We're updating our NIX18 compliance checks
20/7/2023
We are currently implementing an update in our approach for NIX18 compliance checks. We continuously monitor our processes and carefully listen to our clients and our mystery shopping community. As a result, we have learned that the NIX18 process can be further refined, and we are wasting no time in making improvements. Achieving 100% NIX18 compliance is a goal we are committed to. Below, you will find more information about the update and our NIX18 approach.
Our new NIX18 approach
Previously, we allowed our of-age mystery shoppers to choose whether to keep or return the age-restricted products. From now on, all of our mystery shoppers will always return the age-restricted products to the store. Without a return receipt, the assignment cannot be completed in our platform. We believe this is a better option than keeping or destroying purchased products.
NIX18 research at Secret View
After conducting customer experience research successfully for many years, we were asked to include NIX18 compliance research. We have developed our own methodology that aligns with our approach and our community.
We work with two target groups: minors aged 16-17 and young adults aged 18-21. The minors always carry out their assignments under the supervision of an adult. If they manage to purchase alcohol or tobacco, the underage shopper hands over the product to the adult, who returns it immediately.
Accurately estimating age is incredibly difficult. That's why we became the first research agency in the Netherlands to work with adult NIX18 shoppers. This has set a higher standard for our clients. By working with 18-21-year-olds, we encourage store employees to request identification from young adults. This, in turn, results in them asking for ID more promptly from 16-17-year-olds as well. Every mystery shopper is verified using iDIN to ensure they are of the appropriate age.
Our approach also aligns with supermarkets' policies to ask for ID up to the age of 25. This reduces the threshold for supermarket employees and makes it more normal to ask for identification from young adults. This significantly improves the effectiveness of the entire NIX18 compliance check and contributes significantly to our goal of achieving 100% NIX18 compliance.
If you want to learn more about our NIX18 approach, please don't hesitate to contact us!
