shopper needs to be an expert if the field being studied. Depending on the level of the course being taught being an expert would lead to some frustration if the course was aimed at a beginner level
Chloe, That is an interesting question! What do you think the reason behind mystery shoppers is?
Dr. Jean Norris
