Secret Shopping Sunday: What not to do

Secret Shopping Sunday -- (a day late)

After getting back in town from Vegas and working off of no sleep .... my brain was pretty much in la-la-land. I signed up for this secret shop at Arbys, which I have previously done at least six times before. I didn't re-read the instructions since I felt like I was familiar enough with the job and had to run out the door to make it to dine within the time frame given. I invited Gabe along to do it with me since I had to purchase two combo meals, AND, I don't eat two meals!

The requirements were to order a regular combo meal inside the restaurant, then order a regular combo meal in the drive thru, and pay with cash. The point of this shop was to determine how long it took from the time you paid for your meal to receive your meal in full as well as the quality/temperature of the product.

Piece of cake.

I walk up to the counter with Gabe and say, "I would like a #1 please." She asks, "Would you like that small, medium, or large." I freeze. She confused me since I am suppose to order a regular combo meal, but does that translate into small or medium?!?! I awkwardly pause so I can try to think back to the paperwork. It doesn't come to me quick enough, so I say medium. Then, I watch her grab the larger cup and immediately realize that I should have ordered small. Dangit. It was too late, and I didn't want to change my order since she had already given me my total. I just go with it though. I then hand her my credit card (since I always pay with credit card) and she asks if I want a receipt. I love when they give me a receipt so I don't have to ask for one. I say yes. Then, it hits me. I had to pay with cash. I even remember looking in my wallet to check to make sure I had enough cash since this is one of the few jobs where you are required to pay with cash. Ahhh are you kidding me?? I walk away in panic mode asking Gabe what to do. I asked him to ask the lady if he could refund my card so I could pay with cash instead. He said, "no way, you messed it up, you do it." Thanks Gabe!! So, I have nothing to lose, right?

I RE-walk up to the counter, after being gone just a few seconds, and oddly ask her if she would be able to credit my card back since I didn't mean to pay with that card and wanted to use cash. She happily said, "that will be no problem, I can easily void it." I create small talk to make it more casual. Whew. She was able to void it. Thank goodness. Then, as she is re-ringing me up on the register, I am thinking to myself ... how do I get a receipt without making this situation more uncomfortable!! Of course, she doesn't give me a receipt, so I have to ask for one. Awkward. What person would need a receipt for a $5 purchase at Arby's?

I was kicking myself after this secret shop wishing I hadn't been functioning on no sleep. I made Gabe eat as fast as possible to get out of dodge! Well, once I got home, I realized that I did not even have to upload the receipt for this job. I am suppose to keep it on file until I receive payment, so it's best that I have the itemized receipt, but I stressed out and didn't even have to show proof!

***It is so important to read the guidelines, re-read the guidelines, and even have your guest read the guidelines to make sure you are fully aware of the scenario, requirements, etc.

***Most companies will not reimburse you if you shop outside of the hours listed, if you do not pay with method of payment listed, or if you order wrong/additional items.