I don’t know the name of the editor, but they seem to want a lot more narrative now than I have ever been asked for previously with either MSC. I am happy to eat Panda whenever possible, and my son is doing the same shops, but none of his are getting returned. Is anyone else having problems with editing or one specific editor? I'll have to go look for the name of the editor, but this is getting rediculous. I've quit conventional paycheck jobs over less harassment than this.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/29/2022 07:57PM by Morledzep.

I haven't done one recently, but I will say that I've always thought the narratives are way repetitive. There's only so much you can say about your experience, and it feels like you're having to describe the same thing multiple times.

and the question about whether the email contains pick up instructions is a little dumb. they can easily see their template emails. no, it doesn’t include pick up instructions.

I got dinged when I first started doing them for the new company, and I had to rewrite the narratives to include a redundant comment for each negative answer. From that moment on, I always write the redundant comment in a Word document as I filll out the survey. Then I just copy and paste those two narratives when I get to the end of the form. It saves a lot of time, and I have never had a return request for more information since I started doing that.

Yes, this is what I do too. When a NO is checked I jot it down then make sure all those NO clicks are addressed in the narrative. Very repetitive but if the fee is acceptable I will put up with it.

Yes, I think they want a comment in the narrative about each negative thing, even if it is just to confirm that you clicked the right box earlier. I've always done that and never had one returned except for a blurry receipt picture that I didn't catch.

Just signed up for one- seems the only differences from ones in the past were on the on line ordering to see if anything was not available and take a screen shot showing one of the 1 was not there? And to see if either or both of the special offers were available? Seems a bit redundant but what the heck will give it a try.

@DRJ wrote:

Yes, I think they want a comment in the narrative about each negative thing, even if it is just to confirm that you clicked the right box earlier. I've always done that and never had one returned except for a blurry receipt picture that I didn't catch.

Every time she said she wanted more information about my online ordering experience. How many sentences does she want me to use to say online ordering is simple on their app? Seriously, even the least tech savy person can figure out how to order on the Panda app.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/01/2022 03:16AM by Morledzep.

I haven't done an online order for them but that does seem super redundant.

I just had an interesting editing experience. The editor gave me an 8 and told me to watch a video on grammar - that's a first! It seems that someone there is quite pickey! I'm not saying I'm perfect (far from it!) but I've never gotten a low score on any shop, let alone a fast food shop before.

On the D/T shops besides the picture of the food and the ticket, are there any other require pictures?

If I remember correctly, it's only 2 pictures regardless of scenario. Food and Receipt. I have taken pictures of other things like old schedule in restroom and mentioned I have photo evidence, but have never been asked for it. I would think they would want something like that.

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

If I remember correctly, it's only 2 pictures regardless of scenario. Food and Receipt. I have taken pictures of other things like old schedule in restroom and mentioned I have photo evidence, but have never been asked for it. I would think they would want something like that.

Photo of food and photo or screenshot of order are all that's required. I do the same as you and photograph anything out of place but have never been asked for it either.

@Morledzep wrote:

@DRJ wrote:

Yes, I think they want a comment in the narrative about each negative thing, even if it is just to confirm that you clicked the right box earlier. I've always done that and never had one returned except for a blurry receipt picture that I didn't catch.

Every time she said she wanted more information about my online ordering experience. How many sentences does she want me to use to say online ordering is simple on their app? Seriously, even the least tech savy person can figure out how to order on the Panda app.

I usually write something like, it was easy to click on the sides and entrees to add them to my plate or something along the lines of, the picture menu made chosing my items straightforward and simple.

@olympia tennenbaum wrote:

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

If I remember correctly, it's only 2 pictures regardless of scenario. Food and Receipt. I have taken pictures of other things like old schedule in restroom and mentioned I have photo evidence, but have never been asked for it. I would think they would want something like that.

Photo of food and photo or screenshot of order are all that's required. I do the same as you and photograph anything out of place but have never been asked for it either.

For the online order, a scan or photo of the receipt (or screenshot of the emailed receipt, photo of the food, and a screenshot of the available sides if any of them were not available to order. So, there are frequently 3 photos for the online pick-up scenario, since one of them is usually not available.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/05/2022 08:48PM by AZwolfman.

