Market Force Gas Stations

Who has done these shops? They are going for $12 in the Phoenix area and that seems mighty low if they require the same amount of pictures as other MSCs gas shops. Do you do them?

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If it's the MS, not an audit, I have done many. HOWEVER, they recently added requirements of photos for any negatives you see -- and you have to take them without being seen! Even if everyone IS carrying a cell phone nowadays, they aren't walking around inside a store taking multiple photos with it.

Not too much work, if it's really really close by, or if you're going right by the location anyway.

I understand the reimbursement has also been lowered recently. Previously, $5 in gas, up to $2 for inside purchase, now $3 and $1 (IIRC).

@ceasesmith wrote:

If it's the MS, not an audit, I have done many. HOWEVER, they recently added requirements of photos for any negatives you see -- and you have to take them without being seen! Even if everyone IS carrying a cell phone nowadays, they aren't walking around inside a store taking multiple photos with it.

Not too much work, if it's really really close by, or if you're going right by the location anyway.

I understand the reimbursement has also been lowered recently. Previously, $5 in gas, up to $2 for inside purchase, now $3 and $1 (IIRC).

The guidelines in the past were such that most operators of the stations suspected you were a shopper when making a $5 purchase of gasoline. With the new lowered purchase amounts, it will be much easier for them to identify a shopper, especially when taking interior pictures. Most locations have video camera's which are monitored. Once you are ID'd as a shopper at the location, MF will not assign it to you any longer.

The mystery shop is quick and easy. Make sure the volume of your phone is off and double-check by taking a picture before arriving.

I snap a few pics of the pricing sign as I enter, park facing the storefront and open my trunk. Snap a picture of the canopy top (selfie mode) 1 of the pump, 1 of the squeegees, and any graffiti or out of order pumps. You now have any and all the required outside pictures except the overall pic. Purchase 1 gallon of gas and ask for a receipt inside. Give the cashier the pump number, "I am cutting dads grass, he wants a receipt for the gas and the xx (in-store purchase.) is my pay. Exit and pull across the street for an overall shot. Before filling out the report, check the time of your 1st pic (start time) and the last pic is your exit time.

Awesome advice for you young'uns who use TECH.

In my area, there is a 2-photo mystery shop (main ID sign and street view) which is reasonable except that photos are required if there are infractions. Still might be reasonable in any state but New Jersey and Oregon where full-service is required by law. It is odd for the driver to even get out of the car in NJ. I have done a few. I look at the location on Google Maps and if it doesn't have a convenience store (very common here since the traditional garage often operates as an independent business, there is no "cashier', and nothing to buy inside), then I am inclined to do it. I view the $5 as a 50% discount on $10 of gas. I am simply not willing to try to buy $5 or less in gas using a credit card in New Jersey. The attendant is likely to get rather angry, and maybe even refuse. Even when they have a convenience store, they rarely have a public restroom, but my $5 discount becomes more like a $3.50 discount.

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

A scheduler advised me to contact the help desk. Within 24 hours the response was, I have made 3 errors, the clients set maximum. I checked my records and have completed around 1500 shops in the last 5 years. The free gas will be missed but, now I can feel safe pumping gas...

Holy cow, your error rate is MINUSCULE! I can't believe you'd be barred for that.

But then, we're talking MarketForce.......

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