Is there anything in these guidelines that you think could confuse some shoppers? I believe I know what they want and maybe new shoppers could get tripped up ...it just seems like sloppy work...why not have the editors look at it before it goes out?

"A minimum of 1 gallon of gas (up to $5) and a convenience store
purchase (up to $1). YOU MUST PAY WITH CARD FOR FUEL.
Bring cash for in-store purchase in case there is a minimum
purchase. "Debit and Credit Card purchases must be at least $5"

Here's how I would write it:

This shop requires a purchase of at least one gallon of fuel and a purchase of an in-store item.
The fuel must be paid for with a credit or debit card and the purchase must
be a minimum of $5. Fuel reimbursement is a maximum of $5. We expect
this will be pay for at least one gallon of gas. If one gallon costs'
more than $5, shopper
will not be reimbursed for any amounts exceeding $5.
Shoppers will reimbursed a maximum of $1 for the in store purchase.
Since some stores require a minimum purchase for use of a credit or debit card, shoppers
should bring cash for the in-store purchase. If the in-store purchase is at least $5, shoppers
may use debit or credit cards.


Yes, my language is more wordy, but I think it eliminates questions a shopper could have.

I guess I just have a thing against vague instructions...given the type of work we do and the fact that our work is edited - ironic.

Ok, I am pedantic lol.

The way I read it - I think when it mentions that debit and credit card purchases must be at least $5, that may only apply to the C-Store purchase, not the fuel purchase. I may be wrong though.

I think I would try to write it as bullet points, if possible. Something along the lines of the paragraph below.

In my work, we have technical writers who try to write stuff like this as simple as possible in layman's terms.


Requirements

Fuel
- Purchase at least one gallon
- Maximum reimbursement is $5
- Must pay with credit card/debit card

C-Store
- Purchase one item
- Maximum reimbursement is $1
Note: Be prepared to pay with cash. Credit/debit card can only be used if purchase is at least $5.

Well I do not do these shops but without the added explanations of both of you I would have lots of questions,

I understand those guidelines as written, but I do see your point. A lot of those fuel stations have a video that one could watch to get the whole picture, if those stations are with the Kingpin.

But, as far as the editors go, they are mostly of no help since many of them never have done the type of shop they edit. That is also why there are so many issues with different editor's having a different understanding of the guidelines. I do not get why they cannot at least do one shop, to understand, or watch a video or be given a lesson via ZOOM.

A competent shopper should be asked to write the guidelines.

Okie, I prefer the way you have it bulleted. great suggestion...

Something cracks me up - your first statement indicates that you are not sure exactly what they mean either -
I just find it poorly written and of course as I mentioned, ironic. Sloppy and lazy on their part.

Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/2025 11:38PM by BarefootBliss.

Okie is a man after my heart. I much prefer responders to my confusion to employ, what I refer to as, the step system. The essay or paragraph manner of explanation, is far too ambiguous for my brain. Also, do not assume I understand any part of the process by not starting at the beginning. Okie's example was both clear and concise.

shopperbob states - Okie is a man after my heart.

Okie replies - I also come bearing gifts! Tickets to a water park in one hand. A bag of Freddy's in the other hand.

The new round for this brand of gas station has quite a few new questions/requirements (counting doors and windows ??). Make sure to look over the report first.

@Okie wrote:

Note: Be prepared to pay with cash. Credit/debit card can only be used if purchase is at least $5.

That may be what they wrote, but I don't think that's what they intended to say. I always use card for my peanuts/gum/whatever store purchase unless there's a minimum for using a card.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/23/2025 03:18PM by boridi.