Staycation is here to stay holiday at home brits say “same again”

Almost nine out of ten Britons who spent a holiday-at-home “staycation” last year would choose to do the same again – according to new research.The staycation became a popular choice for holidaymakers in 2009 thanks to the recession and the tumbling value of the pound against the Euro.


This year it’s the threat of a travel disruption from the volcanic ash cloud and airline strikes, which may be influencing vacation decisions.


According to a survey by the mystery shopping and business intelligence specialists, Retail Active, most Brits were quite happy with their UK holiday, despite the washout weather and wouldn’t hesitate to stay at home this year.


It says a third of those questioned have already booked a British holiday and another third hadn’t made their minds up yet about where to spend the summer.Only 26 per cent plan to go abroad.


Eighty five per cent of the 2000 people polled said they had taken their main holiday in the UK last year and 88 per cent said that, based on their experience – they would do so again.

Ninety six per cent said they would recommend a UK holiday to friends.


The main reasons for choosing a staycation are:


* Increasing cost of holidaying abroad - 32 per cent
* Effects of the recession - 20 per cent
* Fancied a change - 18 per cent
* Cost of the Euro - 17 per cent


Fifty per cent of staycationers rated their UK holiday as “excellent” value for money, 41 per cent said the value was “good” and incredibly only 2 per cent thought they’d had “poor” value.

Self catering cottages or apartments were the top choice – 31 per cent; Caravan holidays were also popular at 21 per cent, closely followed by hotels at 19 per cent. Ten per cent chose camping in a tent - but just over one per cent went for the traditional B and B. The West Country was the favourite staycation destination – with just over 14 per cent choosing Cornwall and seven per cent, plumping for Devon.


Other top spots were, the Isle of Wight, Pembrokeshire, Bournemouth, Llandudno, Newquay, Scarborough and North Norfolk.Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Worthing were the least popular.


Retail Active’s managing director, Julian Chamberlain said: “From the results of our survey, it looks like the “Staycation” could be here to stay for the foreseeable future.

“Many Britons holidayed in this country for the first time last year and many people were worried that British destinations and hospitality may not come up to their expectations.

“In fact, we ran a survey which showed that British accomodation had not shaken off its 1970’s Basil Fawlty image.


“Our latest results show that people have been very pleasantly surprised by what they found in the UK.

“Thirty seven per cent of those polled said they had already booked a holiday here this year and about the same number hadn’t made their minds up yet – so British resorts could be in for a bumper year, especially if the forecast of good weather is correct.”

Hidden Charges Rip-Off Sparks a Consumer Revolt - New Survey

Eight out of ten people would not willingly go back to companies which hit them with hidden charges, according to a new survey.

And there’s a warning that hidden charges are sparking an angry consumer backlash, which could soon start to cost offending companies business.

Budget airlines were named as the worst culprits for ripping off customers with hidden charges – according to a survey by the mystery shopping company and business intelligence analysts, Retail Active.

A catalogue of complaints from customers includes a traveller being forced to buy a new full fare ticket after getting the names wrong on the booking form.

The survey, which polled 2000 people, says customers are fed up with being hit by an increasing number of hidden charges in a wide range of sectors including in the leisure, holiday, entertainment, travel and on-line retail sectors.

Customers are demanding action to force companies to come clean about their real costs.

Ryanair and Easyjet were named as the worst offenders for bumping up advertised budget rates with a string of hidden charges, which could add hundreds of pounds to a booking.

Many of those taking part in the survey said they had abandoned the process of making an on-line booking with budget airlines, as the ad-on charges piled up.

More than nine out of ten people said they resented paying hidden charges and the remainder said they only found it acceptable if extra services were involved.

The same number said they didn’t feel they were being advised about extra charges in time and that they were left until the last minute – when it was too inconvenient to abort the booking.

Top complaints against budget airlines were:-
• Adding charges for essentials like checking in, baggage allowances and paying on credit and debit cards when there was no other choice.
• Paying to guarantee passengers could sit together
• Exorbitant airport charges
• Paying “penalty” charges for administration for errors made while booking
• Exorbitant fuel, airport charges and transfer fees

Retail Active’s managing director, Julian Chamberlain said: “Our survey reveals growing consumer anger with companies advertising misleading prices and then sneaking in hidden charges as part of the purchasing process.

“For many people, one more charge has become the “last straw” and they’ve called off the deal. More than 86 per cent of those surveyed said they would not willingly return to a company which hit them with a hidden charge at the end of the booking.

“Many of those taking part demanded that retailers should be forced to be honest about the real costs.

“It is clear that consumer patience is running out over hidden charges and companies persist with this practice at their peril.

“Two budget airlines were named as the main culprits – but there are many other areas where customers feel exploited – including hotels, “all-inclusive” holidays, restaurants, concerts and on-line shopping.”

