Test Purchasing

Using a network of experienced field-based operatives, we actively support the profitability of our clients through random and targeted point of sale test purchasing.

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Our Test Purchasing & Integrity Testing services will provide you with:

EXPERIENCED FIELD-BASED OPERATIVES
ONLINE REPORTING
TIMELY INVESTIGATIONS
OPTIONAL COVERT VIDEO
REAL-TIME RESULTS

REAL TIME RESULTS

We provide real-time results through our online reporting tools to allow for timely investigations of any anomalies, as well as the ability to provide covert video footage where required.

INTEGRITY TESTING STRATEGIES

Our clients often need strategies for integrity testing. We can develop specific tests around the counterproductive behaviours that are deemed to suggest lack of integrity.

NEW OR EXISTING STAFF

We identify and reduce behaviour around theft and sabotage caused by staff members, operating at the pre-screening stage of a job application or assessing existing employees.

CHARITY GIFT AID CHECKS

We provide services within the charity sector to ensure gift aid is collected with full authorisation and permission of the donor, identifying areas of non-compliance and ensuring gift aid activity meets the standards set out by HMRC.

WHERE ELSE CAN WE HELP?

Our services can also help you in the following areas:

Risk assessments
Health and safety compliance checks
Financial compliance auditing
Security training (SIA licences – CCTV/guarding, conflict management)

Test Purchasing FAQ’s

What’s the difference between a test purchase and a mystery shop?

The focus of a test purchase is staff integrity at the point of sale; essentially, Lodge Service checks that our test purchase was rung through the till correctly, we received the correct change and that an accurate receipt was issued.

A mystery shop will focus on the customer experience and will highlight good examples of staff behaviour and opportunities for improvement. It is often possible to include some elements of a mystery shopping visit with a test purchase, as long as the security element is not diluted by too many customer experience questions.

What’s the difference between a test purchase and a mystery shop?

The focus of a test purchase is staff integrity at the point of sale; essentially, Lodge Service checks that our test purchase was rung through the till correctly, we received the correct change and that an accurate receipt was issued.

A mystery shop will focus on the customer experience and will highlight good examples of staff behaviour and opportunities for improvement. It is often possible to include some elements of a mystery shopping visit with a test purchase, as long as the security element is not diluted by too many customer experience questions.

Who will carry out my test purchase?

Lodge Service utilises the services of a nationwide network of experienced test purchasers, many with a commercial or loss prevention background, able to respond at short notice to requests for support. All our assessors are known to us personally and have been fully vetted and trained for their role before being allocated any tasks.

What management structure is in place to support the test purchaser and ensure they are briefed correctly?

The test purchase team is managed centrally by a National Test Purchase Manager at Lodge Service with over 35 years’ experience in the field. She is supported by our Head of Profit Protection, who manages multiple similar contracts for a wide variety of clients. All test purchasers are personally briefed on the task by telephone and are fully supported before, during and after the visit.

How much notice do you need before carrying out the Test Pruchasing visit?

We ideally need a minimum of five working days’ notice to allow us time to allocate, brief the test purchaser and prepare the report on ‘Sassie’, our online reporting database. However, we are always happy to consider short-notice requests and will work proactively with you to meet your business needs wherever possible.

How and when will I receive my Test Purchase report?

We use an online reporting tool called ‘Sassie’, which facilitates timely report submission (you will receive a full written report within 24 hours of the visit) plus provides detailed summary reports showing patterns and trends across multiple locations within your estate. We will also contact you by telephone immediately after the visit if we noticed any till discrepancies that need to be brought to your immediate attention.

Do you do single site, one-off Test Purchase visits?

Yes, we are happy to consider one-off visits and you don’t need to enter into long term agreements involving set programmes of activities. We aim to be as flexible as possible and to work with you to provide real-time solutions to negate immediate concerns and issues affecting your business.