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Popeyes Audit

July 18, 2025 07:54PM
I originally signed up for like 3-4 in an afternoon. I went to my first location, I asked for the manager on duty and showed them the LOA while explaining the audit work I'd be doing as an independent contractor. He let me start doing the outside windows and sign audits. Once I came back in, he said he called the owner/manager and informed me to not go into the back even though I was dressed appropriately. He said I had to wait for the actual franchise manager/owner to come to the store to do the audit which I didn't have time for. The manager on site felt bad and apologized at least.

I then went to my car and called the next two locations ahead of time thinking that would help clear things up. In both instances, I professionally asked to speak to the manager on site and asked/explained about my upcoming visit/audit that was informed to them from the corporate office. One said they weren't aware of this audit and to not come yet and the other thought I was some telemarketer and hung up. I just gave up after that.

Judging from the first job which was halfway done by the time I had to begin, I'd say each audit would take no longer than an average 20 minutes after you get the hang of it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2025 07:55PM by scottsteg.
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More About Audits
July 18, 2025 08:46PM
Thanks, now the important question. Did you get paid in full for the shop that was not completed?
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July 18, 2025 08:46PM
I have 4 now and am thinking about another one.
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July 18, 2025 11:16PM
@scottsteg wrote:

I originally signed up for like 3-4 in an afternoon. I went to my first location, I asked for the manager on duty and showed them the LOA while explaining the audit work I'd be doing as an independent contractor. He let me start doing the outside windows and sign audits. Once I came back in, he said he called the owner/manager and informed me to not go into the back even though I was dressed appropriately. He said I had to wait for the actual franchise manager/owner to come to the store to do the audit which I didn't have time for. The manager on site felt bad and apologized at least.

I then went to my car and called the next two locations ahead of time thinking that would help clear things up. In both instances, I professionally asked to speak to the manager on site and asked/explained about my upcoming visit/audit that was informed to them from the corporate office. One said they weren't aware of this audit and to not come yet and the other thought I was some telemarketer and hung up. I just gave up after that.

Judging from the first job which was halfway done by the time I had to begin, I'd say each audit would take no longer than an average 20 minutes after you get the hang of it.

Why are you calling the store ahead of time and announce of your arrival? If that a requirement from the job? Did they specifically asked you to do that? If not I do not think you are supposed to do that to begin with. If they choose to not let you to go to the back there should be a option in the report indicating that they refuse the visit, and you can just explain the situation indicating that the manager on site called the regional manager after you presented the LOA and the reginal manager has refused the audit. After than let the corporate deal with the regional manager when they see your report.
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July 18, 2025 11:25PM
I will present the LOA, explain and do the windows first if they feel they need to call someone. If I show up and they refuse, I expect to get paid. A call is not required from what I see.
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July 19, 2025 03:01AM
For the purchase requirement for those who were concerned about the out-of-pocket expense, you could purchase a single jalapeño, for about .50 cents or less. smiling smiley
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July 19, 2025 03:04AM
@purpleicee wrote:

For the purchase requirement for those who were concerned about the out-of-pocket expense, you could purchase a single jalapeño, for about .50 cents or less. smiling smiley

Thanks, I like the way you think.
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July 22, 2025 02:23AM
Did one today, not going to go into the problem of doing a sassie job on my phone, made another thread for that.

Very straight forward. Presented the LOA, she said she had to call her boss, I went outside and measured windows and took pictures. Came back in did the pop in the DR and then did pop, lemonade, and tea in the back.

I was there about 45 minutes because trying to do a job on a website rendered on a phone is BS.

I will finish these and even if I have to finish at home (I really thought those days were over) there is enough money to make it worthwhile. I see me getting the pictures and data I need in under 30 minutes and if I spend another 20 minutes at home entering each job it still hits my needed hourly rate.
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July 26, 2025 03:10PM
I did a few yesterday. The first was fine except for the Sassie "app". Got the the OK to get started on the second one then a manager came out and told me I was not allowed to complete it and to come back another time.

I thanked him, made the required purchase, and left.

There is no question on the report asking if you were able to complete the job, so I don't know how to proceed to finish it and submit.

