@johnb974 wrote:
On one gas station audit, they want you to print out a "Thank You Award" if the employees ask you about their card. It's just s piece of paper, saying "Thank You"....no gift or prize for the employee. I was thinking, printing out this award takes up your paper and ink. It's a cost to you and the award means nothing. I stopped printing them out.
@Rousseau wrote:
The cost of printing is an ordinary cost of business. If one is taking shops that won't justify ordinary overhead, then one is taking shops not worth taking. I print out the rewards, because it is directed. However, never once - for any company - has there been occasion to give one out. Even if the prize had value - say a $50.00 note - it would cost nothing as absolutely on one I have ever encountered has done what is required to get the reward.
@johnb974 wrote:
I still say, if the company wants to thank you. tell the to put it in the paycheck.
@Shop-et-al wrote:
I do mileage only, not all expenses. For whatever reason, I cannot deduct all business-related expenses. ceasesmith (I think) posted an explanation of when the IRS will permit a change from mileage only to all deductions.
@Rousseau wrote:
The cost of printing is an ordinary cost of business. If one is taking shops that won't justify ordinary overhead, then one is taking shops not worth taking. I print out the rewards, because it is directed. However, never once - for any company - has there been occasion to give one out. Even if the prize had value - say a $50.00 note - it would cost nothing as absolutely on one I have ever encountered has done what is required to get the reward.
@KA047 wrote:
I think the most annoying thing to print out with a gas station reveal is the "leave behind" document on one of the brands that are on Shopmetrics that had their shopping period begin in May. Two pages... of blank questions that they get every period.
@mystery2me wrote:
I agreed to give them out , so I give them out. The employees usually are genuinely happy. If I forget one occasionally, I don't sweat it. I always print in black and white. And like KA047 said, some chains may give behind the scenes rewards to employees. And some chains may write up employees who don't ask the question.
@ceasesmith wrote:
So, John, how did you answer the question about giving the paper to the employee?
If you are not willing to follow instructions, this just may not be the right gig for you.
At least you say you've begun giving them out again.
@Zek wrote:
My bottom line .... no matter what type of award is given to an employee, recognition, prize or monetary, it should be given by the company directly vs. a 2nd or 3rd party. It will be more meaningful to the employee.
@johnb974 wrote:
@Zek wrote:
My bottom line .... no matter what type of award is given to an employee, recognition, prize or monetary, it should be given by the company directly vs. a 2nd or 3rd party. It will be more meaningful to the employee.
That I agree with. Mystery Shoppers should not be the ones handing out awards. The award should also be in the paycheck.
@mjt9598 wrote:
If there are clear criteria for the awards, I'm fine with that. However, years ago, there was a gas brand that had us giving out $25 reward certificates that were supposed to be for providing excellent customer service, which is subjective. This was very awkward, since the employees knew about them which makes it uncomfortable if you don't award them. I had a cashier angrily confront me in the parking lot because I had not awarded her the gift card she felt entitled to. I reported it, and soon after they discontinued this program, thankfully.
@johnb974 wrote:
@Zek wrote:
My bottom line .... no matter what type of award is given to an employee, recognition, prize or monetary, it should be given by the company directly vs. a 2nd or 3rd party. It will be more meaningful to the employee.
That I agree with. Mystery Shoppers should not be the ones handing out awards. The award should also be in the paycheck.