Chili's
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Sounds like a bar shop. I do not think the dinner shops require that.
Evaluating and mailing packages since 1994
I just edited my post. The dinner shops do require a drink but not necessarily a margarita.
I'm thinking you are going to do the 2-for to benefit most. Not sure they have a 2-for 20 any longer.
Evaluating and mailing packages since 1994
Basically working for food, which doesn’t pay my bills. I agree it’s too much work for reimbursement only. I’d rather do a drive through for a $5 fee and 5 minute report.
Also the requirements are picky- and picky pictures. I think will pass for now.
Yup. I passed when I saw the guidelines. It’s one thing if you always eat there anyhows or was going to eat at a comparable one. But why when I can get alot more from another reimbursement only shop where I get alcohol and better food!!!!
The scheduler in my area is presenting these as "premium" shops and is pairing them with pizza shops. I'm curious to see if we receive emails begging for them to be completed later in the month/year.
@Johannams wrote:
The scheduler in my area is presenting these as "premium" shops and is pairing them with pizza shops. I'm curious to see if we receive emails begging for them to be completed later in the month/year.
They tried that with smoothies. I told my scheduler that if she came by and dropped off the smoothie, I probably would not even drink it if it was free. No interest in that.
I feel the same way about this restaurant. If somebody gave me a gift card, I'd thank them (but think "eh" in my mind).
Yes I saw these shops too and the MSC doing them. I rarely work for this MSC and don't touch restaurant shops with them. Now bonus with pay enough and anything is possible.
Shopping Western NY, Northeast and Central PA, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. Have car will travel anywhere if the monies right.
@SoCalMama wrote:
@Johannams wrote:
The scheduler in my area is presenting these as "premium" shops and is pairing them with pizza shops. I'm curious to see if we receive emails begging for them to be completed later in the month/year.
They tried that with smoothies. I told my scheduler that if she came by and dropped off the smoothie, I probably would not even drink it if it was free. No interest in that.
I feel the same way about this restaurant. If somebody gave me a gift card, I'd thank them (but think "eh" in my mind).
Yes! Years ago they used to have this chicken caesar pita with seasoned fries... LOVED it and would gladly spend my own $$. I don't think I've been there in the last 6 years. I feel the same way about Fridays but I have a cousin under 30 and I really do like some of the fine dining shops the company offers..... (like one I'm promised for this month with a $370 reimbursement)
I saw these shops too. And NO, just NO. The reimbursement is far too low at $35/dinner and $25/lunch. And those pictures? You would have to stand up at your table to get one of them — like that wouldn’t be obvious? Have we noticed a downward trend at this MSC? They seem to be adding more and more low end clients with low reimbursements. The recent addition of the client who only “pays” in gift cards also damaged the MSC’s brand. When you build your business model as reimbursement only, then you have to offer shops where the free food/experience is worth the time to write the report. I hope people don’t take these shops. If they do then we’ll just see more of them.
In my neck of the woods, I usually estimate 8% taxes and in this case, 18% tip. Soooooooo.... Menu price, pre-tip and pre-tax totals are.. $35/(1.08 for taxes and 1.18 for tip) = ~$27.78 total. That seems reasonable to squeeze a meal in there, kinda like the Texas Roadhouse shops.
Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!
I was just about to post the same thing regarding this topic. I wonder how lengthy the report is. This MSC tends to have very lengthy reports with lots of narratives compared to other MSCs I work with (at least in my opinion). If it was a very short questionnaire I would consider it. However, with low reimbursement and no fee, it does not seem worth it. I used to do the Friday's shop frequently until I found that a different MSC offers the same shop with a fee, higher reimbursement and easier report.
I just viewed the questionnaire....it is literally one page with one narrative box....the shortest I have seen for this MSC
@Lauraphx wrote:
I just viewed the questionnaire....it is literally one page with one narrative box....the shortest I have seen for this MSC
I saw that too. The one narrative box has no indication of the number of sentences required. The guidelines say to provide the story of your visit. I think I’ll try one and just provide the basics along with explanations of any no answers. I’m sure they will bounce it back if they want more.
I'm going to try it too (my boyfriend loves Chili's - don't ask LOL). The food requirements said "at least" one app or entree too. They do have a 2 for $22 though....
I like Chili's and am tempted to meet my husband for lunch one day, but I'm a bit apprehensive about the photo requirement. I laughed when I read how discreet you need to be throughout the visit with not texting, talking on phone, etc. then they basically want you to stand on the chair and take a picture of the whole table. As if that's not going to be strange. I'm still a fairly new shopper and might have trouble pulling that off!
