1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

Photo Audits Question

April 01, 2014 12:40PM
I'm not a complete newbie, but haven't done non-traditional shops. There are a couple photo audits that are on a road that I drive on three times a week. Seems fairly easy, take pictures of the drive through menu boards then enter pricing and upload the photos. What I can't figure out is how to take the pictures without revealing myself. Any ideas? The shop doesn't pay enough for me to actually order anything, but seems weird to park my car and walk over to take pictures, especially since with the Arches there are always cars in the drive through. Thank you in advance!
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

More About Audits
April 01, 2014 01:14PM
I park my car close to the drive thru window and just walk up and start snapping pictures. It only takes a couple of minutes. Just have a cover story in case an employee sees you and you are questioned. I tried doing it by going through the drive through and just pretending I was deciding what to order while I took the pics, but I couldn't ever get very clear pictures and would have to go back.
Reply
April 01, 2014 04:21PM
I temporarily stop in the traffic lane to the side/in front of the drive-thru menu board or a parking lot if not blocked by landscaping or a fence and I shoot with a telephoto lens. Clear shots from inside my car so I stay hidden. Just be aware of the locations that actually have cameras angled at the drive-thru and in some parking lots.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Reply
April 01, 2014 04:38PM
There is usually a $1 reimbursement for a purchase, with a receipt being required for address verification. I take the photos from my car as I approach and/or while I order. I park and then check the quality of the photos from the lot after I receive my order and photograph the receipt. If I need better photos (rarely, but sometimes due to sun glare), I just walk back to the menu board and take them over. I've never been questioned. I use the highest resolution and zoom in at home to enter the prices directly into the online report.
Reply
April 01, 2014 09:54PM
You're buying lunch for your office this coming friday and want to take peoples orders. You're taking a picture so they can tell you what they want
Reply
April 01, 2014 09:55PM
Thanks! No telephoto lens so I'll just have to walk up. I'll have to figure out a cover story.
Reply
April 02, 2014 11:19AM
I've always been too nervous about maintaining undercover status to try one of these! I have to build up my nerve to do things that seem like they'd be odd. Often I eventually go ahead. smiling smiley

Practitioner of the Nerdly Arts.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login