So theres one MSC in particular that I'm thinking of that states that cell phone use must be kept to a minimum and you can't have other electronic devices out (laptop, tablets) or the shop will be rejected, and then basically threatens shoppers by saying their client have video cameras at the location and will review them.
Long-term shoppers, what is your experience with this? Will they really reject a shop if you are on your phone too much, reading a book on a tablet, or surfing the web on your laptop? The company has some lunch shops that I wouldn't mind doing solo, but only if I could get kill some time on my laptop and surf the web.
I'm sure the reasoning behind this is they don't want shoppers doing reports on location and/or want you to be completely focused on the shop. But if it's a shop where you have to stay long enough to order an appitizer and a meal, you don't want to be twidling your thumbs during this time if dining solo. Plus, I honestly think it would be more conspicuous if I went in there alone and wasn't interacting with a device.
Also, I always roll my eyes at the video surveillance threats. If the client has video cameras and can view those, why do they need me to record timings of when my dish was delivered, plates cleared, etc? They could easily just view the video themselves and not pay a MSC to do this.

Note: After posting this, I realize it should have probably been posted to the general shop discussion but can't move it or delete it on my own. Sorry moderators!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2018 04:45PM by bunnychild.

Often, these instructions are because a shopper submitting a report that the client questions. The client reviews the video and refuses to pay because they don’t believe the shopper was able to make the observation due to being too engaged with their device. The MSC probably ended up paying the shopper so to avoid loosing more money, they added those instructions. It’s so that if the client refuses to pay, the MSC doesn’t have to pay the shopper.
Yes, we’re all adults, and many of us can multitask, but there are enough who can’t and cause problems that it’s just easier all around to tell everyone not to do something.

no problems I can make like a blithering idiot when I'm on the shop.

When I used to do a lot of dining shops on my own, I'd bring a crossword-puzzle book. That way I could still look around and make observations and pick at my crossword puzzle without being absorbed in it. It was a good way to jot down timings, too. With devices, though, it's been proven that people get so absorbed in them they forget to do anything else (this is applicable to many areas). I mean, why do you think people get run over by cars while crossing the street and texting at the same time? Or drivers end up sitting at stoplights long after they've turned green? I can't tell you how many times I've had to, or have seen other drivers have to, honk at the car ahead of me 'cuz the driver's sitting there looking down at his/her phone? Just today I saw a guy sitting at the end of a parking lot exit drive, with no traffic coming from the direction he was turning in, but he wasn't moving. As I drove by, I saw that he had his cell phone in hand and was focused on that and not watching traffic.

bunny,
The client's video cams cannot just be turned to watch every aspect of service. They are mostly for security purposes, so are aimed where customers are likely to be. Shoppers can turn or turn their heads, to get better observations than static cams when it comes to employee activities. Employees who are bent on mischief or theft know exactly where those cams are aimed and have developed expertise in avoiding them. Otherwise, those of us who make a living doing revenue integrity shops would be out of a job.

I often take one of the weekly free newspapers with me and it does give you something to jot notes on. But I like the crossword puzzle idea because it gives you an excuse to have a pen in hand! I assumed whipping out your tablet or laptop a good way to out yourself if they suspect you are entering the report.

I usually will just bring a magazine and while I am reading the articles can take my notes. Love the crossword puzzle idea. If I am eating alone I need something to read but would probably get way to wrapped up in my phone. Just a personal preference.