Covert shop get pricing and inquire about an oil change for HondaCRV Huh?

I've seen a task listed concerning a covert MS at an oil change merchant to capture information on pricing, site amenities, and branding. No purchase required. Sounds fair enough.

I am confused about the assigned scenario where I am supposed to ask about an oil change for a 2018 Honda CRV. Sounds suspicious, unless I owned a 2018 Honda CRV. I suppose I could say it is my kid's car.

Has anyone done this shop?

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Although there are some variations, most of the ones I have seen with this scenario are phone shops. You're just asking about an oil change for whatever model they want you to check the details on. For some such, you actually do have to own the specified model, as the VIN will be required.

How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg?
"Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."
-- Abraham Lincoln

I did it. I just said my brother was letting me use his car for a road trip. I am glad I didn't act like it was "mine." They asked the engine size. It was a super easy shop.

Thanks. I have been considering a coulpe of these in my area.

I have done 5 or 6 of these. They are quick and easy. I just say that my son is buying one and thats why I want to know.

Do you have to take any covert pictures inside the shop? Thanks

I did one today. Speaking for myself, I don't plan to do anymore. The shop itself is as simple and quick as described; however, at such a small establishment, it is practically impossible to covertly take photos. I took a couple photos from adjacent business's parking lots using my digital camera's zoom feature. The main problem was when I tried to photograph an exterior photo. The sign was on the front door. Perhaps a cell phone camera would be less obvious, but I doubt it. The receptionist could see the whole parking lot from her office. The mechanics could see me since the bay doors were wide open. I tried to be as sneaky as possible, but the receptionist asked why I was taking pix. I falsely told her that I was going to post those on Instagram. She warned against that for liability reasons, but accepted my lie. I reported all concerns to the MSC. Despite all that, my report was accepted, and I will be paid. Perhaps a cell phone camera would be less obvious, but I doubt it. Use your own judgment, but have a ready explanation for when you get caught.

One - a posted price list. It's impossible in such a small establishment without being questioned. During my shop, I truthfully reported that one was not posted. I don't plan to do anymore of these shops because it's almost impossible to covertly take photos inside or out. If you do, use a camera with a good zoom feature. Take your pix from adjacent business's parking lots.

@satin7 I think if you go in there with a digital camera, then yes, your actions will stand out. I took photos on my cell phone.

I wound up doing several of these and missed out on doing a lot more when the first bump in pay came around. Before I missed out on some, I was concerned about doing an available chain and running into a worker from an early in the day stop on a later visit, even though the chances were remote.

To be fair, none of my stops had receptionists to monitor my activity. It is too bad that I was slow to move on these. They were good route fillers.

Saw this shop and did not apply as I do not think I could take photos without being seen
Exterior photos might not be bad but interior photos are hard. I do nit have a great camera so would use digital camera and would be obvious ugh!

Just wrote scheduler asking what if I get questioned about photos taking or told not allowed. She said if all photos not taken shop will be rejected. I did assign it as I have other shop in area not sure whether to cancel or not. How do i know if I can take discrete photos? Any advice? She asked if I wished to cancel

@OldmanJames wrote:

Just wrote scheduler asking what if I get questioned about photos taking or told not allowed. She said if all photos not taken shop will be rejected. I did assign it as I have other shop in area not sure whether to cancel or not. How do i know if I can take discrete photos? Any advice? She asked if I wished to cancel

The pricing board is in the waiting room, if there is 1. There will probably be different levels of oil changes on the first 5 lines. Make sure you get the price for Mobil 1 full synthetic.
If they don't have a pricing board, they will ask the engine and trim level. The 2018 came with 2 engines, I have tbe 1.7 Turbo which takes 3.7 quarts of oil, the trim level is EXL. The 2018 Honda CRV only takes full synthetic oil.
If they don't have the pricing board, they may have a pricing counter mat. Getting the picture of the mat is a little trickier. I usually ask to use the restroom, they arent going to wait for you to use the restroom. They will go back out to the bays, you can snap the picture then.

Lucked out. Location was closed. Was heading near there anyway. Still got half pay which was great to snap a photo of sign that said closed.

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Covert shop get pricing and inquire about an oil change for HondaCRV Huh?

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