So, I have a bit of a different take on this. IDK why Five Guys is getting hit SO badly when honestly all other similar-quality-burger chain restaurants are charging the same or more than 5G.

A 5G cheeseburger in my area which is two patties, cheese, and unlimited toppings is $11.69. Red Robin - same sandwich - $ 14.49; Chili's double - same sandwich - $ 16.89; Applebee's Neighborhood burger - same sandwich - $ 15.99.

And then you go to the poorer quality filler-filled ff locations which are in fact cheaper, but not by much. A McD double quarter pounder with cheese and a couple toppings is $ 8.39. Wendy's - Dave's double with cheese - $ 8.28, etc. When two of us go for ff anymore it is well over $ 20.00.

The 5G small fries are portioned enough to feed two or three people. So, I guess my point is idk why 5G is getting hit so hard when everywhere we are being charged these similar prices - which is completely outrageous. My partner and I went to a local longtime establishment - two regular burgers, two waters, I added mushrooms to mine and the bill before taxes and tip was just about $ 40. I'm just saying that the prices are crazy EVERYWHERE.

Also, in reference to 5G shops - order something small - hot dog or veggie sandwich to stay within reimbursement, it usually falls under that. Also, and I am just guessing, that the drink requirement is to see if they charge us for it or not.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2024 02:48PM by Chix.

I have as simple a solution to the 5G problem that could exist: Go elsewhere! To shoppers who reply, "Bob, it is the same everywhere." Then stay home. Personally, I do not accept work that does not COMPLETELY cover the job requirements. The last shop where it was necessary for me to dip into my pocket was in Aug. of 2007; that was through ignorance on my end.

I well understand some folks are in the position where they need to accept substandard pay, but that should not be the situation with 5G.

instead of complaining about 5g prices...anyone get a new homeowners insurance renewal recently? My policy was just $1006 for my 2023-2024 policy. It is now DOUBLE that price for 2024-2025 year jumping to $2128. I have had NO claims in the 9 years I've had this house. Now that's insane to go double. I get that costs are rising everywhere, but to be double was unexpected.

5G prices their food at what they believe the "market will bear." So far they have been able to get away with it. I prefer the In N Out strategy for keeping loyal customers and not charging excessively. I've never seen a 5G be anywhere busy (maybe 10-15 customers at most in store). Where it doesn't matter what time of day it is, In N Out will have that many or more consistently there. Now I know In N Out meat patties are smaller and the fries too. But In N Out has always paid above minimum wage and hires the better quality workers than the rest of the fast food industry. I won't eat at 5G on my own dime, but i prefer their food over In N Out. I will eat at In N Out on my own dime.

Where are you located? are you in a state that has had numerous natural disasters? Mine only rose a small amount in RI (their excuse: construction costs to rebuild) - I shopped around and got a better rate with a new company,

I'm in CA. Not to be political..it is a 1 party rule state. The powers that be have basically run out many insurance companies. They ran out Toyota and Tesla to Texas. They are losing many other businesses as well. CA is not a business friendly climate like other states.

I'm in urban los angeles area. I'm not on a cliff over the ocean which is falling into the water. I'm not in fire area. But the whole state is "ding-ed" for these reasons. Plus with less competition and the massive inflation in our economy...the insurance companies are just now catching up. My buddy in Seattle saw a big increase and another in Phoenix.

@Capurato wrote:

@AZwolfman wrote:

BTW, the client does NOT require us to get burgers, extra toppings, or larger sizes of fries.

I never said client REQUIRES us to get any of what you mentioned.

They do however, encourage us to get a burger as that is “one of” the main things they are “hoping” to evaluate. That being said, feel free to order any entree, fries and a fountain drink.

@Capurato wrote:

Saw this article and read comments on Reddit about how out of control 5G prices are. Curious when the shopping program will end, or when the reimbursement will go up, especially if they want us to get burgers…generally speaking.

Since you apparently did not get my point, I would hereby like to change my comment as follows in the hope that you can clearly understand my point:
Because the client does not require you to exceed the reimbursement by ordering burgers, extra toppings, or larger sizes of fries, we are not justified in complaining about the high prices of the food.

@Chix wrote:

Also, in reference to 5G shops - order something small - hot dog or veggie sandwich to stay within reimbursement, it usually falls under that. Also, and I am just guessing, that the drink requirement is to see if they charge us for it or not.

Yes, I have been "not charged" for my drink on two shops.

