Welcome Ellen! I'm sure you're right, we do make a difference. I've seen it myself. First shop I did was a burger joint. Good food, but dining-area upkeep was a bit questionable. I've been back to the same place twice more and what do you know? Everything is spotless every time.
I did an audit for an automotive-service outlet. The manager all but groaned out loud when I told him why I was there. (They did fine.) I set about taking my photos, including one of the customer restroom. At the conclusion, I went over my checklist again. Somehow, while I was there, someone had cleaned the customer restroom.
I feel stressed sometimes when I have to report something that reflects badly -- sometimes very, very badly -- on the staff. When I think there's a real risk someone might lose their job over one incident, I try to downplay it or find some reason to soften the blow, mentioning other things they did right in the same breath, say. It's less fun to think that you might have just got somebody fired. I go into every shop hoping that everyone will do everything they're supposed to. More fun for everyone in the long run that way, and makes my report easier too.
D'Agosto
"What does it mean? You ask. I answer not/For meaning, but myself must echo, What?/And tell it as I saw it, on the spot."