Why can't MSCs offer restaurant jobs without needing two guests?
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I agree with you I love doing the idea of having a great meal and the company. Like Tasele mentioned there are times when my friends or family cant make it because of our children. I do not mean to be selfish but I would also be afraid of taking and stranger.On the other hand as Kathee70 said I often times end up spending more that what the budget is for. In addition I feel like there isn't enough budget since the tip in my area is not less that 15 %. I was super exited to do an upscale dinning but it turn out to be a horrible experience since the parking alone was $40 so that in addition to the fee reduce my reimbursement.
I have found many woman eat alone, I rarely have a partner to eat with and do many shops for one. Mercantile has bar audits where you sit at the bar and eat alone. I just did a great restaurant bar audit for one. I have emailed my scheduler and asked if I could do a job alone as my friend cancelled, and was told yes.....Customer Impact has a casual lunch for one, really good food. Sign with more companies, I'm sure you'll find more. I eat out often alone.
Live consciously....
I find it interesting that there's a shop in my area where you have to bring a dinner partner. But I frequently eat there alone and see many other people who do the same and I know it's not out of place. It has an alcohol compliance with it, but since I fit the age demographics, I should be able to do the shop by myself. It'd make for a nice break from the fast food shops I pick up when I'm doing a day of shopping.
Is Mercantile an MSC? I don't see them on the list.
I have the same exact problem. I eat alone at casual and mid-priced restaurants all the time. I see plenty of others do the same.
If the restaurants were local, I would have no problem getting a dining partner, but most are at least 150-mile round trip, which means I would do them as a part of a route. No one wants to spend the day with me mystery shopping nor would I want them to.
I noted a new MSC has Red Robin but the instructions say a child of a certain age may be needed in order to conduct the shop. They don't tell you until you accept the shop nor do they tell you what age the possible child would have to be. Well, I don't have kids I can pull out of thin air so I think it's kinda ridiculous.
Also, in reality the reimbursements are such that in many cases, even going cheap will exceed the reimbursement. Although I do occasionally take a shop for pleasure, generally this is about making money, not costing money. If I really want that steak on the menu, I don't mind paying a few dollars out of pocket once in a while but it's not very good for my business' bottom line to do it often.
If the restaurants were local, I would have no problem getting a dining partner, but most are at least 150-mile round trip, which means I would do them as a part of a route. No one wants to spend the day with me mystery shopping nor would I want them to.
I noted a new MSC has Red Robin but the instructions say a child of a certain age may be needed in order to conduct the shop. They don't tell you until you accept the shop nor do they tell you what age the possible child would have to be. Well, I don't have kids I can pull out of thin air so I think it's kinda ridiculous.
Also, in reality the reimbursements are such that in many cases, even going cheap will exceed the reimbursement. Although I do occasionally take a shop for pleasure, generally this is about making money, not costing money. If I really want that steak on the menu, I don't mind paying a few dollars out of pocket once in a while but it's not very good for my business' bottom line to do it often.
Taselle Wrote:
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> As hard as it is to believe I can't find anyone to
> go with me so I miss out on these types of shops.
> Can't they make it optional?
First, keep looking for shops. There are quite a few restaurant shops that are for one person. These are mostly fast food and fast casual although I know of a casual sit-down dining place that has dinner at the bar shops that can be done alone. As for the ones that require two entees ask your scheduler for an exception. You never know.
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> As hard as it is to believe I can't find anyone to
> go with me so I miss out on these types of shops.
> Can't they make it optional?
First, keep looking for shops. There are quite a few restaurant shops that are for one person. These are mostly fast food and fast casual although I know of a casual sit-down dining place that has dinner at the bar shops that can be done alone. As for the ones that require two entees ask your scheduler for an exception. You never know.
Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut
Mercantile is a top MSC and always looking for shoppers to do the bar audit I mentioned. The report is repetitive, but I really enjoy my time alone, plus, I work better and since the reimbursement is 25.00+10.00 for report, plenty for one person, but not enough for two, this works....oh, you have to pass a test, good luck!
I will add, I would not be willing to do an upscale restaurant alone, a bit uncomfortable, and since the reimbursement is plenty, you must have someone (not a stranger or homeless), you'd like to know better....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/2014 05:55PM by Irene_L.A..
I will add, I would not be willing to do an upscale restaurant alone, a bit uncomfortable, and since the reimbursement is plenty, you must have someone (not a stranger or homeless), you'd like to know better....
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/2014 05:55PM by Irene_L.A..
I have never seen male or female dining alone in FD. Besides couples, I see business people in groups of four or more.
The only time I dine alone is FF and post security airport. I am surprise at how many women travel alone and sit at bar counters to eat. At Green Iguana and Chili's, I counted more women than men at the bar seats.
