1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

Chevron Customer First - Newbie Experience

October 02, 2024 06:36AM
@Okie wrote:

After I received my receipt, I paused for a bit, and then asked him it would be ok if I took a picture of him in his attire. I let him know that I was there to check if he was his wearing an approved uninform shirt and nametag. I also informed him that he could decline the picture. I then showed him the LOA on my phone. It was look he saw a ghost. His voice went up a level, and he said, "Oh, you're with Chevron." The letter was so small on my phone, but he knew exactly what I was there for. He let me know I could take a picture the counter. The owner observed what occurred, but just watched. I proceeded to frame my camera for the picture, and the cashier stepped to the side. I thanked him, and that was it!

My routine:

I am here on behalf of Chevron (true) for the quarterly Customer First Mystery Shop.

Here is the LOA. (I have a copy printed in my vehicle.)

I just need to take a photo of you behind the counter, and then I am finished. (I point to the last line of the LOA.)

90% of the time, I take my photo, wish them a good day and leave. About 8% of the time, they refuse. 2% of the time, they get hostile. Either way, the reveal takes less than 30 seconds. I'm not there for a discussion.
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

October 02, 2024 12:52PM
Congratulations on your first Customer First!

I've done hundreds, and will look forward to hundreds more.

FWIW, I do not say "mystery shop" when I reveal... that can have negative connotations for some employees.

I present the letter and tell them I'm visiting on behalf of Chevron doing a "quick merchandising check". Most clerks noticeably relax once they know it's not a shop and I'm not going to be spending much time there.

I ask if they have the gift cards, or refer to them if I've already seen them. With the latest criteria, I'll also mention the forecourt POP as being present (only 1 location out of dozens have not had it thus far), and I ask a fake question about alternative fuels just so my survey seems a bit more legit... the power of three.

Then I ask for the photo and it's a wrap.

At one time I was banned from this program due to a testy editor and ambiguous address information provided by the MSC. Luckily I was able to reach out to the project manager and get reinstated. They are an essential part of my route shopping strategy, and I will grab every one I can make work when they are available.

Have synthesizers, will travel...
Reply
October 02, 2024 03:05PM
@Okie wrote:

But I used the same photo for both. That's the one part I'm unsure if it'll get accepted.

I always take duplicates of every single picture onsite. Makes for a backup, and it's easier to find the one you want when you are filing a report from your phone instead of dragging and dropping on a computer.

One way to avoid posting a duplicate is to zoom in slightly on the picture in your photo album and screenshot it. Same content, different picture.

Have synthesizers, will travel...
Reply
October 02, 2024 03:30PM
@CoolMusic wrote:


FWIW, I do not say "mystery shop" when I reveal... that can have negative connotations for some employees.

I present the letter and tell them I'm visiting on behalf of Chevron doing a "quick merchandising check". Most clerks noticeably relax once they know it's not a shop and I'm not going to be spending much time there.

I ask if they have the gift cards, or refer to them if I've already seen them. With the latest criteria, I'll also mention the forecourt POP as being present (only 1 location out of dozens have not had it thus far), and I ask a fake question about alternative fuels just so my survey seems a bit more legit... the power of three.

Not here. Many clerks speak functional English at best.
Reply
October 02, 2024 04:10PM
@Okie wrote:

@BayShopper22 wrote:

Not here. Many clerks speak functional English at best.
For me, it's been 2/2 with an accent, but no issues with English. But both seemed to be family-run.
I’m happy to explain in any of my five functional languages. I speak no middle eastern or southern Asian languages. Even if I did, there are so many dialects, it would be nearly impossible to get lucky enough to speak the “right” one.
Reply
October 02, 2024 04:57PM
@BayShopper22 wrote:



Not here. Many clerks speak functional English at best.

Duly noted.

Maybe next time I run into a similar situation I'll tell 'em I'm from the IRS, or maybe INS even. That could get interesting..

Have synthesizers, will travel...
Reply
October 02, 2024 08:32PM
@CoolMusic wrote:

@BayShopper22 wrote:



Not here. Many clerks speak functional English at best.

Duly noted.

Maybe next time I run into a similar situation I'll tell 'em I'm from the IRS, or maybe INS even. That could get interesting..

