Posted by guestauthor | Published on November 16, 2011
Have you heard of reconnaissance shopping? Better known as Retail Reconnaissance, it’s the process of evaluating a retailer’s performance through the observation of mystery shoppers.
Our expert contributor, Robin Ross, suggests we take that concept a step further and start our own mission in preparation for the up-coming holiday shopping season. A little relationship could go a long way! Learn what tips she suggests using to get your foot in the door, keep the money in your wallet, and the item in your bag:
Do Your Advanced Research
“Instead of relying on coupons and flyers, make a trip to the stores where you know you want to purchase gifts and scope out the merchandise. Be prepared by getting size, style and brand information from loved ones prior to shopping so that they are aware of what exactly they need and therefore avoid returns (and losing out on that top purchase).
Be friendly and become familiar with a salesperson over your next few trips and if you ask nicely, they may just be willing to put certain items on hold for you.
Some people may think that things like this only happen to “good” (aka big-spending) customers, but it is not all based on how much you spend – if you are respectful, i.e. hang up items from the dressing room or bring the salesperson something to drink during one of your visits, the store may be more willing to help you out – not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
Combining these little insider tips is what it takes to score the top gifts this season! Since we all know holiday shopping really starts on Black Friday, I suggest putting these tips into action in the weeks leading up to the biggest shopping day of the year.”
Do Your Reconnaissance Shopping
Our expert contributor, Robin Ross, suggests we take that concept a step further and start our own mission in preparation for the up-coming holiday shopping season. A little relationship could go a long way! Learn what tips she suggests using to get your foot in the door, keep the money in your wallet, and the item in your bag:
Do Your Advanced Research
“Instead of relying on coupons and flyers, make a trip to the stores where you know you want to purchase gifts and scope out the merchandise. Be prepared by getting size, style and brand information from loved ones prior to shopping so that they are aware of what exactly they need and therefore avoid returns (and losing out on that top purchase).
Be friendly and become familiar with a salesperson over your next few trips and if you ask nicely, they may just be willing to put certain items on hold for you.
Some people may think that things like this only happen to “good” (aka big-spending) customers, but it is not all based on how much you spend – if you are respectful, i.e. hang up items from the dressing room or bring the salesperson something to drink during one of your visits, the store may be more willing to help you out – not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
Combining these little insider tips is what it takes to score the top gifts this season! Since we all know holiday shopping really starts on Black Friday, I suggest putting these tips into action in the weeks leading up to the biggest shopping day of the year.”
Robin Ross, Experience Consultant and CEO & Founder of YOUAREONTHELIST.com