The only time I dine alone is FF and post security airport. I am surprise at how many women travel alone and sit at bar counters to eat. At Green Iguana and Chili's, I counted more women than men at the bar seats.
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
It may depend on when you visit the restaurant. I would not expect to see too many people dining alone on a Saturday night. Monday through Wednesday or Thursday is when most people travel on business. When I'm alone my preference is eating at the bar when it is an option. Otherwise a quiet booth is great. I have hesitated when they tried to seat me in the middle of the dining room.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
There is a MSC that does not require a partner for a meal but it is a breakfast or lunch meal. I am pretty sure it is not across all of the US though. So, maybe it is not in your area?
Incognito
silver certified
silver certified
So how do I sign up with Mercantile? I can't find a link.
Why don't you just Google the company and go to their main page. A lot of the Merc assignments are bars or dining and require two people.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
gypsymonkey Wrote:
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> If you need a someone to go with at a shop then go
> to the housesless shelter.
> (I hate the term homeless because no one is
> homeless - each of us have our own version of our
> home. A house is a dwelling without love. A home
> has love. A home may only have 1 person and maybe
> an animal but if there is love than it is a home.
> But that is another post)
> Anyway, there are plenty of people hungry that you
> can take with you. Maybe a friend or two. Someone
> from the retirement community down the road. That
> person holding a sign on the street corner. Heck
> go to the DAV (Disabled Americans Veterans) and
> ask if anyone wants to go. Also if your a church
> goer, ask the missionaries if they want to go.
> Basically there is always someone you can go with.
> It helps you grow on many levels, gives your karma
> a positive boost, and you can learn something.
I'm sorry but no offense there are a lot of reasons why this is just not a good idea. Strange person in car would be one, person that you don't know going with you on a mystery shop would be another. I have more but I won't go into them.
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> If you need a someone to go with at a shop then go
> to the housesless shelter.
> (I hate the term homeless because no one is
> homeless - each of us have our own version of our
> home. A house is a dwelling without love. A home
> has love. A home may only have 1 person and maybe
> an animal but if there is love than it is a home.
> But that is another post)
> Anyway, there are plenty of people hungry that you
> can take with you. Maybe a friend or two. Someone
> from the retirement community down the road. That
> person holding a sign on the street corner. Heck
> go to the DAV (Disabled Americans Veterans) and
> ask if anyone wants to go. Also if your a church
> goer, ask the missionaries if they want to go.
> Basically there is always someone you can go with.
> It helps you grow on many levels, gives your karma
> a positive boost, and you can learn something.
I'm sorry but no offense there are a lot of reasons why this is just not a good idea. Strange person in car would be one, person that you don't know going with you on a mystery shop would be another. I have more but I won't go into them.
****************
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Taking someone from a "houseless shelter" is such a terrible idea, I wonder if gypsymonkey has ever done a fine dining shop. I can't begin to imagine how the night would turn out, especially after a cocktail and a glass of wine.
I too was appalled at the thought of taking a homeless person to a fine dining shop.....one would have to be extremely hard up to trust a stranger, let alone a homeless, not knowing if they have a criminal record, manners, or who they are. The forum certainly has a wide section of shoppers, not all with solid advice....just saying!
Live consciously....
Well, dining alone DOES trigger flags. I am what they call in social networks a #ForeverAlone - and usually dine by myself - either MSing or not. I once went to a BJs I usually shop (just for regular dinner). A gal I've seen just once before asked me if I was a MShopper. She got the typical "WTH is that?" answer. She explained what a MShopper is, and that they usually go by themselves to the restaurant...
Anyway, I've seen here posts form shoppers that need someone to dine with them. If someone needs a dining partner for a shop in Southern California or wants to be invited whenever I get a shop, please let me know.
I am in the Inland Empire - usually shopping in Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Hemet - driving frequently to Escondido / Corona and surrounding areas. And also could shop Los Angeles, San Diego shops when I get an interesting route.
Anyway, I've seen here posts form shoppers that need someone to dine with them. If someone needs a dining partner for a shop in Southern California or wants to be invited whenever I get a shop, please let me know.
I am in the Inland Empire - usually shopping in Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Hemet - driving frequently to Escondido / Corona and surrounding areas. And also could shop Los Angeles, San Diego shops when I get an interesting route.
C
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"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind..." - Henry Ford
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"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind..." - Henry Ford
I have been thinking about this post, and decided this must be a location thing (dining alone), as here in CA, woman, working often grab a lunch or dinner if traveling for work. This is so not a big deal, you can say, my friend just called and can't make it, so, it's lunch/dinner for one. I have had an expensive dinner house bring me a magazine while waiting.
I just did a Scoma's (upscale) bar audit, where the reimbursement wasn't nearly enough for two. I always go early, and leave before the crowd arrives. I still say, I work better alone. Comfort within yourself is the key, if you think everyone's looking, they probably are.....
