They dont have to be BETA qualified hat fitters to sell hats but would reccomend anyone looking at new hats to seek out a BETA member who is qualified...The course they offer covers a wider variety of hats etc and goes into much greater depth than any of the manufaturers own training courses...
Until recently we ran a saddlery / tack shop and were BETA trained hat and body protector fitters...this does sound an odd way of fitting a hat especialy the hands on approach at the start!
Are you sure they are BETA approved fitters...if theyre claiming this check them out on the Bristish...