Had an upset clerk at a gas station shop.

I had a gas station mystery shop. The shop required me to take pictures of the station, one pump, restroom and several pictures inside the store. The clerk got really mad at me taking pictures without a letter. They said I needed to get approval and show them a letter before taking any pictures. The clerk said the company has to notify them first about any pictures. The clerk was mad and speaking loudly at me. I took the pictures I needed and told the clerk, the company does not have to tell you anything. They said, "They have to tell me first, before allowing pictures to be taken. It's scaring me" I finished the shop. I'm amazed some people think corporate has to clear everything through them first.

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I was doing the POP type and the guy told me he just had it yesterday. I told him he had something else yesterday. He said: "No, I had it yesterday, I will show you." He brought out the paperwork from an Image Audit. I told him that was an Image Audit and the LOA I just gave you clearly states I am not doing a mystery shop or audit. He said: "Well, you scared me with the questions, please, take any drink or snack you like."

this is why i never do any photo jobs without an LOA. it makes sense that they'd be angry/nervous/scared. i mean most people wouldn't sweat it, but there are plenty of uptight people who are fazed by everything. i personally hate making people feel uncomfortable, and i certainly don't want to deal with them being angry at me, because then i get annoyed as well.

@johnb974 wrote:

I had a gas station mystery shop. The shop required me to take pictures of the station, one pump, restroom and several pictures inside the store. The clerk got really mad at me taking pictures without a letter. They said I needed to get approval and show them a letter before taking any pictures. The clerk said the company has to notify them first about any pictures. The clerk was mad and speaking loudly at me. I took the pictures I needed and told the clerk, the company does not have to tell you anything. They said, "They have to tell me first, before allowing pictures to be taken. It's scaring me" I finished the shop. I'm amazed some people think corporate has to clear everything through them first.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/29/2022 03:53PM by jay225.

I have all the gas LOAs downloaded on my phone and also keep a screenshot in the photo gallery just in case. This way I don't have to keep printing it out and get in a pickle if I forgot. I have only been given a hard time by 1 station using this method, but the cashier did allow me to proceed.

@Zek wrote:

I have all the gas LOAs downloaded on my phone and also keep a screenshot in the photo gallery just in case. This way I don't have to keep printing it out and get in a pickle if I forgot. I have only been given a hard time by 1 station using this method, but the cashier did allow me to proceed.

For this shop, the MSC never gave an LOA.

Showing them on you phone is handy and does save money, and should work mostly. But if a station refuses to let you proceed without a printed copy, you are stuck.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2022 01:22AM by mystery2me.

@johnb974 wrote:

@Zek wrote:

I have all the gas LOAs downloaded on my phone and also keep a screenshot in the photo gallery just in case. This way I don't have to keep printing it out and get in a pickle if I forgot. I have only been given a hard time by 1 station using this method, but the cashier did allow me to proceed.

For this shop, the MSC never gave an LOA.

Are you doing the gas station shop where you're getting pricing on stuff in the store? Yeah I wouldn't touch that with a 10 ft poll, cause they don't give you an LOA.

@foodluvr wrote:

@johnb974 wrote:

@Zek wrote:

I have all the gas LOAs downloaded on my phone and also keep a screenshot in the photo gallery just in case. This way I don't have to keep printing it out and get in a pickle if I forgot. I have only been given a hard time by 1 station using this method, but the cashier did allow me to proceed.

For this shop, the MSC never gave an LOA.

Are you doing the gas station shop where you're getting pricing on stuff in the store? Yeah I wouldn't touch that with a 10 ft poll, cause they don't give you an LOA.

There was no pricing, just taking pictures inside the store and outside.

@Zek wrote:

I have all the gas LOAs downloaded on my phone and also keep a screenshot in the photo gallery just in case. This way I don't have to keep printing it out and get in a pickle if I forgot. I have only been given a hard time by 1 station using this method, but the cashier did allow me to proceed.

I am pretty sure that most instructions require us to print the LOAs

@sestrahelena wrote:

I am pretty sure that most instructions require us to print the LOAs

Yes, and I believe they can choose to keep it if they want.

I couldn't find the thread for the covert price check at convenience stores -- 116 items, but could go as high as 200 plus. They are desperate to fill it because now they are saying you can go to ANY convenience store to do the price check and raised the fee to $28. I know with my luck I would get to the 110th item and then get kicked out because I didn't have a LOA.

@foodluvr wrote:

Are you doing the gas station shop where you're getting pricing on stuff in the store? Yeah I wouldn't touch that with a 10 ft poll, cause they don't give you an LOA.

