I know these have been discussed before, but not sure if this is the same type shop or not. I was assigned a Lidl shop last March, but it was canceled due to COVID. Anyway, there's one in my area that carries a $10 bonus in addition to what seems to be a pretty good fee. But it also seems like a PITA. You have to find the gaps in the stock, take multiple photos of issues, etc.

These have stayed on the board in my area for awhile; is there a reason? LOL. Today's the last day, and I could do it tonight, but my Spidey sense is on high alert.

It seems like when I go there many items are always out of stock. They also do not like pictures taken in their stores and they will question you if they see you doing it.

I reported this awhile ago on a different thread, but I'll relay my experience with Lidl. I did a brand new shop of this type for a different company. The form was a mess. It was so ridiculous that I emailed scheduler to cancel it after I completed it and had about 3/4 of the report done. I had sooo many photos and the matching of photos to questions was crazy. She encouraged me to complete the report and I did, since I was almost done anyway. She might have thrown in some extra $ too. With this new company, chances are the report has been cleaned up and streamlined by now, but I just shudder when I see it listed. Almost took one at the brand new Lidl near me, but after checking guidelines, it looked too similar to my nightmare. Someone with experience doing one with the current company could probably give you better insight into the current report. However, I enjoyed the store and found a great price for veal cutlets. I'll just shop there and not worry about taking a gazillion photos while there.

The new company lowered the fee, but the shop is the same. I did one and never again.

In addition to what has been said above, the photos have to be uploaded in a certain format.

@HonnyBrown wrote:

The new company lowered the fee, but the shop is the same. I did one and never again.

In addition to what has been said above, the photos have to be uploaded in a certain format.

I'm glad I didn't apply for it, then! The fee (up to $76 now) was very tempting, but I used to do a BJ's Wholesale Club that was similar but less complex, and that could be a pain. It was hard to remember everything, and I would have to go find a spot to "hide" in to check the instructions.

@BirdyC wrote:

@HonnyBrown wrote:

The new company lowered the fee, but the shop is the same. I did one and never again.

In addition to what has been said above, the photos have to be uploaded in a certain format.

I'm glad I didn't apply for it, then! The fee (up to $76 now) was very tempting, but I used to do a BJ's Wholesale Club that was similar but less complex, and that could be a pain. It was hard to remember everything, and I would have to go find a spot to "hide" in to check the instructions.

The restroom is good for that!

I enjoyed grocery shopping Lidl when we were in Maryland for a while. Great produce, great prices. Would not want to MS there, everyone would see you. Sounds like a 10 ft.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/01/2021 02:48AM by sbobgal.

I’ve done them. They frequently have to be bonused. There’s just something I like about photo shops, some but not all. I’ve never had a Lidl shop returned to me or questioned. I’m passing on them now, due to Covid. Some of their stores are cramped and crowded.

I did such store a while ago for another MS company. They pay much less then current MSC. However I spent over an hour inside and took over 200 photos. Crazy things. They just open the first store in our area and I went specially to check it out. The place is relatively far away from me about 30 minutes drive one way. Now majority of the shops they offer need to be done in very specific time frame usually after 4:00 PM. No way I can get in traffic in my way in and out. So I am passing such visits now. The other things ALDI (that is their competitor).

I have come to like these. They do have a lot of requirements but I have found a process that works. They take about an hour and I fill out the report on the app while in the store.

I go to the first section and take the required area pictures (like 5 or so). All pictures must be in landscape. Then I look through again and count gaps, food that expired, not fresh, etc. I take pictures of all of the those - landscape again. If the gap count is higher than allowed and I have to click "No", I upload those gap, non-fresh photos in the next section that appears for the No pictures. The last question for each section is for the overall pics of the sections. I upload those. If the gap amount was under the "No" amount, you must include those pics in the overall pics section. The app is useful because I can click on 15-20 photos in my gallery and they upload almost immediately. Then I move on to the next section.

The overall pics for the dairy and frozen pics needs to include at least one pic of a shelf in each section.

The final section has overall pictures of the store, the bathroom, the parking lot, and empties if your state does that. There are other required photos but they are clearly labeled. Most sections need at least 2 for everything - like the line you are standing in, etc. Don't forget - LANDSCAPE!!! Everything but the receipt is landscape!

I have only been stopped once for taking pictures in the store. I explained why I was there and I was given a blessing to continue my work. No problem there.

The shop is much easier since the new overhaul that happened a few months ago.

I will also say that there is another company out there that competitor shops these stores for like $12 - with pretty much the same photo audit requirements. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole for that price! Too much work. I've asked that scheduler to bonus so that the shops pay approximately the same and I've never been taken up on it. Their loss!

you still need to be at the store for about an hour or so. With mask on? that is little bit off. I am trying to avoid shops that run more then 15 minutes.