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They keep adding stuff.

February 02, 2025 05:00PM
Every client seems to be adding more and more pictures, items to purchase, or other things that are making the shops more involved, and rarely without an increase in the fees, or reimbursements. Examples would be the additional appetizers for the Texas Roadhouse or the signing in at a USPS shop as well as the exterior pictures. It is getting harder to keep all the requirements straight.
It's frustrating.
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February 02, 2025 05:40PM
Shell - pictures of all branded diesel pumps, even though they're not evaluated.
Exxon - storefront photo and diesel area.

But the $16 electronics shops no longer require interior photos.
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February 02, 2025 05:47PM
I see some shops sitting unclaimed *a long while* and know that the MSC will probably lose that client for all the misses. And, I hope when it happens that the replacement MSC negotiates better terms so the job is reasonable again.

I blame the MSC for making a ridiculous deal to get that client and then expecting us to bail them out.
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February 02, 2025 10:43PM
Deedee, I'm with you on the wishful thinking. But in actual experience that hasn't been the case.
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February 03, 2025 12:11AM
Ah, but did the MSC make a ridiculous deal? Or has the CEO decided that making 400 times more than workers is not satisfactory and is now getting 500x? We'll never know.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/03/2025 12:18AM by sestrahelena.
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February 03, 2025 12:41AM
@sestrahelena wrote:

Shell - pictures of all branded diesel pumps, even though they're not evaluated.
Exxon - storefront photo and diesel area.

But the $16 electronics shops no longer require interior photos.


And also pictures of just one bollard, or of two curbs, trash cans etc.

This has always been the MO of the gas audits. Start them simple, and slowly add more requirements with no additional pay.
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February 03, 2025 01:15PM
Remember when the old MSC paid additional $ for any shops with separate diesel canopies? Sure, they now only want one photo of the pump you fueled at, but, they still want you to check every gas pump for decals, damage, etc. Photos are required if not correct.
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February 03, 2025 05:55PM
I assume in the case of Texas Roadhouse they want to check on timing for appetizers and salads. If there's enough backlash then maybe it'll go back to what it used to be, or maybe they'll compromise and require an appetizer *or* a side salad instead of both. At least they don't require pictures of our food, but with our luck they might just add that as well!
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February 03, 2025 09:33PM
It is the responsibility of all "for profit" companies to load contractors with as much work as they. the ICs, are willing to accept. It is the prerogative of said contractors to "just say NO!" After all is said and done, this IS still business.

I well understand some shoppers are not in a position to refuse added work for which they will not be compensated.. Those are the people MSCs will exploit.
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February 03, 2025 09:40PM
If the location has a separate DIESEL CANOPY, it has always been part of the evaluation with Exxon. NOT for a regular site inspection (even if they have diesel under the regular canopy).

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/03/2025 09:40PM by claabe.
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February 03, 2025 09:54PM
With Shell, you are already taking pictures of all the pumps. What is a couple more with the diesel. Shell is giving you 2 gallons of gas and an extra $1 in store. You can wait till they get bonused, if you feel you are under paid for a couple of photos. In my area, ALL the Shells are beautiful stations. I blow right through them (about 15 to 20 minutes). Sorry to anyone who has to deal with a trashed station (NEVER ENOUGH MONEY FOR THEM)
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February 04, 2025 02:56AM
@Morledzep I am thinking about a specific solo dining shop here that was sitting and sitting with zero shop pay and $15 max reimbursement when the ordering requirements would put your tab around $20. It's moved to a different MSC and now has a $10 shop fee and $20 reimbursement. Big difference! It can happen.
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February 05, 2025 06:41AM
Dee, No MSCs have been mentioned, you can say the name of the restaurant. With my luck there aren't any in N. AL, central TN or Western GA.
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February 06, 2025 09:05PM
@Morledzep wrote:

Dee, No MSCs have been mentioned, you can say the name of the restaurant. With my luck there aren't any in N. AL, central TN or Western GA.

Are you familiar with Cheba Hut? They have a location near Nashville.
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February 07, 2025 01:05AM
Dee, I like that, I have to be in Nashville on Monday.
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