Ooops! There is a difference between "front counter" and "front of the counter" -- isn't there?

Did a gas station shop. Guidelines clearly state: "Make sure you are not too close so that your photo shows the transaction area and front counter clearly".

My photo shows the transaction area clearly, and the counter area around it.

Gas station is, of course, 100 miles away.

Report on hold. Says my photo does not follow guidelines, as it does not show the front of the counter.

Obviously, I won't get paid for this one. I do not have a photo of the "front of the counter".

I advised them they need to correct the wording in the guidelines.

But I thought I'd do a little reality check here. To me, "the front counter" and "the front of the counter" are two different things. The guidelines don't say anything about the "front of the counter", just "the front counter".

I've done hundreds (probably thousands) of gas station shops. I took the same, exact photo as always -- and I've never had one returned before for not showing the front of the counter.

Whaddyathink?

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I agree, two different things.

But you know better. You should have both photos available. And a couple of the area around the dumpsters. And the brand label off of the plow AND truck that's used to plow the lot. But not with a flash. And not too dark.

Actually, can you stop back and get a cast of the tire tracks from the snow plow? Just in case. (sarcasm)

@ceasesmith wrote:

I've done hundreds (probably thousands) of gas station shops. I took the same, exact photo as always -- and I've never had one returned before for not showing the front of the counter.

Whaddyathink?

Counter back stating what you’ve always done in the past hasn’t brought a red flag and be request a more detail explanation on what’s expected. Unless their guidelines and examples are clear. It’s been a while since I’ve done any of those gas audits, but from memory, most of the gas station audits, I probably took a similar “front counter” pic as you.

Shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado. 33 year old male and willing to travel!

Often, when asked for something silly like that I've used a free, online downloadable photo service (PhotoScape is my favorite) and just cut my photo to suit them.
In your situation, I would take your counter photo and trim away everything but the front of the counter. Sometimes I believe the editor just wants to show that they are being diligent to the nth degree. Having a photo demonstrates their due diligence.

So WTF? So they want the entire counter area??! I meant it said to make sure the scammer shows! How is it going to show if you go back so far to get the entire front of the counter in?

The picture on the guidelines does not show to the floor just the counter area

Exactly. I have the clerk put the scanner front and center on the counter and it still doesn't exactly stand out. I have a couple of these awaiting review and I'm not doing any more until I see if they're approved. They are reshops on ones that were rejected, and I have competed with the person who did them long enough to know that they know what they're doing on these.

@Mrcleandpsyahoo.com wrote:

So WTF? So they want the entire counter area??! I meant it said to make sure the scammer shows! How is it going to show if you go back so far to get the entire front of the counter in?

Yep I agree. I have done 8 which none have been edited yet. Will not do a single other one until I see how picky they are. For $25 not worth it for that bs when there are plenty of other shops that pay that much, and on top of that not one single other person is doing them in my area. For the record, I’ve done of 600 myself, so I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing lol!

Sometimes due to tight space I can not take the front of the counter all the way to the floor. May be you can explain that you could not take a photo all the way down due to small space.

"In your situation, I would take your counter photo and trim away everything but the front of the counter."

Can't do that. My photo is of the transaction area and the top of the counter. Not one iota of the "front of the counter" is in the photo.

I did write back and tell them my back was against a product display; not possible to get any further back. Other angles, which I could get from further away, would not show the transaction area fully.

It was a judgement call. My judgement was...poor.

How long did it take to edit? 48 hours here and nothing. I thought that’s why they put on presto, to pay faster.

My takeaway? Try to avoid these assignments unless/until the guidelines clearly describe and show the desired images. If desperate or something, I would take every possible pic and show every possible feature. Then, I would use drop box or something to send extra images for their convenient perusal and possible use. I might mention that I understand that each location is unique and some are more difficult to photograph than others. I would add that perhaps my additional work and images can provide enough material for their experts to use as they will to produce the desired images. I would thank them, of course.

@ceasesmith wrote:

"In your situation, I would take your counter photo and trim away everything but the front of the counter."

Can't do that. My photo is of the transaction area and the top of the counter. Not one iota of the "front of the counter" is in the photo.

I did write back and tell them my back was against a product display; not possible to get any further back. Other angles, which I could get from further away, would not show the transaction area fully.

It was a judgement call. My judgement was...poor.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

Have you done this exact location before? Can you cite prior unchallenged submissions of similar photos at this exact site?

Just, yes, but it was at least 4 years ago. Interestingly, it was the same employee!

You captured what the guidelines asked for. They expect us to properly describe our observations, we expect the guidelines to properly direct us. Unless the MS company provided examples, then a counter is the too.

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

Now, if anyone had extra pictures, of EVERYTHING, it would be you, cease! I'm so disappointed! Really though, I have done the same thing and it usually was not a problem. Till one day, the entire counter area was needed when the report was returned to me. I think it may be one specific editor that wants this. Fight the power! If instructions were not clear, don't give up.

@ceasesmith wrote:

"In your situation, I would take your counter photo and trim away everything but the front of the counter."

Can't do that. My photo is of the transaction area and the top of the counter. Not one iota of the "front of the counter" is in the photo.

I did write back and tell them my back was against a product display; not possible to get any further back. Other angles, which I could get from further away, would not show the transaction area fully.

It was a judgement call. My judgement was...poor.

If it was me - I still take my original counter photo, trim it and send it in as the required photo.

If they don't like it - well, then (excuse my language) tell them to "Bite Me" - they're just being overly muleheaded.

Well mine was kicked back for a 3 inch scratch on a Column. We were told it has to be more than 15 percent to be an infraction. That was laughable

I think this is the right way to go. If you have performed shops at this location or others of that company with the same guidelines, show those photos. In my opinion I think you took what the guidelines asked for.

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Ooops! There is a difference between "front counter" and "front of the counter" -- isn't there?

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