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Chili's

April 12, 2018 05:15AM
@Isaiah4031a wrote:

ShopSouthTEXAS.. Did you like your job?
I liked serving but did not like Chili’s. There was a major clique of girls who were not nice to newcomers at all. I also worked when they started to integrate mandatory breaks. It was awful because I’d be pulled from my section before food was delivered which means I’d miss the tips from that round. Then they’d rotate me into another section and the food would already be on the tables and I’d miss a second round of tips! It never failed! I did end up getting a few $100 about a year later from some class action lawsuit that came from the break issue.

On the other hand, I was shopped once when I worked there (they sent servers from other locations to do it) and I got a 100%! That was exciting because some of the favorites couldn’t get that score. I got a certificate and chili pin. Woopdedoo!! They gave us 50% off certain meals but we couldn’t take them to go. Sections were small, like three tables each. I lasted about 9 months before I moved on to a family run Italian place that was a much better fit. I still talk to many servers from there 13 years later!!!

Doing what I can to enhance the life of my family! I LOVE what I do smiling smiley
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April 12, 2018 11:51AM
Depends on what you order. I did a lunch shop and took a guest. We both ordered the 3 for 10 special. The food bill was $21.60 with tax. I tipped $3.40. Total = $25.

It was plenty of food. We each got an appetizer, beverage, and an entree, which included two sides. No out of pocket.


edited to say: Thanks, moderator for removing BetteL's post which I quoted. I didn't notice that she named the MSC and by quoting her post, it made my post also an ICA Violation. Glad the mod removed her post with the violation and removed the portion of my post that quoted her post.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/14/2018 01:23AM by roflwofl.
Moderator Note:

Removed quoted post that was in violation.

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April 12, 2018 02:41PM
I have been to a few places and Jan might be our server and about fifteen minutes later she might say I am going on break shortly but Dan will be taking over.

I always wondered who will get the tips in case like that? I know all companies are different

Did you split the tips with other people?
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April 12, 2018 02:52PM
There have been times I have been to places like this buy my self on non mystery shops without a phone, tAblet, or anything in my hand. This was befre EVERYONE had cell phones.

Yes I know we need phones for pictures, timing, ect but what happen to the good ole days when you sit around the table without ANY forum of electronics?
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April 12, 2018 02:55PM
Mounain. How did your shop go and how hard was it to get the entire table when they brought out the food
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April 12, 2018 04:02PM
The 3 for 10 is a better value than 2 for 22 (especially because it includes the beverage). So, unless there is a desired menu item on 2 for 22 that is not on 3 for 10, that is the way to go. One can stay under budget (especially at dinner) even with a 3rd person. I am not sure when that pricing is ending (or if it sort of goes on forever to keep the business going).

I found the hardest picture to be the whole table when food is brought because I had to stand up and I actually stepped into the aisle to do it. Very strange. The whole dining/bar area required me to take two pictures rather than just one. I just find it difficult to avoid taking picture of people in that situation as well.
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April 13, 2018 03:30AM
@Isaiah4031a wrote:

I have been to a few places and Jan might be our server and about fifteen minutes later she might say I am going on break shortly but Dan will be taking over.

I always wondered who will get the tips in case like that? I know all companies are different

Did you split the tips with other people?

We had to tip out the to-go person and the expediter. I don't recall tipping out the kitchen or the hostess but I have seen that done at other restaurants where I have worked. This was in California where I made minimum wage plus tips. It was worth it. As for Texas, where I think servers make $2 and some change an hour, I don't know how the lower end servers can do it. High end, sure, but for the cheaper spots, the money doesn't seem worth the work.

Doing what I can to enhance the life of my family! I LOVE what I do smiling smiley
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April 13, 2018 03:33AM
Despite the pics, that is one of the easiest reports, especially with that MSC
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April 13, 2018 10:09AM
@nor999 wrote:

I like Chili's and am tempted to meet my husband for lunch one day, but I'm a bit apprehensive about the photo requirement. I laughed when I read how discreet you need to be throughout the visit with not texting, talking on phone, etc. then they basically want you to stand on the chair and take a picture of the whole table. As if that's not going to be strange. I'm still a fairly new shopper and might have trouble pulling that off!

