1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

The cash/debit card identical purchase gig

March 18, 2025 01:29PM
As a mostly single shopper I have to be selective about these so I can present a scenario I'm comfortable with.

So far that has been 1 shop where I could get 2 of the same beers (kinda rare for me in one sitting) and come up with a story (waiting for my boss who's buying the rest of the night and he bails).

That one went well and was accepted despite my cash tip being on the high side.

I'm looking at another possibility: a quick serve Mex place I used to frequent when I lived across the street. Love me them pickled carrots/jalapeños!

While the guidelines imply that both purchases be made inside, they don't specifically require it.

I'm thinking I could dine in for the cash side of the deal and to get the pictures, then head for the drive-thru to get the second item with my debit card.

Thoughts? TIA

Have synthesizers, will travel...
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.

March 18, 2025 04:55PM
Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Can't you get the second also inside because "your roommate/spouse/kid/parent just texted you?"

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/2025 04:56PM by Nikki21.
Reply
March 18, 2025 05:24PM
I just did one at a salon. I purchased two gift certificates and asked for receipts. I casually said they were for an event as prizes. The lady working the front desk was friendly and helpful. I have done several of these and I just flat out say these purchases are separate and I need receipts. I have never had one rejected.
Reply
March 18, 2025 07:30PM
I just buy both at the same time and say I have to pay separately and need receipts because they're for different people.
Reply
March 20, 2025 01:44AM
I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.
Reply
March 20, 2025 01:59AM
My husband and I did a bar shop over the weekend and just ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and water.

@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.
Reply
March 20, 2025 06:00AM
Good idea, thank you. I’ll have to take the husband out for lunch.
Reply
March 20, 2025 03:57PM
Try a cheap appetizer, nachos or something similar.
@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.
Reply
March 20, 2025 04:11PM
@mjt9598 wrote:

Try a cheap appetizer, nachos or something similar.
@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

You know, not once did I even fathom the idea that I could stay in the location for longer than just picking something up 'quick.'

(LOL, my husband would be so proud of me. So many times we argue about the fact that he ends a sentence by saying, 'quick,' and I, on the other hand, end the same sentence saying, 'real quick.')
Reply
March 20, 2025 04:38PM
We have enjoyed these shops. For the bars, my husband and I go during lunchtime for a quick bite and just order water. Its been fun!




@misspocos75 wrote:

@mjt9598 wrote:

Try a cheap appetizer, nachos or something similar.
@misspocos75 wrote:

I’ve only done two liquor stores and did the same as sestra. Go in like you’re getting something for you and a friend, using your debit card and your friend’s cash.

I was contemplating doing a closer one that just came up, except it’s in a bar that serves food during lunch hours. Not exactly sure what I’d purchase in there though. Suggestions are welcome.

You know, not once did I even fathom the idea that I could stay in the location for longer than just picking something up 'quick.'

(LOL, my husband would be so proud of me. So many times we argue about the fact that he ends a sentence by saying, 'quick,' and I, on the other hand, end the same sentence saying, 'real quick.')
Reply
March 21, 2025 05:15PM
The worst shop. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Buy a pack of chewing gum using debit card. Then buy the same gum using cash. Yeah, good luck with that. A lot of these are mom & pop shops. They hate cards to begin with.
Reply
March 21, 2025 06:34PM
Why are you buying gum? I love these shops. Instead of gum, how about a case of soda or bottle water? One is for you and one is for your neighbor. I usually go slightly over $8 for each purchase. I buy things that I can use and that make sense why I would purchase 2 separately. TBH it’s none of their business anyway, but I try to avoid too much awkwardness.

@hksh1 wrote:

The worst shop. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Buy a pack of chewing gum using debit card. Then buy the same gum using cash. Yeah, good luck with that. A lot of these are mom & pop shops. They hate cards to begin with.


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2025 07:12PM by gigishopper.
Reply
March 21, 2025 06:53PM
@hksh1 wrote:

The worst shop. I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Buy a pack of chewing gum using debit card. Then buy the same gum using cash. Yeah, good luck with that. A lot of these are mom & pop shops. They hate cards to begin with.

I quite enjoy them. I accepted 2 liquor stores at the same time and purchased 2 different types of schnapps that are a favorite at our family holiday gatherings. They were 100% paid for, so what could be better than that?

As for the small town mom & pop locations that we have here in rural America, most of them added credit/debit card machines so they could cash in on the sales that they would not normally have if they didn’t have a machine. Do you know how many kids there are that only carry a card these days and have no idea how to count back change? For the younger crowd, cards are the only way.
Reply
March 21, 2025 07:34PM
@misspocos75 wrote:

Do you know how many kids there are that only carry a card these days and have no idea how to count back change? For the younger crowd, cards are the only way.

I like to give them 4 pennies if the sale will end in $.79, Most cashiers today don't realize they can give me back a quarter now instead of $.21,
Reply
March 28, 2025 12:35PM
I have recently noticed that stores/restaurants I have shopped in this project now have dual pricing. Entire menu boards have two prices, one for cash and one for card. On every item. Seems like a lot of work for them to have to change everything once you whip out your card (or not).
Reply
March 28, 2025 01:51PM
That is very interesting. I have done several and only one charged me for using my Visa debit card. For the rest, the prices were the same for both purchases.

@sestrahelena wrote:

I have recently noticed that stores/restaurants I have shopped in this project now have dual pricing. Entire menu boards have two prices, one for cash and one for card. On every item. Seems like a lot of work for them to have to change everything once you whip out your card (or not).
Reply
April 09, 2025 05:01PM
If I did one of these shops, I guess I would make my first purchase, go put it out in the car, and come back in saying I just realized I need to get one more.
Reply
April 09, 2025 05:45PM
It depends on the location and circumstance. I many cases, that would be super awkward in my opinion. Ive done several of these and its easier to just rip the bandaid off and purchase both at once. I did one at a hemp shop over the weekend. The signage, pricing and the whole situation was awkward, but with the $40 shop fee, I can deal with 5 minutes of strange.

@jp43209 wrote:

If I did one of these shops, I guess I would make my first purchase, go put it out in the car, and come back in saying I just realized I need to get one more.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login