I took Reg out to a fishing tackle store and let him loose to play, while I did my first mystery shopper assignment. Then we found a lovely Middle Eastern style cafe and shared a seniors lunch. One light meal was enjoyed and shared between the two of us. I was able to fill out my first retail investigation report and read up on my second assignment while Reg sipped a coffee after the meal.  What an enjoyable way of working.

My second mystery shopper assignment was an 'eye opener.'  I have dealt with finance before, having purchased goods on term loans, had mortgages and personal loans throughout my life.  All of those had been with reputable companies. In this mystery shopper assignment I was to ask a company how I could finance the purchase of an item I had in mind.  The interest rate (one they did not disclose, I had to work out) was 100% PA, a shocking high rate and the failure to disclose the actual interest rate or the fact that you would be immediately paying $35. for every $100. borrowed, right up front prior to any other charges, was below industry standards. It was very, 'buyer beware' and I felt like they were praying on those who could least afford these high rates as they made no attempt to find out if I could afford such a loan or meet the repayments.

Wow! There are some crooks out there ready to try to con and fleece seniors. There are of course some excellent finance companies and may financial institutions ensure their employees and business planners receive payments education and expertise from reputable companies such as ach check.

I quite enjoyed getting a 'shock' at how bad some businesses are and knowing I was going to be officially reporting what these people asked of me (the 100 points of ID and my income) and did not willingly disclose to me, (the cost of the loan and interest rate,) when I approached them as a mystery investigating shopper, for a loan. Knowing that my report might lead to an improvement in the current unacceptable behavior of that business gave me great job satisfaction.  I am eager for my next assignment.

It is good that finance people know that a national body is aware of their activities and is sending mystery shoppers in to see what they are being told.  Helps to keep the system honest.

Now I am home, I want the second half of my lunch I shared....I'm starving. Must be the adrenalin surge I got from doing this interesting mystery shopper, job.