One respondent booked at a hotel advertising free meals and accommodation for children only to be told there was a £20 per child “supplement”.

Postal charges for goods ordered on-line was another problem area – with customers reporting a £25 delivery on an item costing only a few pounds and being charged two lots of postage for two items in the same parcel.

Julian Chamberlain said: “It is obvious from the response that hidden charges are becoming a major consumer issue and that companies which don’t fairly publicise their extra charges could soon start to feel a backlash from angry customers.”

Retailers Look to Mystery Shopping to Sharpen Their Competitive Edge

Retailers are increasingly turning to mystery shopping to give them a commercial advantage over their competitors.

Tough market conditions world-wide mean retailers are having to fight for every pound – and the standard of customer service is a vital ingredient in winning and holding on to business.

Mystery shoppers give businesses essential feedback on the performance of their staff and collect other important market related information.

Julian Chamberlain, the managing director of the Britains’ leading Mystery Shopping company, Retail Active, says there has been a dramatic increase in approaches from national and international brands looking for help in improving their levels of customer service.

Julian Chamberlain said: “More and more companies are turning to Retail Active for advice on how to improve their customer advocacy. Clearly, the importance of customer service has an increased relevance in the current market and big household names are taking it very seriously indeed.

“Good customer service can hold the key to a company’s success or even survival in these trying times.

“Our experienced mystery shoppers give rapid and accurate assessments of customer service and produce reports which can be acted upon within 48 hours.

“Understanding customers and their needs has never been more important, in a market where they hold the upper hand.”

Retail Active has major clients in the automotive, retail, leisure, food and drink and public service sectors.

Fraudsters Target Mystery Shoppers - Here's How to Spot the Scams

Britain’s “Undercover army” of Mystery Shoppers is being targeted by fraudsters, who are trying to cash in on this increasingly popular part-time activity.

Thousands of people, who want to earn valuable extra income by monitoring customer service standards in retail businesses and public organisations across the country, risk falling prey to a series of scams by bogus companies.

The internet-based tricksters ask would-be mystery shoppers to carry out assignments and then demand an “advance fee” or a registration charge.

The advance fee scam promises to fund the undercover assignment in advance, with a money order which comes to more than the cost of carrying out the work. The shopper is then asked to send the surplus money back to the company – only to discover the money order isn’t valid.

Other scams involve an up-front registration fee. Potential victims are targeted by huge volumes of unsolicited emails on random lists.

The fraudsters have angered genuine Mystery Shopping companies, like Oxford-based Retail Active, which has a wide variety of clients in the Automotive, Food and Drink, Government, Hotels, Leisure, Retail and Travel sectors.

The company gets dozens of calls a week from people worried that they have been duped – or are about to be.

Elizabeth Mallah, from Hampton, Middx fell for one of the scams after she responded to an unsolicited request from a bogus company on Facebook.

It asked for a £34 registration fee, with a money back guarantee if she didn’t enjoy mystery shopping.

Elizabeth said: “The total bill finally came to £40, with extra money included for “currency exchange.” All they sent me was a list of mystery shopping companies – which I could have got for myself for nothing on the internet.

“I’ve been asking for my money back – but they haven’t responded to any of my requests.

“It is a scam and should be exposed.”

Retail Active’s managing director, Julian Chamberlain says: “This time last year there were virtually no calls like this – now we are getting up to four a day. Many of the on-line scams are offering people unrealistic prospects – at a cost.

“We have also received reports of people being asked for personal details, which are then sold off to use on marketing lists – or for other uses.

“No reputable Mystery Shopping company would ever ask for money – so that is the first way to establish whether a company is genuine or not.

“Mystery Shopping is becoming increasingly popular and provides a valuable service to industry and a very welcome source of part-time income for thousands of people, especially at a time when cash may be tight.

“We are very angry that fraudsters are trying to exploit people who genuinely want to help improve levels of customer service – and earn some much-needed extra income as well.

“We’ve drawn up a five point guide to help mystery shoppers avoid being conned.

1. Do not apply to be a mystery shopper through a list, club or agency. Always apply directly to mystery shopping companies.

2. All reputable mystery shopping provide online training as part of the application process. If there is no training then the likelihood is that you are being conned.

3. If in doubt phone. All genuine mystery shopping companies such as Retail Active advertise their telephone number and can be contacted directly.

4. Never, ever part with cash in advance. If you do then there is a high probability that you are being defrauded.

5. There are hundreds of thousands of active mystery shoppers in the UK, ask a friend if they are a mystery shopper. The chances are that they are or at least know someone that does. Ask them who the best mystery shopping companies are.

If in doubt register with mystery shopping company Retail Active at www.retailactive.com.

