The transition from "interested customer" to "potential employee" is awkward, and a choice was made in favour of one of those.
My sense is that as a group we are being too cautious. We should try sneaking in, with what we now know. Players know we are not proficient in stealth. Characters DON'T know that, and most people overestimate themselves. Take off the heavy armour and try and be sneaky. See what happens.