Sent email to the MSC, I expect to be paid in full like I would be with other companies I do revealed work for.

Scott, what happened with the jobs you could not complete?
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July 26, 2025 05:38PM
If you are refused permission to complete the work they cut the fee down to 8.00. I got paid 8.00 instead of 20.00 but I did get the promised bonus.
I found nothing in the guidelines that indicates that. I have reached out to them for clarification since if it was written somewhere and I missed it then my bad.
I was there 15 minutes and got 16.00 so since it was part of my route that was fine. I know now not to accept a job like this from them unless it fits in and not to do one of any distance as a standalone job unless much of the fee is the bonus since that did get paid along with the 8.00.

I am thinking they will tell me the 8.00 is their standard policy or something of that nature.
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July 27, 2025 10:24AM
@purpleicee wrote:

For the purchase requirement for those who were concerned about the out-of-pocket expense, you could purchase a single jalapeño, for about .50 cents or less. smiling smiley

A jalapeno less than a penny??
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July 27, 2025 12:32PM
@87Supra wrote:



Professional to me is a nice pair of 505s and a collared shirt.

Jeans are business casual at best, and sometimes not even that, depending on the establishment.

Not professional, IMNSHO, except for cattle ranchers and the like.

Have synthesizers, will travel...
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July 27, 2025 07:48PM
If the job requires more than business casual, which as you correctly stated jeans are, it is not for me. I did wear dockers when used to do inspections for Trend Source trying to follow their rules.

Years ago, I wore a tie everyday and often a full suit. I will still never understand the significance of having a damn piece of cloth around my neck. Made no sense to me.

I am glad that today, a clean pair of newer (not frayed or holey) Levi's is completely acceptable when the job says business casual.
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July 27, 2025 10:17PM
It is standard food hygiene requirements. Also sleeves on tops. No tank tops. It is surprising they are not requiring hair nets.
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July 27, 2025 10:22PM
It is standard food hygiene requirements. Also sleeves on tops. No tank tops. It is surprising they are not requiring hair nets.
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July 28, 2025 05:42PM
I hadn't joined this convo for a few days so my apologies for not finishing sooner.

I had scheduled my original audits not on Presto but on the individual marketer's Sassie-powered site. Once I realized I couldn't complete them as needed, I emailed the coordinator and asked to be removed from my other ones without any penalty. I explained my situation and they agreed to take me off those.

As for why I call ahead, these audits are supposed to be known to the store by some messaging from corporate so I felt that calling would be better than driving there, showing up, and then getting a refusal. I've done other revealed audits like product display stickers in stores and gas station audits. They all knew we'd be coming one day and the LOA you provide was plenty information to prove your need to be there. This is the first time I felt the need to call ahead after that initial refusal so I didn't want to waste any time.
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July 28, 2025 06:04PM
I am calling now. I got one refused and realized they don't pay in full which is bullshit. Revealed work should always be paid in full if the guidelines are followed. Even if the business burned down the night before you should be paid if you show up.

I like the MSC overall, but now that I understand that their (go fee) is less if the jobs is not completed no matter who is at fault and is also not listed or explained in the guidelines or job description

The only redeeming thing is they did pay the bonus as well as the (go fee) but I kind of feel they got me for 12.00.

I know what to look for next time and will always contact a revealed shop (of theirs) no matter what the guidelines say In this case the guidelines specifically say don't give them a heads up. Other audit/merchandizing companies pay you in full if you follow the guidelines.

They are sticking to their guns about only paying me 8.00 plus the bonus.
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July 28, 2025 10:22PM
Trying to type all the brands on the phone took entirely too much time. Most of it was backspacing to correct typos. And speakwriting was useless because it doesn't capitalize after commas or know how to spell some brands.

And who lists thing from right to left?? We read from left to write so that messed me all up.

Brought it all home to figure out later.
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July 29, 2025 12:26AM
I automatically did it left to right. Had to fix it once I read the question. My phone did quite well only a few seconds to fix that one. I know I will never submit a Sassie shop in the field, but the last one I did needed very little fixing.

