Gas Station headaches

August 30, 2023 04:10PM

I have been completing about 100 of these per month, for the last year.....
The definite trend is for stations to have some kind of minimum charge, or extra fee, in the convenience store; examples: $3 or $5 minimum charge, or $3 minimum charge if using a debit/credit card; or the fee for NOT spending more in the convenience store is another charge...anywhere from 40 cents to $1.20, in my experience.

So, the best answer is to always use cash for the convenience store purchase, and be prepared to "eat" the extra cost if a minimum is placed on your sale! MSC's just DO NOT EVER pay more than the published reimbursement for in-store purchases! I have asked several times for extra reimbursement...crickets...

Another trend is the huge markup of previously affordable items...like the 99 cent can of Arizona TEA...now as much as $2.25, even though the can still has "99 cents" on the label! My personal favorite is the ubiquitous peanut butter filled soda cracker package....as low as 69 cents...as high as $1.79 in the last two weeks....or the Kirkland water (26 cents when you buy them at Costco by the case)...I actually got charged $3.25 for one yesterday!

I think the term "Convenience Store" is a misnomer...."Rip Off Snack Shop" is more appropriate!

Ah, well, moving on....

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More About Gas Station Mystery Shopping

August 30, 2023 06:19PM

I am aware SALISBURY'S post was one of venting. In my opinion, though, it was directed to the incorrect parties. Stores charge what the market will bear and MSCs only pay what is needed. I can state most absolutely that some MSCs are paying less for some work than in 2003. In addition, the requirement of pics, any of which is able to render your work unacceptable, has spiraled "to the sky."

August 30, 2023 08:46PM

I was always under the impression that the in-store purchase at the convenience stores was supposed to be in cash. I don't use my debit card inside the store unless I spend like 10 bucks for some lunch or something.

August 31, 2023 12:54AM

@Morledzep I was under the impression that it depends on the brand being shopped if you must use cash or not. I've never found this elusive Arizona Tea for 99 cents.

The gas station operators make their money inside the store.

It is frustrating that some MSCs are paying less for work from 20 years ago. Unless someone just started doing gas stations, we've all seen the decrease in just the last couple of months. Some of these stations don't offer anything for under $1, so you have to go into the fee to cover the cost and make even less. I am not talking about they don't have anything you might like, I mean nothing is offered for less than a buck. I've tossed items after purchasing them in the garbage can on my way back to the car since it is junk. It's amazing that they haven't raised the convenience store reimbursement in years.

One of the shops requires that you measure how long it takes for a certain amount of fuel to be dispensed. You are reimbursed for that set amount. If you go over by any amount, which you will, then that extra is coming out of your end. How do you pump that exact amount without going over?

August 31, 2023 01:00AM

@Morledzep wrote:

I was always under the impression that the in-store purchase at the convenience stores was supposed to be in cash. I don't use my debit card inside the store unless I spend like 10 bucks for some lunch or something.

Varies by brand.

The red/white/blue conditional reveal and red/white/blue all pump pics require cash as specified in the guidelines.

Besides the fabulousness that is the $10 blanket reimbursement that is red/white/often some silver/sometimes orange and blue, you can use a credit card for the in-store purchase. This is optimal when I'm doing lots of gas stations and there's not always a bunch of room in my tank. I prefer using Apple Pay on my phone as it guarantees a receipt will be printed at the register.

For the red/white/blues and their stingy reimbursements, I've got a couple of new targets when it comes to cheap in-store purchases: 5-packs of the various Wrigley's gums for 50¢ each and the little pack of Fig Newtons for $1.09. My inventory of peanut tubes and cherry Tootsie Pops is getting out of hand. :-P

Have synthesizers, will travel...

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2023 01:14PM by CoolMusic.

August 31, 2023 03:26AM

@Momomomo wrote:

... I've tossed items after purchasing them in the garbage can on my way back to the car since it is junk. ...

Junk is right. I leave most of what I buy in the store. I used to not mind going over to get something good, but that starting eating too much into my wallet.

August 31, 2023 06:25AM

The planters peanut tubes are still $0.75 or less. I haven't seen them over $1 yet. That being said, I paid $1.61 for peanut butter cookies because I was hungry, and my son got a $1.41 pack of blueberry poptarts. I will eat before I leave tomorrow.. lol. And I have a bonused psuedo-chinese shop, so I'll stop there before I go to any gas stations.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2023 06:25AM by Morledzep.

August 31, 2023 08:34PM

I usually pay cash inside the "convenience" stores, but have found that a credit card has never been rejected. The awkward position I find myself in is the "Asking' for a receipt for an item that is about $1.00. I always get that 'strange' look and there is probably nothing that says "mystery shopper" more than that request. another thread talked about the Ipsos change of gas reimbursement to $2.00, and when a receipt does not print at the pump. I love that 'stranger than fiction' moment when I have to go inside to ask for a $2.00 gas receipt!

Lately, I have found the cashiers embarrassed about the high prices and/or the surcharges....but they are required to charge those amounts and minimum charges. I just wish Ipsos would 'grow a pair' and demand reimbursement from the client! I had one location tell me that i had to spend a minimum of $5.00 (even in cash) in the store!

September 01, 2023 02:02AM

@Momomomo wrote:

@Morledzep I was under the impression that it depends on the brand being shopped if you must use cash or not. I've never found this elusive Arizona Tea for 99 cents.

The gas station operators make their money inside the store.

One of the shops requires that you measure how long it takes for a certain amount of fuel to be dispensed. You are reimbursed for that set amount. If you go over by any amount, which you will, then that extra is coming out of your end. How do you pump that exact amount without going over?

Easy, pump 0.95 gallons while timing. Stop. If your clock is 1 or 2 seconds from the maximum time, it's good. If not, then proceed carefully.

September 01, 2023 06:12AM

Momo, that's easy, I don't do customer first shops..

September 02, 2023 04:03PM

I don't get hung up on not being reimbursed for something that I buy and use every day.

Any gas I get reimbursed for positively affects my bottom line as a rideshare driver.

A few extra cents out of pocket for gasoline is a massive nothingburger in my book.

Have synthesizers, will travel...

September 14, 2023 09:41AM

I felt funny about asking for receipts too but lately I’ve noticed that I’m not the only one getting a few dollars worth of gas. Times are hard and gas is expensive. Say you borrowed your friend’s car and you’re topping it off. Not that you owe anyone an explanation. And as for the convenience item receipt (again, no explanation necessary) I say I need them so I can scan them into my Fetch app.

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Gas Station headaches

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