@shopperbob wrote:

I have as simple a solution to the 5G problem that could exist: Go elsewhere! To shoppers who reply, "Bob, it is the same everywhere." Then stay home. Personally, I do not accept work that does not COMPLETELY cover the job requirements. The last shop where it was necessary for me to dip into my pocket was in Aug. of 2007; that was through ignorance on my end.

I well understand some folks are in the position where they need to accept substandard pay, but that should not be the situation with 5G.

Yeah, Bob, I could not have said it better myself.

@AZwolfman wrote:

@Capurato wrote:

@AZwolfman wrote:

BTW, the client does NOT require us to get burgers, extra toppings, or larger sizes of fries.

I never said client REQUIRES us to get any of what you mentioned.

They do however, encourage us to get a burger as that is “one of” the main things they are “hoping” to evaluate. That being said, feel free to order any entree, fries and a fountain drink.

@Capurato wrote:

Saw this article and read comments on Reddit about how out of control 5G prices are. Curious when the shopping program will end, or when the reimbursement will go up, especially if they want us to get burgers…generally speaking.

Since you apparently did not get my point, I would hereby like to change my comment as follows in the hope that you can clearly understand my point:
Because the client does not require you to exceed the reimbursement by ordering burgers, extra toppings, or larger sizes of fries, we are not justified in complaining about the high prices of the food.

That is an interesting observation. They suggest you buy a burger but they don't say you must accept the offer of fries or a drink. I never thought about it before because I normally don't go over reimbursement by more than change. And I don't do the shops unless they have a significant bonus.

You mean we've been ordering three items when we really had to buy just one????

Yes, and the reimbursement covers all but $.25 to $.50 so why not max it out?

You need to order all three. The following is a direct quote from the "Assignment Scenario":
"You are required to order a meal (sandwich, fries and fountain drink),"
I think that is fairly unambiguous.

@Susan L. wrote:

You mean we've been ordering three items when we really had to buy just one????

I thought so, Myst4au. Has anyone here ever ordered just one or two items (where the restaurant had everything in stock) and had the shop accepted by the MS company?

All three items must be ordered, as per the instructions. Why chance having the shop rejected? It's quite clear that all three must be ordered.

You don't need to get a milkshake however, unless it's a milkshake shop.

As stated, all three items must be ordered, however, the cashier doesnt have to offer both fries and a drink, they just need to offer one.

Most just mechanically say, do you want fries, a drink or milkshake?

Drinks are big profit drivers for restaurants. They pay pennies for the beverage, cup and ice and one study showed the average restaurant has a markup of 1100% for these drinks.

MF has started to play hardball with me with their 5g shop fees lol. I'm usually getting a pretty penny to do it but lately they've skimping so f if I'll stick to my bottom line especially if I gotta wait a month for reimbursement for this expensive shite.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2024 03:06PM by TPWS.

yes, this is happening in Florida even if one particular area hasn't had as many hurricanes as another. This is simiilar to auto insurance when it's based on zip code - when only certain neighborhoods in that zip code are having auto thefts and a lot of accidents

They keep turning down my offers! and then by the last day of the cycle it's already up to that amount I had offered but the last day is typically a Monday when I can't do it - and I'm like well hey if you guys had just accepted or counteroffered my offer for Sunday this would've been taken care of already!

@TPWS wrote:

MF has started to play hardball with me with their 5g shop fees lol. I'm usually getting a pretty penny to do it but lately they've skimping so f if I'll stick to my bottom line especially if I gotta wait a month for reimbursement for this expensive shite.

When they call and offer less than I have been receiving for a given location, I state my dollar requirement. When asked whether I would accept less, my reply is "I don't bid against myself."

@Susan L. wrote:

You mean we've been ordering three items when we really had to buy just one????

No, you DO have to order three items. Here is what the guidelines say you must order:
1. burger, sandwich, or dog
2. fries
3. fountain drink
You must also order a milkshake for certain shops as shown on the CPI.

FYI if you can get Five Guys gift cards at Kroger or other stores that have a fuel discount program, that can help lessen the sting (especially when the reimbursement doesn't cover the whole cost). Some mystery shops specifically don't let you use gift cards, but I've never had any issue with Five Guys. I don't buy *too* many gift cards because you never know when the guidelines may change, so I figure $80-$100 is a good amount to cover a "few" meals! (Also, Chase Freedom users, remember grocery store purchases are a 5% cash back category this quarter, and that includes gift card purchases you make at one.)

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2024 03:25AM by jp43209.