My first Five Guys

I’ve scheduled my first Five Guys shop and am a little concerned with the “ to the second “ timing. The guidelines state that the people that work there are on the look out for shoppers who take notes on their cell.
My stop watch is on my phone. I’ve done to the second timings before, but this one has me a little nervous.
Any tips or advice?

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I don't know if it is the same in every area of the country, but in my area the Area General Managers view the video for every mystery shop at every location. The Area General Managers, after one visit, will know your name and what you look like. Your identity is not disclosed to the employees, although the report is discussed with them. You don't really need to worry that the employees will out you. Regardless of how careful you are, the Area Manager will know exactly who you are because he will view your video. Worry more about exact timings and less about being seen looking at your cell phone. Most places I go, everyone has a cell phone in their hand and are texting, taking selfies or looking at pictures. Use your cell phone and you'll fit right in as far as the employees are concerned.

IMO the 5 guys timing is one of the easiest, you just need the one timing. One option is to just take a quick glance at your watch after you get the receipt or start the laptime, then look at it again when the timing is suppose to end. You still have other observations. Let us know how it goes.

I use my voice recorder only for timing purposes.

My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.

When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson

Thanks for the help! This is the first time that I’ve seen guidelines warn you about using your phone and it made me nervous.
I agree roflwofl. I think I’d stand out more without a phone in my hand.
7star, I don’t wear a watch, but I really need to invest in one.
My shop is for later today. I’ll let you know how it went.

After the first 1 it was obvious the employees knew exactly who I was, holding the door open, numerous trips to my table, etc. They even knew I would ask for a new bag to take fries home and brought 1 without asking. I stopped doing them.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2018 05:06PM by dhilpert.

I use my digital watch (which I wear only on shops) and the timer on my phone. Since my phone's lap timer has a propensity to restart itself, stop timing if I accidentally bump my handbag on something, or lose the time before I can save it, the watch is a great double check.

I was paranoid about the timing, too, when I did my first one, but you'll be fine! The shops overall get much easier the more of them that you do.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.

The reports do get easier..... but my belt gets tighter.

I just returned and everything went well. A lot of worry over a fairly easy shop.
Caveat, you’re right. Too many of these and the belt would definitely get tighter.
Thanks everyone for your help!

Voice recorder app. I mark when I get my receipt then stop recording when my number is called.

Much easier shop than those timed pizza shops. Just watch out for the guidelines. They change a lot. Sometimes they want the app, or to call in, or milkshake (and that's considered a dessert, so you still have to get the soda).

There are 2 locations near me that I have done a few times each. On the last one I got what must have been the equivalent of a large fries dumped in the bag with my little fry cup. Not sure if they identified me as the shopper or just felt like being extra generous that day.

Voice recorder app running in the background. Every time I need to mark a time, I say something like “Thanks!” Then just get the seconds off the audio.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/26/2018 09:33PM by TroyHawkins.

I use my phone for the timing, but it never looks suspicious because I also read on my phone (or "read" when I'm really shopping and paying attention around me while looking like I'm not). That is my normal behavior, whether I'm doing a shop or visiting on my own.

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