@AZwolfman wrote:

@olympia tennenbaum wrote:

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

If I remember correctly, it's only 2 pictures regardless of scenario. Food and Receipt. I have taken pictures of other things like old schedule in restroom and mentioned I have photo evidence, but have never been asked for it. I would think they would want something like that.

Photo of food and photo or screenshot of order are all that's required. I do the same as you and photograph anything out of place but have never been asked for it either.

For the online order, a scan or photo of the receipt (or screenshot of the emailed receipt, photo of the foor, and a screenshot of the available sides if any of them were not available to order. So, there are frequently 3 photos for the online pick-up scenario, since one of them is usually not available.

Good point. I omitted that. Haven't had it happen yet.

I have not had the same issues as you. It must be a new editor.

I got one rated 1 and rejected for using the survey coupon for the free entree. It sited no coupons or discounts allowed. Is this new? I’ve done over 50 of these & always used this coupon with no issue.

Most fast food shops say that you cannot use coupons. But not all. Since it's ok to order more than just the minimum required items, using a coupon shouldn't be a problem. You might have been the victim of an editor overreach. Re-read the guidelines and contact the project manager if you are right.

I received a note for using: "entrée," instead of: "entree." Ridiculous and mine was not wrong.

@originalinvisiblejenni wrote:

I got one rated 1 and rejected for using the survey coupon for the free entree. It sited no coupons or discounts allowed. Is this new? I’ve done over 50 of these & always used this coupon with no issue.

Sorry that it happen to you

I could have sworn I thought they did not want a coupon used. I have not used one. Just because you did it 50 times and had no problems does not mean it was allowed. Maybe those editors were sloppy and did not see it. I think the only way you would notice is if the receipt clearly showed it. Could just be a new editor who is "going by the book" and found you violated one of the rules (if it truly said no coupons/discounts which I think it did say).

@originalinvisiblejenni wrote:

I got one rated 1 and rejected for using the survey coupon for the free entree. It sited no coupons or discounts allowed. Is this new? I’ve done over 50 of these & always used this coupon with no issue.

On page 4 of the drive-thru guidelines and on page 5 of the dine-in guidelines: "Coupons or special offers may not be used."

I'm wondering if I may have shot myself in the foot for a shop yesterday. The server seemed to have a bad attitude (no greeting, short, etc.) and when I ordered, the server put a TON of the side dish into my container. So much so that it was flowing into the area for the entrees and not just a little bit but completely covering the bottom of the entree area. I chose two different entrees. With one I was given a really tiny scoop. I inquired about it and asked if that was less than usual and the server replied that I had actually been given too much. There were literally six pieces of chicken.

I included this exchange in my report and then this morning wondered if I probably should not have said anything to the server since they specifically have you respond about the serving size. The server did not add any more so the photo shows what I received without altercation.

Tangentially related, I feel really torn, when it comes to shops where the product/food is a large impetus to take the job, whether or not to ask for something that would skew the shop results. If I had not been shopping I would have complained about the portion size. I've had other instances like a fine dining shop where the entree was so salty it was inedible, etc. Sometimes I have brought it up but other times I've just not said anything thinking I should be reporting things exactly as they happen. In the end I feel kind of ripped off if my compensation is a meal and the meal is not worth the work (moreso for fine dining expereinces and very long reports).

Sorry for the book! How do others handle these situations? Guess we'll see when I hear from the editor about the Panda shop.

When taking a job be fully prepared to have the meal suck. Owners are looking to IMPROVE (most of the time) and we are there to give data on what improvements are needed. If a client is not getting this why should they pay for our services?!

Let the shop play out as it would, be passive and just report everything objectively.

@olympia tennenbaum wrote:

I'm wondering if I may have shot myself in the foot for a shop yesterday. The server seemed to have a bad attitude (no greeting, short, etc.) and when I ordered, the server put a TON of the side dish into my container. So much so that it was flowing into the area for the entrees and not just a little bit but completely covering the bottom of the entree area. I chose two different entrees. With one I was given a really tiny scoop. I inquired about it and asked if that was less than usual and the server replied that I had actually been given too much. There were literally six pieces of chicken.

