Usually, they know the jig is up when I ask for a receipt for my stick of gum. If I go back for the reveal and they've changed clothes, I say something like "Because you changed into your uniform, I'm going to ask you to step out of the photo." Might as well save them the effort for next time--they should've had their uniform on in the first place!

Once you do enough EM shops, they are very easy. I quickly look over the POP before I go, although you *do* have to leave a letter of authorization with your shopper ID and the date/time. For extra insurance, I take several photos of whatever is under the canopy, such as a few amenity bins or some POP I'm not sure about. At this point, all I print is enough LOAs to get me through the day, plus one refusal letter just in case (although they all know me by now).

Something I really like to do is to go to a place I've shopped when I'm not on assignment, get something mundane, and ask for a receipt--WITHOUT doing the inspection! Especially if I think a CSR is getting just a little too chummy...

I enjoy these types of shops, especially the interaction with the cashier(s) on duty (I used to work in a convenience store and can kinda relate to some of the issues they regularly go through). Only time I print out stuff is at the beginning of the timeline (monthly, quarterly, etc) and LOAs to give out while onsite. I usually carry a three-ringed folio (especially with OSA) to double-check infractions if I'm still on site.

Hi-my first gas station full audit over a month ago sounds exactly like yours. If you can stick with it it’ll be worth it. I did print everything out because I like paper to read and refer back to. Actually stuck everything in sheet protectors and put them in a three ring binder. I even tagged some things initially because my first couple came back with mistakes that I needed to fix. It’ll get easier if you can do more. Just go in order with the questions. Another tip if you’re having technical issues which I do very frequently with the app and the website, Is to make sure you snap all the pictures. Then you can go back when you have less pressure and just add each picture to each question as you go.

What I'm wondering is: Shoppers who no longer print anything and have gone completely digital (I have read some post pertaining to this): How do you do these audits, when the instructions specifically say to print and/or leave the letter of authorization behind?

Always, as for any shop, read your guidelines and the report form as soon as you are assigned a shop. If you have any questions, there may be time to get a response. The LOA is a required part of the uniform photo. It needs to be laying on the counter, with the lower portion filled out by the shopper, and not held up in front of the employees shirt because this makes it appear they are hiding something on the shirt. Rather than sneaking photos of the employee, take the photo, but don't use it. Then ask them to leave the LOA on the counter and say you need to take a photo of the counter area without them in it. Things are always changing, so they don't know why you are taking it. If they refuse the photo, just take a picture of the counter with the letter on it. Don't argue with them and don't discuss the consequences of a refusal, that is not your place.

When I am asked any questions about the shop, which is almost always at every location, I say I am not allowed (which we are not) to discuss any aspect of the shop, because I do not know what they use the information for and I would not want to give them an incorrect answer.

I check off stuff as I go. My cheat sheet includes:
Rewards question yes or no
Digital wallet yes or no

Photos:
Uniform
Restroom
My Shirt
Overall
Main ID
High Rise
Koala
Wave
Top Tier
and numbers 1 - 12 for the pumps. Most locations in my area do not have more than 12 pumps. If there are more, I just add the number on site.

I made a template with this info and after printing the page with the address and phone number, I just run them through the printer again.

I no longer use the report form on site, but would suggest you do until you know what you are looking for.
When taking the pump photos, first take the overall and then any issues that may be present. That way you know what pump had what issues.

I guess I am old fashioned, but I still use a camera and do my reports at home. I make a folder for the month with a sub folder for each route. In the sub folder I have another folder with the job id for each of that days locations.

Before you take any photos at the location, take a photo of the cover sheet showing the job id and address. This will keep your locations separated and you won't accidently submit shots of a wrong location.

If you are not sure whether or not signage is current, take a photo. Right now the current is so similar to the expired it can sometimes be difficult for a new shopper.

Always take a photo of both sides of the main id. This way, if there is a question about it, you have proof of a correct answer.

I do all of this because I do not like having to go back and get a missing photo or have a shop removed because I can't get back to that area in a timely manner.

I still have my photos from 2009, when I began shopping, only because I have a folder with all my shops from each year. This actually came in handy once. I was asked if there was any way I could clarify something about a shop I had done over a year previously. They knew it was a longshot and I was not expected to be able to answer. I was able to pull up the photos and then remember what they were talking about at this location.

Good information. From what I see, the LOA is NOT required to be in the counter/uniform photo. From what I remember, it had been a request but not mandatory. Same with refusal, it's an "If possible" thing.

The types of motor oil is something I keep on my cheat sheet too.

I always take a photo of the motor oil so I don't forget.

I am glad someone else is as mystified as me. I too thought the pay decent, I never went so far as to apply. First I emailed the scheduler for clarification which came back clear as mud. So I decided the $ was not worth it. Anything with 50 pages of guidelines should have a minimum fee of $50 in my book. All that time reading, printing then trying to remember it? .I too almost fell for this one. GOOD LUCK!