LOL in CA, nobody cares. We are a sanctuary state.
Anyone working at these locations is very likely legally-employable anyway.
Reply
October 02, 2024 10:49PM
I just noticed the new round of Chevrons here in Podunk don't have the usual 6am-3pm/3pm-10pm dayparts listed - they're all 6am-10pm.

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown
Reply
October 02, 2024 11:31PM
In my areas, there's 99.9% of pumps that don't print a receipt and 99.9% of employees that don't have a name tag and/or uniform. I fold the LOA and tuck it in my pocket every time I get out to get gas because I already know I will be using it.

Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.
Reply
October 03, 2024 04:51AM
@drdoggie00 wrote:

I just noticed the new round of Chevrons here in Podunk don't have the usual 6am-3pm/3pm-10pm dayparts listed - they're all 6am-10pm.

4th quarter. It's been that way for years. I forgot too, but then again, I have a head injury. (Which might explain my difficulty in correctly doing American Chinese food last month.)
Reply
October 09, 2024 02:53AM
@Okie wrote:

I let him know why I was there and showed him the LOA. I don't know why, but I always communicate that they can decline not to be in the photo. I took one of the counter. But then, he said that he actually had his uniform in the back. To his word, he returned with the uniform shirt on a shirt hanger, and to my amazement, with the nametag (not hand-written), already affixed to this uniform. Ugh, I took another picture, even though you're not supposed to take the picture, if the cashier is technically wearing the uniform and nametag. We both smiled and exchanged pleasantries.

I know what the right thing to do is here. But I'm just curious, has anyone else run into this before?

I don't volunteer that they can decline.

There is a box for "changed into uniform or added nametag after the reveal." Happens about 10% of the time to me.

I was offered food and drinks at 2 of 5 locations tonight. LOL
Reply
October 09, 2024 01:36PM
@Okie wrote:

Honestly, not knowing if there was a shop requirement on the payment method inside...

In the guidelines. Cash is the required payment method for the program.

Have synthesizers, will travel...
Reply
October 09, 2024 05:39PM
Edited to clear up any confusion: This is for the Chevron/Texaco Customer First program. I don't do any other gas stations, so I have no knowledge of payment requirements for those programs.

The gas purchase needs to be with a card, but the inside purchase can be made with card or cash. I almost always pay with cash because most of these places around Podunk have a $5 minimum on card purchases in the store, and I do my best to stay as close to that $1 as possible.

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2024 02:07AM by drdoggie00.
Reply
October 09, 2024 06:37PM
Okie, consider getting a Chevron/Texaco gift card to use at the pump. cardcash.com usually has them.

If your path dictates you walk through hell, do it as though you own the place. -unknown
Reply
October 09, 2024 09:30PM
@CoolMusic wrote:

@Okie wrote:

Honestly, not knowing if there was a shop requirement on the payment method inside...

In the guidelines. Cash is the required payment method for the program.

I thought they changed that? I don’t think that’s true.
Reply
October 09, 2024 10:18PM
I don't remember which of the gas stations it is that you're required to use cash for your inside purchase. So rather than confuse myself by trying to remember, I generally use my cards at the pumps, and pay with cash inside, unless I'm completely cash free (which almost never happens). The only time I use a card inside at a gas station is when I'm buying fried chicken for lunch at their QSR counter to use as my required purchase. Editors used to ask why I spent so much inside, but they don't seem bothered by that anymore.
Reply
October 10, 2024 05:54PM
@BayShopper22 wrote:

I thought they changed that? I don’t think that’s true.

I sit corrected. Just snagged 26 this morning, and form of payment is no longer specified in the guidelines.

With an active rewards program now in place, there would be benefit to using my Chevron VISA for the store purchase. Guessing I might run into stores with minimum credit card purchase requirements.

I've got 3 of them later today and will try the credit card inside just for a change of pace.

Have synthesizers, will travel...
Reply
October 10, 2024 06:09PM
I like to pay with cash for any small purchase so as to not reward the evil credit card companies with the high transaction fees they charge the store. And on a shop, them giving me back the change is the natural time for them to thank me or make a parting comment. With a credit card purchase, there is more potential for those awkward few seconds where I am pausing waiting for the remark.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login