Here's what some of our shoppers have to say about us:
[Actual quotes from emails received from our shoppers]

"I just wanted to send an email to compliment one of your employees. I called earlier today because I was having MAJOR difficulties getting my questionnaire to work. I called your customer support line to see if they could help. I was connected with [Shopper Support]. [The staff member] was phenomenal. While she didn't know exactly why my computer was doing what it was doing, she tried to walk me through it. She contacted your IT person who tried to help her solve my problem. ... I just wanted to send along the message that she was extremely nice and courteous and helpful. I'm sure it's not easy dealing with someone who is frustrated with the system and she handled it beautifully. Thanks so much ... I really appreciate it!!"
-Kristin

"Thanks for the message. As a Pittsburgher and a Steeler fan, I think A Closer Look belongs in the Super Bowl of mystery shopping companies. I work with several MS companies, and yours is the BEST! You have excellent employees who communicate very well, and the companies that you support are first rate. ... After my note to you a few days ago, I starting thinking about the qualities that make A Closer Look superior to other shopping organizations. I thought that you may appreciate the following observations:

RELIABILITY- ACL is the most consistent site in releasing shops at specific times, which gives shoppers the opportunity to plan and thus produce more comprehensive reports. Payment is also prompt according to published schedules.
FEEDBACK- Editors often provide personalized notes to shoppers to let them know how they performed.
COMMUNICATION- ACL is one of the best websites that details shops that are available locally and nationally.
DESIGN- The website layout is clean and user friendly. The report forms are logical, easy to understand, and easy to complete.
QUALITY CUSTOMERS- I always look forward to the select group of restaurants, hotels, and new customers that are available through ACL.

These observations are based on the 54 jobs that I have completed for ACL since June 2003. Overall, I average about thirty shops a month in restaurants, retail, banks, and real estate, so my comments are based on a broad exposure to the market.

My interest in customer service grew from my father, who was a small business owner. He knew the value of properly serving customers. I have had eighteen years of experience as a manager of graphic services for [a company] in Pittsburgh, serving hundreds of customers. Even in semi-retirement I have a passion for Total Quality improvement. Mystery shopping enables my wife and I to enjoy the benefits of great products and services while improving our evaluation and communication skills. ...[L]et me know if I can be of further service to ACL. I enjoy working with your organization.
-Darryl

"[T]hank you for providing such prompt and positive feedback on all of my reports, especially the two I filed this past week while on vacation in Arizona. You're one of the few companies that lets shoppers know where we stand, and helps us identify where we can improve. In addition, it's nice to know that your staff is working as hard as I am, under just as much deadline pressure, to make sure reports are top-notch and can be used in real-time by your clients to reward top performers and address deficiencies."
-Lisa

"Thank you so much for the advice. I will definitely pay close attention to scoring and grammar usage in the future. I really appreciate your feedback. The other companies I shop for usually offer me nothing to help me improve!"
-Margaret

"Thanks for the positive feedback. Not many companies do that...in fact not too many give any feedback."
-Janet

"Thank you for your comments and your compliments about my writing style. I regret the errors that you noted and will strive very hard to meet the highest standards that you and A CLOSER LOOK have set for your shoppers. Personally, I find doing these projects enjoyable and also worthwhile. I believe this type of feedback can be extremely valuable to your clients and it is this value that I try to create in each report. Your suggestions will certainly help me achieve that value. Again, thank you and I look forward to my next assignment."
-Michael

"Always cool to get a pat on the back, even a virtual one. Thank you."
-Pamela

"I have to give you one bit of feedback. Your company makes it easy for someone to do a good shop for a client because you have so much information on your website. It is so nice to know exactly what is expected and examples of poor and excellent work. I will continue to do shops for your company because you want me to become a Grade A Shopper. This is a lot different than a lot of your competitors. Thanks again for the kind words ..."
-John

"Hi, I just wanted to send a thank you. Last Monday, I mailed to you a reimbursement check that I had received damaged through the mail. I took it to my bank and they wouldn't cash it. I tried [your bank] thinking that maybe a branch of your bank would, but no luck. Wow--I was thrilled that in one week, I had a replacement in my hand!! You are certainly a top-notch company. Another reason why you're at the top of my list to shop!!"
-Kristina

"Thank you so much for clarifying the "Men's" restroom spelling. I debated that one! I guess I decided erroneously on my spelling. I will watch that in the future. Thank you so much for the quick feedback. I appreciate it. I always like to hear about ways to improve. Have a good weekend."
-Mary

"Thank you for your feedback regarding my [...] shop. I haven't done this in quite some time but am looking forward to shopping for your company much more. I have read through the file you sent me and found some very helpful tips to think through while writing reports for you. If you ever feel I am missing the mark at all, please let me know. I am here to be the best shopper I can for your company."
-Tamara

"Thank you very much! I took a look at those samples on the website yesterday (after I filed the report). I have definitely noted areas for my improvement and hope to file a much improved report for my next shop. I will take any tips and help that anyone offers. Thank you for your help!"
-Jessica

"Thank you so much for the feedback. I worked hard on the report and it was nice to get the kudos!"
-Amy

"I am truly sorry for my inadequate report. I told my husband after I sent it off that I was too tired to proofread it and that I fell asleep twice while reporting it. It's been a busy few days and I did not have my total concentration on doing this assignment with everything else going on. I hope that I have added the information that you required. Thanks for being such a thorough auditor. I try to always do my best in reporting shops.....this one certainly didn't make the grade. Please let me know if any additional information is required or needs to be added. Thanks so much."
-Anna

"Thanks for the information. I am always looking for pointers to improve. I love doing this and want to continue to learn."
-Nanci

"Thank you for your kind remarks and helpful suggestions. I appreciate the feedback, as it helps me improve my work. Thanks for taking the time to write."
-Donna

"Thank you for the input. I appreciate the specific notes for improvement. A Closer Look is my favorite mystery shopping company, and I do not want to do anything to jeopardize my standing as a shopper. I will certainly make sure that I address these issues in future reports!"
-Stacy

"Thanks so much for the positive feedback! Knowing how important this shop was, I made sure that I paid attention to even the smallest detail, while recognizing what was positive. It was a great experience and I was grateful for the opportunity! Knowing that my comments were helpful makes the experience even better, so thank you for the feedback!"
-Allyson

"I really appreciate you taking the time to forward such positive comments to me. I know you are busy! Any feedback is greatly appreciated, and I am glad the report met your criteria. I love shopping for A Closer Look, and look forward to many more shops!!"
-Jean

"Thank you for the attachment and suggestions. I've read it and it is very helpful. I appreciate the feedback on my reports and welcome all future reviews. It's important to me that my reports are thorough and helpful to the clients, while at the same time presenting A Closer Look in a good light. You gave specific examples so I know how to go about improving my reports. Thanks! Have a good weekend."
-Kirstin

"Thank you for your kind follow-up note. I am glad that as I was able to meet (if not exceed) your expectations for a first time shopper for A-Closer-Look. I have once again reviewed the website and the am confident that my next shop report will be even better! Thank you for your confidence in me."
-Debra