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Citgo "Special Project" changes with new MSC

September 23, 2025 07:56PM
Sorry if this has already been discussed, I am no longer a regular here but ... Citgo"s special project" where you go into the store to buy items and get a credit card receipt, appears to have changed MSCs (while the "Trimark of Excellence" shops remain with the original MSC).

It looks like the new reimbursement is $1. In the old ones it was up to $6, but there was a $5 minimum purchase and it could be a pain hitting the "sweet spot" between $5 and $6, especially since Citgo tends to put their brand on run-down stations that often don't post prices on the merchandise.

Has anyone done them with the new MSC? Am I correct in assuming a single (low-price) purchase is OK now? And does the questionnaire vary significantly from when it was with the former MSC?
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September 23, 2025 10:03PM
HI. I have completed a few of them. You take a picture of the overall exterior and the sign. Go in, pick up something for at least a $1. Pay for it with a card. Take a picture of the receipt and answer if the store number is on the receipt and if your last four of your card is on it, and submit. Easy-peasy. I've done the same as you are talking about with the $6. They are the same, except these are with a $1.

Shopping Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi.
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September 23, 2025 10:06PM
Yup. This is one thread akin to it:
[www.mysteryshopforum.com]

I think there was another. I'm not touching these so I can't help you with the current shop expectations. The non-trimark projects were good. Not any more.
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September 23, 2025 11:16PM
I do know that there are some stations that have a minimum amount for a card purchase, and it's often $3 or $5. I wonder what would happen if you went to do this shop and the location had a card purchase minimum.
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September 24, 2025 11:40PM
I did one today and the store was "Cash Only" as their network was down. I reached out to scheduler to find out how to report it but haven't heard back yet. I paid the cash in the store and since I needed gas, I bought gas with a credit card. After spending some time to covertly drive around in my car to get the proper photos I did not wish to cancel and go back again for the low fee. We'll see

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The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..

Mark Twain
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September 25, 2025 02:52AM
@sestrahelena wrote:

Yup. This is one thread akin to it:
[www.mysteryshopforum.com]

I think there was another. I'm not touching these so I can't help you with the current shop expectations. The non-trimark projects were good. Not any more.

I thought about that too. I assume I would end up making $5 and $5 to $6 worth of overpriced convenience store stuff.
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September 27, 2025 06:45PM
They reimburse for $1 of gas in NJ where full service is required by law. I would be comfortable asking the attendant for $10 of gas, but asking for 1/3 of a gallon on my credit card - they would probably refuse. They probably have a $5 or even $10 credit card minimum. And I will be watched like hawk as I try to take the required photos. So, not me.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
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