I love the company and plan to take two of these shops once I don’t have so many in my shop log. I’m at my max. Report beats out cooking and cleaning for me any day! Plus I buy expensive groceries so this helps to stretch my food budget!
Doing what I can to enhance the life of my family! I LOVE what I do 
I just have a few questions this time. 1. If the table-top view supposed to be an overhead view? Can it just show everything on the table as seen from one diner's seat? 2. Are there any questions in the report that could generate additional questions if they are answered in a certain way?
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
I'm glad I wasn't the only one that had some of these concerns. The bar ones weren't available here, but lunch and dinner were and it does say you can go alone, but they do prefer a partner (going alone would really be awkward since they are very stern about do not use your phone except in the smallest ways...I've always thought these days a guy sitting at a table alone not using a phone or computer would draw more attention than anyone else around).
Still, despite it being reimbursement only, I was about to pick one up just because I like Chili's now and then, but I saw the photo requirements, and was ummm, wide angle, overhead,...and umm, just no. I can see me now, going alone to Chili's not using my phone except to take the most odd shots anyone can think of. They will either know I'm up to something or call a psych for me.
Still, despite it being reimbursement only, I was about to pick one up just because I like Chili's now and then, but I saw the photo requirements, and was ummm, wide angle, overhead,...and umm, just no. I can see me now, going alone to Chili's not using my phone except to take the most odd shots anyone can think of. They will either know I'm up to something or call a psych for me.
I decided to give one a go. I have a dinner shop lined up. The questionnaire makes it seem straightforward enough, but of course it could be expanded tenfold once the actual shop opens up to be reported. I'll view it again the morning of. The photos are odd, but I've seen stranger requirements. I think it's became a bit of the norm to see photos. People won't let their friends eat until they get the perfect photos, etc.
Chilis was with another company earlier in the year or it was regional. So was Applebees and Bob Evans. I decided to try one of each out this month with the companies who have them now and see how they go.
Chilis was with another company earlier in the year or it was regional. So was Applebees and Bob Evans. I decided to try one of each out this month with the companies who have them now and see how they go.
MegglesKat
Like all here........I saw these visits and IMMEDIATELY out them in the "10-foot pole" category. Looking at all that has to be done and the fact I don't get paid I have no desire to do these visits at all. Just not worth it
In the scheme of things, this chain shop is not as bad as the smoothie and the reimbursement is comparable to some others posted.
If a location is not too far (fuel costs), it would not stress me out to try one.
I agree with others if many people take these shops the MSC is not as eager to offer a fee or bonus. However, it appears this client is going to have some volume of visits which will make it interesting as it gets to the end of a period.
I just continue to be amazed at how many large companies the MSC is able to get. It is going to put even more pressure in filling all of the jobs with rotation rules.
If a location is not too far (fuel costs), it would not stress me out to try one.
I agree with others if many people take these shops the MSC is not as eager to offer a fee or bonus. However, it appears this client is going to have some volume of visits which will make it interesting as it gets to the end of a period.
I just continue to be amazed at how many large companies the MSC is able to get. It is going to put even more pressure in filling all of the jobs with rotation rules.
I saw a bunch of these on my job board and almost assigned myself one until I looked further into it. Considering the low pay, the amount of time it takes to get paid, and the requirements I decided to pass. Only one of the jobs in my area have been assigned, and all the rest remain untouched. If they increase the reimbursement or add a bonus; I'll reconsider.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2018 07:10PM by JediBeagle.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2018 07:10PM by JediBeagle.
I am new here and I understand you are not allowed to post which company has which shops. However, is someone allowed to pm me who has this one? I have not seen it in my area, and we go there often.
@caitlyn20 wrote:
I am new here and I understand you are not allowed to post which company has which shops. However, is someone allowed to pm me who has this one? I have not seen it in my area, and we go there often.
No we are not allowed to PM you with the MSC. Maybe you will get lucky and a scheduler will PM you though. It's a MSC that's discussed here often for their dinning shops that often require quite a bit of narrative.
I asked the scheduler by email if the first picture of the table could be taken at a 45 degree angle as standing to get an overhead view would be awkward and probably give me away as a shopper. I got a curt reply saying I needed to take the picture the way it says in the guidelines. Anyone think of a good reason to use if asked why I am suddenly standing after the food is delivered. I know I will probably not be asked but it would be nice to have a reason ready. Maybe my back stiffened and I needed to stretch.
I take table pics of my food all the time - especially if it's something really good and I want to rub it in my brother's face LOL I was more concerned about the dining room picture.....
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