@Shop-et-al wrote:
LOL! Such a dilemma... we all should be so lucky! Is there an option for more guests? Another person's meal would fit into that budget.
@HonnyBrown wrote:
I say max it out and leave a very generous tip!
@bgriffin wrote:
Usually you are not allowed to order to go items
@SteveSoCal wrote:
I'm going to give you advice counter to some of the others.
First off, I would check the guidelines carefully before inviting another guest. Most restaurant evaluations require specifically 2 guests unless it's otherwise clearly stated. Very few allow four guests. If others even sit at your table or split a check, there's a good chance the number of guests will be reflected on the receipt and you could have the shop declined.
Now as far as the reimbursement goes, the fact that you are not a drinker and a vegetarian is generally going to make your average meal cost less than others. That's not a bad thing or an excuse to run up the tab with additional items. It a way to be memorable with the MSC by not running up a tab and leaving a professional impression. When I was a scheduler and editor, one of the biggest issues I ran across was shoppers trying to over-tip, over-order and make sure they could spend every last dollar of the allowed reimbursement. That leaves a bad impression the restaurant client, since they are the ones footing that bill.
Perhaps be a be a breath of fresh air for the MSC, have that $60 meal, write a quality report and see if you get better opportunities from them in the future....
@isaiah58 wrote:
Which MSC is this for, knowing this we can provide better advice.
I agree that you must thoroughly read the guidelines as to any restrictions on what you can order. I would guess that the reimbursement for about half of the full service restaurants I shop is significantly higher than one would normally spend.
@AuditAce wrote:
Those high fees sometimes are false advertising to get you to sign up. So you have to check the menu to see if you can actually spend that much. Or maybe getting half the potential reimbursement is enough, depending on the amount.
@sandyf wrote:
I have done many restaurant shops where I just barely squeaked by under the reimbursement by doing just what you are doing, ordering one veggie entree and one not veggie entree. I enjoy salads immensely so it is fine with me and I would rather personally not spend out of pocket on a shop. Most of the shops I do want you to ook like you really wanted them and at least
@msimon-2000 wrote:
As long as you enjoy your meal and feel that the $60 is fair compensation for your efforts performing the shop, who cares if you leave some money on the table?!
In either your case or mine, as long as we are satisfied with the overall experience, then we should consider the goal achieved and the outing a success...no?!
@MsJudi wrote:
I once did a lunch with a $150 reimbursement including alcohol only to find out when we arrived that the restaurant did not serve alcohol and the prices would not allow us to get anywhere near the reimbursement amount. I think the final bill was less than half of it. I was a bit dismayed at this and felt it was deceptive on the part of the MSC to advertise such a large reimbursement at an upscale restaurant that wasn't truly that upscale at all. It was an okay lunch with a long report that I probably wouldn't do again...but the popovers were wonderful.
@SteveSoCal wrote:
I'm going to give you advice counter to some of the others.
First off, I would check the guidelines carefully before inviting another guest. Most restaurant evaluations require specifically 2 guests unless it's otherwise clearly stated. Very few allow four guests. If others even sit at your table or split a check, there's a good chance the number of guests will be reflected on the receipt and you could have the shop declined.
Now as far as the reimbursement goes, the fact that you are not a drinker and a vegetarian is generally going to make your average meal cost less than others. That's not a bad thing or an excuse to run up the tab with additional items. It a way to be memorable with the MSC by not running up a tab and leaving a professional impression. When I was a scheduler and editor, one of the biggest issues I ran across was shoppers trying to over-tip, over-order and make sure they could spend every last dollar of the allowed reimbursement. That leaves a bad impression the restaurant client, since they are the ones footing that bill.
Perhaps be a be a breath of fresh air for the MSC, have that $60 meal, write a quality report and see if you get better opportunities from them in the future....
@mlzg wrote:
Thank you for your input, Sandy!
I have never seen a restaurant shop where ordering 1 meat/fish dish is required. I did once sign up for a restaurant at a steak house. I wish they would describe the restaurants better before I sign up for them. Anyway, I figured two things with the steak house: #1 I didn't want to eat there & #2 It might look funny to have someone come in and not order steak. I don't know...I've never actually been to a steak house. I called the MSC and canceled that shop. They were perfectly understanding.
4 drinks?! I never pay attention to alcohol maximums since I don't drink. That sounds like so much to me!
Thanks again for the tips!
@sandyf wrote:
I have done many restaurant shops where I just barely squeaked by under the reimbursement by doing just what you are doing, ordering one veggie entree and one not veggie entree. I enjoy salads immensely so it is fine with me and I would rather personally not spend out of pocket on a shop. Most of the shops I do want you to ook like you really wanted them and at least
@roflwofl wrote:
Yes, most shops don't allow you to order anything to go, although I can't think of any that will not allow you to take home leftovers. So, you could each order a dessert, and, when served, be "too full" and ask for a take-home box. I have taken one bite and then taken home dessert before. Ordering more than one dessert per person, even if allowed, might make you stand out in a bad way, though.