I sympathise with Mike Ward and his treatment from the staff at Sainsbury's.

I was a mystery shopper for a year, for a company employed by Sainsbury's.

We were given scenarios to act out, such as, "Do you have any avocados?" and "Where can I find the fresh basil?".

Nothing taxing for the staff. They were graded on their response, how helpful they were and whether they accompanied me to the item. This was just part of the assessment.

Common reactions from the staff were: No comment at all, I was just taken to the item; an abrupt "What?", from a lad in a store in Dorking; "Don't know, ask someone else, I don't usually work in this store" and the colleague walking off.

After completing as many as 13 assessments per day, my reaction in the end was laughing it off and seeing the funny side of it. I had hoped all the hard work mystery shoppers put in (believe me it certainly toughens you up) and the reports they send back would improve customer service.

However, the same store that Mike goes to is my local too and I have been subjected to the indignity of the "random check" after dashing in to grab the kids tea with only minutes to spare before I have to pick them up.

I thought it made a mockery of the "Fast Track" system.

I agree there are some iffy people who won't be totally honest about what they have put in their bags but, please, a smile and an apology wouldn't go amiss, Sainsbury's.

After all, there are people in your head office trying to improve the service.

Common courtesy should be taught before worrying about whether the checkout assistants "Scan and Pack".

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