Social Sector Recruitment Agency

Man paying for a transaction to illustrate Mackman Research mystery shop

The Research Project

Mackman Research was commissioned by a social sector recruitment agency to mystery shop 22 (undisclosed) general stores, in Suffolk. The mystery shopper was asked to purchase cigarettes, alcohol, or a kitchen knife (sharps). The purpose of the mystery shop was to test the proof of age I.D. request at each store within the 25 years and under policy.

The Research Design & Methodology

A 21 year old male researcher conducted the mystery shopping. He wore smart / casual clothing. During the mystery shop exercise, it was found that the store group no longer stock kitchen knives or any other sharp implements, therefore purchases were made of cigarettes and alcohol only.

The mystery shop exercise was conducted in one day during the hours of 10am and 4.20pm.

Research Outcomes

Precisely half of the mystery shopped stores failed to ask our researcher for I.D. when purchasing either cigarettes or alcohol. Our researcher made detailed observations at each location. He noted that there were two occasions where I.D. was requested, but it appeared to be a last minute gesture that was prompted by text on a till screen. In addition, the majority of stores which did not request I.D. were found to be located in areas where there appeared to be a high density of social housing. Mackman Research provided the client with strong results to support an in-house assignment.

What the client says

Thank you for the work the Mackman Group did for me earlier this year. Your staff completely understood what I wanted to achieve right from the start of the project. The information you provided me in the mystery shops was concise yet comprehensive. Furthermore the report you supplied me not only covered everything I had specified but also included additional comments of interest and of use to me. I would certainly recommend the Mackman Group for Mystery Shops.
Paula Mcpherson, Director

What Our Clients Say

            
                        “Not only has the exercise helped us better understand the needs of older people in the county, but it also raised some important questions, which will help our organisation drive forward new ideas in the future.”
                        
Jonathan Skermer – Marketing/Development Manager, Age UK Suffolk                    

                        “Their collaborative and plain speaking approach makes working with them a pleasure. High standards are maintained at every part of the research process from questionnaire design, through to data collection, analysis, and the concise presentation of results. In particular we appreciate their no-nonsense approach to reporting results in a concise and graphical manner that is easily understood.”
                        
Stephen Duffety – Senior Partner, Baker Tilly Tax and Accountancy                    

                        “Mackman has worked professionally at all times, enabling clear presentation of the results to identify key trends and areas for growth and improvement of the Customer Services team now and in the future.”
                        
Sharlene Moffitt – International Customer Services Manager, Twinings

Meeting of people with notepads at a bench outdoors

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Essex County Council - COVID-19 Business Research

Government

Mackman Research was commissioned by Essex County Council to conduct an important business support survey during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This project has since gone on to be selected as a finalist in the 'Best Data Collection – Interviewer Administered' category of the MRS Operations Awards 2021.