I still think it is very weak compared to companies that use a dedicated app. I will price the Sassie jobs I bid on based on the extra time needed.
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July 29, 2025 01:45AM
@boridi wrote:

@purpleicee wrote:

For the purchase requirement for those who were concerned about the out-of-pocket expense, you could purchase a single jalapeño, for about .50 cents or less. smiling smiley

A jalapeno less than a penny??
Toss 'em a penny and tell them to keep the change! One of my math teachers in high school told us about a time where she tried doing that during a ".99 cent" sale.
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July 29, 2025 01:54AM
@jp43209 wrote:

@boridi wrote:

@purpleicee wrote:

For the purchase requirement for those who were concerned about the out-of-pocket expense, you could purchase a single jalapeño, for about .50 cents or less. smiling smiley

A jalapeno less than a penny??
Toss 'em a penny and tell them to keep the change! One of my math teachers in high school told us about a time where she tried doing that during a ".99 cent" sale.

I did that at one job. .52 including tax.
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July 29, 2025 01:34PM
I'm surprised they make you do any purchase just to get a receipt to prove you were there. The "Time Stamp Camera" app works wonders with showing the address on the image. I use it alot even when its not required and its helped.

There's also that "GPS Verifier" app you can use to prove you were there, but maybe the MSC needs to pay for that service and its not in the budget.
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July 29, 2025 01:50PM
It seems like this company is really into multiple location verifications. A different job I did did not have an address on the receipt. I was required to pay in cash so no CC receipt. They don't seem to use Verifier, though you could be right about the upcharge.

I felt like asking what was I supposed to do tell the guy I won't get paid for my mystery shop if I don't get a receipt with an address. She asked for a business card (which I had already supplied) and a screenshot of the pre paid card account online. That was good enough to get approved. I also had a picture of the building which was not required but over the years I have learned the drill.

One more job to do today and mine are complete. Overall an easy, straight forward job that I would do again. Probably not for the initial fee though unless it was quite close.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2025 01:51PM by 87Supra.
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July 29, 2025 03:44PM
I appreciate reading about you all's experiences doing these audits.

I thought about doing them as they didn't read to be too difficult, but I thought $20 was low and they didn't reach bonus level here.

I don't think there are any Russians / And there ain't no Yanks
Just corporate criminals\ / Playin' with tanks


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2025 03:45PM by retrodaddy.
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July 29, 2025 03:54PM
They are a solid half hour if you can get the "app" to work. Maybe a few minutes of editing before submitting. 20.00 is good for a few miles away or if you driving by one on the way to something else. To drive 20 minutes one way as a standalone job is not worth it for that.
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July 30, 2025 11:38PM
Please help. I'm signed up for one for tomorrow, and I have never used an App for a Sassie report. Where do I post the answer? I'm assuming it is different from the report on the website because it did not ask for the measurements.
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July 30, 2025 11:47PM
It is not an app. It is the same web page rendered to kind of work on your phone. I would recommend printing the survey and taking that with you. It will save you time and frustration since this appears to be the first one of these jobs you are doing. Once you say how many windows each side has it will let you enter the sizes in inches.
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July 31, 2025 02:02AM
thanks
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July 31, 2025 03:52AM
I've done a few of these and not one single store was aware of this project. The LOA makes it sound like they've been told. No one knew. I think that's pretty unfair to us, sending us out there, thinking we're going to work and get paid, while leaving our income potential up to a random low level manager who is apparently so insignificant to their company that they don't deserve to be informed of audits.

So if a shopper plans 5 visits at $20 each and every store denies them the audit, that's $40 instead of the $100 they'd planned on making. It could be a real waste of a day.
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July 31, 2025 04:10AM
I had 5. Not a single store was aware. I was able to do 3. The only redeeming thing is they pay the bonus along with the 8.00 so I did not burn too bad. I was told by the scheduler to ignore the guidelines and call first if I wanted.
These jobs should have required a phone call to get pre approval from management to come out. Instead the guidelines specifically say not to tell them you them you are coming out if you call to inquire about hours.
Once again, poor execution by the MSC for the guidelines and the client for not actually informing the stores properly.
Once again, we get left holding the bag in the form of a reduced fee.
I liked the jobs themselves, I like doing stuff like this.
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