Children Gorge Up To 13 Easter Eggs Each

Ten to fourteen year olds will munch their way through an average of more than of two and a half kilos of chocolate each over the Easter Holiday, taking in nearly 13000 calories and 650 grams of fat – according to new research.

The survey, by the mystery shopping and business intelligence specialists, Retail Active, says a typical 200gm Easter egg has 990 calories and 50 grams of fat – and youngsters eat an average of 13 of them – many in a chocolate-fuelled orgy first thing on Easter Sunday.

Retail Active’s managing director, Julian Chamberlain said: “We polled a sample of 2000 people and discovered that youngsters can receive as many as 13 Easter eggs each. Families with two adults in their forties and two children under 14 could have an amazing cumulative total of 30 Easter eggs in the household over the holiday.

“Seventy seven per cent of adults allow their children to tuck into their Easter egg binge first thing on Easter morning – before having any breakfast or even a drink.

“Only three per cent of the people polled said they look at the nutritional content of Easter eggs and this means that they may be unaware of the huge calorie and fat intake. The typical ten to fourteen year old will eat 2.6 kilos of chocolate, that’s 12,870 calories and 650 grams of fat.

“Seventy four per cent of parents and carers said their children eat at least three quarters of all the chocolate they receive before the end of the bank holiday.

“Only 26 per cent said they ration the chocolate over a longer period.

“Easter has a dramatic effect on dieters too – with seventy per cent saying they will suspend their regime to enjoy the seasonal chocolate fest.”

According to the findings the peak age for Easter eggs consumption is 10 to 14, with youngsters consuming an average of 13 each. Next is the 15 to 19 age group, weighing in with 11 each.

The 40 to 59 year olds and the over 75’s have the lowest consumption with an average of just one.

The poll discovered that just over half of adults treat Easter in a similar way to Christmas.
Julian Chamberlain said: “It’s a big family occasion, with the Easter Bunny playing a central role in the festivities for children of nine and under.

“Seven out of ten parents have adopted the American tradition of holding a “hunt the Easter Egg” events for their children.

“An overwhelming 88 per cent of consumers said attractive packaging was more important than nutritional content – even though they were aware that eating chocolate to excess may be bad for them.”

Cuddles Top Gift on Mother's Day

FORGET flashy presents and glamorous gifts. All mums really want on Mother's Day is a hug, a survey has found.

According to the poll, carried out by mystery shopping company Retail Active, nine out of ten mothers said all they wanted was a good old-fashioned hug.

Second favourite was a card, with eight out of ten getting one on the day.

And for mothers with young children, a home-made card rated more highly than a bought one.

The poll found flowers were the top gift to mums on their special day, with 42 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women planning to give flowers today.

The average amount spent on Mother's Day gifts is £14.85 according to the survey, with sons being more generous than daughters.

Glaswegians came out as the least extravagant, while Essex mums were the most spoilt with an average of £22.35 being spent on them.

Men were found to be twice as likely to take their mother out to lunch than women.

The poll, which saw Retail Active survey 2,000 people last week, named actress Joanna Lumley as Britain's most ideal mother – other than people's own mum.

Managing director Julian Chamberlain said: "We were very surprised by this heart-warming result that what the majority of mums, 92 per cent, really want is just a simple hug and a big thank you.

"More than a third of those polled, 66 per cent, said they thought mother's day had become over-commercialised, with men in particular believing the day had been hijacked by commercial interests.

"The majority of men, 63 per cent, said they spend more on their mum than on their Valentine sweetheart."

Most Mother's Day gifts and cards are bought online (35 per cent), followed by 24 per cent at supermarkets, 24 per cent in the high street and 13 per cent from garage forecourts.

Things that got the thumbs down for Mother's Day included cards arriving late, phone calls late in the day, last-minute gifts obviously bought from a garage and family arguments.

Say It With A Hug

You may have bought an extravagant gift for your mother today, but all she really wants is a big cuddle.

According to a poll, nine in ten say a simple hug will make their Mother’s Day. Second favourite to keep her sweet is a card – with those home-made by young children being the best.

The survey of 2,000 people found that, overall, sons are more generous than daughters when it comes to gifts.

Men spend more on their mothers than they do on their lovers for Valentine’s Day. They are also twice as likely to take their mother out to lunch than women.

Flowers were the top gift to mothers, with 42 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women giving bouquets. The average amount spent on presents was £14.85.

Glaswegians were the least extravagant, while Essex mothers were the most spoilt with an average of £22.35 spent on them.

Those polled by mystery shopping firm Retail Active named actress Joanna Lumley as Britain’s most ideal mother – other than their own.

Retail Active managing director Julian Chamberlain said the poll results were ‘heart-warming’, adding: ‘From the mums’ point of view, a demonstration of affection and family unity are the most important things.’