I included this exchange in my report and then this morning wondered if I probably should not have said anything to the server since they specifically have you respond about the serving size. The server did not add any more so the photo shows what I received without altercation.

Tangentially related, I feel really torn, when it comes to shops where the product/food is a large impetus to take the job, whether or not to ask for something that would skew the shop results. If I had not been shopping I would have complained about the portion size. I've had other instances like a fine dining shop where the entree was so salty it was inedible, etc. Sometimes I have brought it up but other times I've just not said anything thinking I should be reporting things exactly as they happen. In the end I feel kind of ripped off if my compensation is a meal and the meal is not worth the work (moreso for fine dining expereinces and very long reports).

Sorry for the book! How do others handle these situations? Guess we'll see when I hear from the editor about the Panda shop.

I would report the situation as it happened and how it was handled and not omit any information in my report, so the company would get the data needed for improvement. I think it is important to judge how the staff handles the situation. If I order a rare steak and get one that is well done and I let the server know, then I would include that and how they handled it. Most of the time, if there is a major issue I have let the restaurant know and then noted it all in the shop. I have never gotten any negative feedback or low scores from MSCs or editors about doing that.

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

When taking a job be fully prepared to have the meal suck. Owners are looking to IMPROVE (most of the time) and we are there to give data on what improvements are needed. If a client is not getting this why should they pay for our services?!

Let the shop play out as it would, be passive and just report everything objectively.

Just be sure that the guidelines allow... I know of a few fine dining that specifically state not to complain. (At least 2 different Coyle clients come to mind)

@olympia tennenbaum wrote:

I would report the situation as it happened and how it was handled and not omit any information in my report, so the company would get the data needed for improvement. I think it is important to judge how the staff handles the situation. If I order a rare steak and get one that is well done and I let the server know, then I would include that and how they handled it. Most of the time, if there is a major issue I have let the restaurant know and then noted it all in the shop. I have never gotten any negative feedback or low scores from MSCs or editors about doing that.

@luckygirl0100 wrote:

When taking a job be fully prepared to have the meal suck. Owners are looking to IMPROVE (most of the time) and we are there to give data on what improvements are needed. If a client is not getting this why should they pay for our services?!

Let the shop play out as it would, be passive and just report everything objectively.

For those not doing enough Panda shops, or those that really enjoy the food, or those that have more mouths to feed, there is a promo that just started. If you buy a $30 GC, you get a free bowl.

Last I saw, the gift cards were not prohibited on the program. So you just buy a GC and get the gc and use it as your payment method on a shop. You can turn in your freebie on a separate transaction and don't mess up your shop transaction.

I have done ones where I have an online order and will go to pick up my order. I pay attn to the timings and details. Then I go get in line and use my GC promo freebie for another bowl since I have more mouths to feed.

The promotion freebie is good until the end of January 2023.

Beginning November 7, 2022 at 12:01 am Pacific Time until December 4, 2022 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time (“Promotional Period”), with an online order of $30 or more in gift cards from the Panda Express website, you can receive one (1) free online Panda® Bowl offer (“Free Panda® Bowl”) while supplies last.

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

For those not doing enough Panda shops, or those that really enjoy the food, or those that have more mouths to feed, there is a promo that just started. If you buy a $30 GC, you get a free bowl.

Last I saw, the gift cards were not prohibited on the program. So you just buy a GC and get the gc and use it as your payment method on a shop. You can turn in your freebie on a separate transaction and don't mess up your shop transaction.

I have done ones where I have an online order and will go to pick up my order. I pay attn to the timings and details. Then I go get in line and use my GC promo freebie for another bowl since I have more mouths to feed.

The promotion freebie is good until the end of January 2023.

Beginning November 7, 2022 at 12:01 am Pacific Time until December 4, 2022 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time (“Promotional Period”), with an online order of $30 or more in gift cards from the Panda Express website, you can receive one (1) free online Panda® Bowl offer (“Free Panda® Bowl”) while supplies last.

I saw that too and was going to share. Good suggestion!

Interesting, that's good to know. I have not come across that but I'll be sure to make a mental note if I do. I haven't ever been assigned anything with Coyle so haven't had to worry about that. If it ever does happen I'll definitely be on the lookout for any instructions along those lines.