They likely do, but in the zillion I've conducted showing the download or screenshot, I have only encountered an issue once. They all say the same thing. Guess I'm thinking a little more green friendly whereas printing just to be thrown in the trash is a waste of paper and ink.

The one exception is a Marathon or some smaller brand where the manager or cashier has to sign the printed LOA. No way to go green on that one.

@sestrahelena wrote:

I am pretty sure that most instructions require us to print the LOAs

@Zek wrote:

They likely do, but in the zillion I've conducted showing the download or screenshot, I have only encountered an issue once. They all say the same thing. Guess I'm thinking a little more green friendly whereas printing just to be thrown in the trash is a waste of paper and ink.

The one exception is a Marathon or some smaller brand where the manager or cashier has to sign the printed LOA. No way to go green on that one.

@sestrahelena wrote:

I am pretty sure that most instructions require us to print the LOAs

You could totally go digital on that one and just save it as an Adobe PDF that can be signed on a phone. It's a little bit of work but I've done that before.

Don't all gas shops that require a series of photos require a LOA to be presented? Also, if someone "refuses," and if anyone ever gave me any hassle whatsoever, I would consider that a refusal, I would take a picture of the counter and/or exterior and leave. Explain it in the report. The little money we make for any shop is not worth the slightest confrontation as far as I'm concerned. I don't have to put up with any crap from anybody. If the shop does NOT provide a letter of authorization, I wouldn't do it. You should tell the MSC what occurred and emphasize that this type of argumentative and antagonistic encounter is bound to happen unless some written documentation explaining the purpose of your visit is presented.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2022 05:48PM by 1forum1.

Oh! I would def add to the comments section then (as long as you did not react back).

The cashier may have worked at a different station where the MS presented a LOA.

@johnb974 wrote:

For this shop, the MSC never gave an LOA.

There have been instances in revealed shops where the employee refused the inspection. This was with presenting them with the LOA. BTW, I have always printed out the LOA - never gone digital. And, I would never go digital since almost every employee has said they shall give their boss the LOA. In those situations, I just go across the street and snap an overall and then, report it as a refused shop.
In situations where the OP states that the MSC did not give them an LOA and the employee became upset, I would immediately stop what I was doing and leave. I would also go across the street and take an overall of the business. Then, I would submit the report with the overall while stating that the employee did not want the photos taken. BTW, if you are not given an LOA by the MSC, it sure sounds like a non reveal type of shop. Plus, why not state what shop this is? As long as you do not mention the shop and its MSC, there should be no harm.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2022 06:55PM by French Farmer.

I don't believe the Citgo shops have an LOA, but they are NOT revealed shops. They may see you taking pictures outside because, I believe, there are 8-10 outside pictures required.

@wrosie wrote:

I don't believe the Citgo shops have an LOA, but they are NOT revealed shops. They may see you taking pictures outside because, I believe, there are 8-10 outside pictures required.

There is an LOA, even for the "Club" shops where you don't go in the store, but it is only to be presented if someone questions you. There is one of these very small stations in a very small town where I am the only "outsider" and it always needs those 8-10 EXTRA pics beyond the normal ones. I have come to present the LOA right after my purchase and be above board with them rather than getting executed for nefarious behavior or confronted in some other way. Technically, it's against the rules but I'd rather survive the day.

Yes, Citgo shop and Club shops both have a LOA. I have never seen a gas station mystery shop or audit that didn't have a LOA....interesting.

@Mousegal wrote:

Yes, Citgo shop and Club shops both have a LOA. I have never seen a gas station mystery shop or audit that didn't have a LOA....interesting.

The only one I know of is the pricing audit for the convenience store, but I can't think of any gas station shop that doesn't provide that. Every brand that I know of has one available even Citgo

Circle K does not, at least the ones near me.

Iget attempted "bribes" of coffee, a drin, or a snack...all the time after presenting the LOA. Funny!

@salisburync wrote:

Iget attempted "bribes" of coffee, a drin, or a snack...all the time after presenting the LOA. Funny!

Always! And they seem to forget that I've already bought a drink or a snack???? I decline it every time but it's amazing how they try.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/03/2022 05:53PM by foodluvr.

@foodluvr wrote:

@salisburync wrote:

Iget attempted "bribes" of coffee, a drin, or a snack...all the time after presenting the LOA. Funny!

Always! And they seem to forget that I've already bought a drink or a snack???? I decline it every time but it's amazing how they try.

I think they are doing it to be nice. I don't see it as a bribe. I keep sodas and chips in my car anyway, to give out to the homeless along my route, and if I want a snack.

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Had an upset clerk at a gas station shop.

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