I just did a Scoma's (upscale) bar audit, where the reimbursement wasn't nearly enough for two. I always go early, and leave before the crowd arrives. I still say, I work better alone. Comfort within yourself is the key, if you think everyone's looking, they probably are.....
Live consciously....
Cabazan, I usually try to stay north of the Cajon Pass, but do some shops in San Bernardino, Riverside, Corona and the Coachella Valley. I keep wanting to do Cheesecake Factory or the Lucilles down in Murrietta but cannot drag someone all the way down there. Maybe we'll have to work something out one day.
Hey Whiterosie,
Just let me know when you plan on running down to Murrieta. Its a 6 minute drive for me. I'll be glad to join you. As for the 10 / 60 / 210 area let me know and I'll try to work a route along with lunch with you.
Trying to get out of the #Foreveralone status for a while...
Just let me know when you plan on running down to Murrieta. Its a 6 minute drive for me. I'll be glad to join you. As for the 10 / 60 / 210 area let me know and I'll try to work a route along with lunch with you.
Trying to get out of the #Foreveralone status for a while...
C
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"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind..." - Henry Ford
---
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind..." - Henry Ford
Ah, cabzan and whiterosie, this is so win-win. I have good feelings about you becoming great friends. Smiling...
(heart)
(heart)
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
I live in California and certainly have spoken to many women who dine alone at all sorts of restaurants. I also know many women who travel to all sorts of places on business trips, all over the country, and have an expense account but know no one there to have dinner with on many nights. I myself do see women alone but not often when I am dining.
Another thread, and finally this one, brought up the idea of inviting another mystery shopper. I would think that would be safe. For many reasons I would not invite a stranger. Even when going with friends and filling them in briefly on the "rules" they have broken them. I would not begin to trust a stranger to act like a mystery shopper guest should.
But if you start a thread and say in the title something like "looking for dinner companion on shop in xyz city" you will probably get some hits. You and whoever answers can work out the details.
I would answer the call in my town if I could.
Another thread, and finally this one, brought up the idea of inviting another mystery shopper. I would think that would be safe. For many reasons I would not invite a stranger. Even when going with friends and filling them in briefly on the "rules" they have broken them. I would not begin to trust a stranger to act like a mystery shopper guest should.
But if you start a thread and say in the title something like "looking for dinner companion on shop in xyz city" you will probably get some hits. You and whoever answers can work out the details.
I would answer the call in my town if I could.
stilllearning, Big grin! =)
C
---
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind..." - Henry Ford
---
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind..." - Henry Ford
Irene_L.A. Wrote:
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> I have been thinking about this post, and decided
> this must be a location thing (dining alone), as
> here in CA, woman, working often grab a lunch or
> dinner if traveling for work. This is so not a
> big deal, you can say, my friend just called and
> can't make it, so, it's lunch/dinner for one.
I did that twice at Seasons 52. Keep in mind, I had to make a reservation, and no one makes reservation for one, so I made it for two. I walked in the restaurant holding my phone and said my friend just text'ed me and she can't make it. Problem was...the entire dining room was FULL and I was seated in the middle of this dining room. I was the only one dining alone. AWKWARD!
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have been thinking about this post, and decided
> this must be a location thing (dining alone), as
> here in CA, woman, working often grab a lunch or
> dinner if traveling for work. This is so not a
> big deal, you can say, my friend just called and
> can't make it, so, it's lunch/dinner for one.
I did that twice at Seasons 52. Keep in mind, I had to make a reservation, and no one makes reservation for one, so I made it for two. I walked in the restaurant holding my phone and said my friend just text'ed me and she can't make it. Problem was...the entire dining room was FULL and I was seated in the middle of this dining room. I was the only one dining alone. AWKWARD!
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
Unless it says that you must take another, you do not have to. I place my order for "dine in" and I do dine in. I order additional items at that time and specify which are "dine in" and which are to be packed to go for my hubby. This is not unusual.
That is an exception, not the rule. More likely your shop would be rejected.
I was thinking the same thing. I think if they want you to order food for two people, they expect two diners at the restaurant, not one to dine in and another as take out.
Ok, so on the one thread about secret shopper I'm asked that when I mention a mystery shop to please provide a link so others will know what I'm talking about but then when I ask for a link on here, I"m told to google it. Which way is it? If I"m asked to provide links I think others should as well. Kind of double standards isn't it? Not to sound mean but why should that rule apply only to me?
There isn't a link on the list below and I did take the time to check my saved link to their website. My link takes me directly to the log in page with no option to navigate to the page for registering. In order to find you a link to register I would have had to rely on Google. I don't save links to site registration after being accepted.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
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