I have passed on this shop as well. My past reports for this MSC have required mucho narrative, even if it is only in one box, and the very small, reimbursement-only compensation just doesn't cut it. However, if you choose to do this one, you might take some fun, posed photos of your companion at the table--as cover--and just happen to get in one or two of the table as well. Or take a wider angle photo of both companion and table and crop it. I suspect, though, that this can't happen very often before the employees catch on--so be the first to do it!
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April 14, 2018 02:44PM
I have asked my scheduler about using Chili's rewards and she said that I could use it.
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April 14, 2018 05:05PM
Whenever I go to a restaurant I stand on a chair and take a picture of the table. It says "I AM THE MYSTERY SHOPPER".I expect to have extraordinary service in return for a the great report I will make because you know i am the shopper. Why would you want to reveal me as a shopper when you can treat me nice and get a great report.
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April 14, 2018 05:27PM
@Piled Hip Deep, PHD wrote:

Whenever I go to a restaurant I stand on a chair and take a picture of the table. It says "I AM THE MYSTERY SHOPPER".I expect to have extraordinary service in return for a the great report I will make because you know i am the shopper. Why would you want to reveal me as a shopper when you can treat me nice and get a great report.

They appear to be looking for some very specific things in this report, given the short report form and the timing and photo requirements. By the time you take the photo of the table, most of the service questions have been answered. They are interested in your greeting, hearing about rewards, ordering, and time to get served. Once the food is served and you take the table photo, it's all over except the exit. It might clue the server in and the server might remove dishes from the table, making your final photo of an empty table, so their service after the fact might be extraordinary. BUT ..... I've done several of these shops and extraordinary service, even after taking the photos, has not been my experience.
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April 14, 2018 05:30PM
Maybe I could use a selfie stick to take the overhead picture without standing up. Do you think anyone would notice? Or a drone camera would work too.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/14/2018 05:31PM by kenasch.
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April 14, 2018 11:57PM
I have never had to take a pic of the whole table or empty table. Just a pic of my food
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April 15, 2018 12:00AM
When I go to places like this with the wife or kids on non mystery shops most of the time they bust the tables before they bring the check
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April 15, 2018 12:09AM
@roflwofl wrote:

Depends on what you order. I did a lunch shop and took a guest. We both ordered the 3 for 10 special. The food bill was $21.60 with tax. I tipped $3.40. Total = $25.

I'd die if you left that tip with me. $3.40 for a full meal? You couldn't leave a full $4? (Beverage, app, and entree deserves more then $3.40 regardless of how cheap the food is. IMO) sad smiley

I leave $2 per drink at the bar. Do you live in a low COLA area?
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April 15, 2018 12:09AM
@Lauraphx. How hard was it to get your pctures and did they question it
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April 15, 2018 12:31AM
@Isaiah4031a wrote:

@Lauraphx. How hard was it to get your pctures and did they question it
The most awkward was the table picture, the lady at the table behind me was laughing at me lol, but no, my pictures and report was accepted. The only editing note I received was to try to be more descriptive about the landscaping.... don't really know what more they want me to say about desert landscaping, but hey

Edited to fix phone typos

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2018 12:32AM by Lauraphx.
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April 15, 2018 02:11PM
What did you order and did you have to describe the food? I know most companies you have to describe all no answers.

Be nice if you can take a picture of just the food like most places.

Glad that your report was accepted.


quote=Lauraphx]
@Isaiah4031a wrote:

@Lauraphx. How hard was it to get your pctures and did they question it
The most awkward was the table picture, the lady at the table behind me was laughing at me lol, but no, my pictures and report was accepted. The only editing note I received was to try to be more descriptive about the landscaping.... don't really know what more they want me to say about desert landscaping, but hey

Edited to fix phone typos[/quote]
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April 15, 2018 02:33PM
I don't think this is enough of a tip. 18% is required in my area per the shop guidelines. Was your shop accepted?


Depends on what you order. I did a lunch shop and took a guest. We both ordered the 3 for 10 special. The food bill was $21.60 with tax. I tipped $3.40. Total = $25.

It was plenty of food. We each got an appetizer, beverage, and an entree, which included two sides. No out of pocket.
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April 15, 2018 02:43PM
@Isaiah4031a wrote:

What did you order and did you have to describe the food? I know most companies you have to describe all no answers.

Be nice if you can take a picture of just the food like most places.

Glad that your report was accepted.


I did the 2 for $22, before tip we were just at $30 (with 2 soft drinks). I did not describe the food at all. You do have to describe all no answers in the narrative, but i think there was maybe 10-15 yes/no questions. I was literally done with the report in 20 min.
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April 15, 2018 04:40PM
@CTChamp wrote:

I don't think this is enough of a tip. 18% is required in my area per the shop guidelines. Was your shop accepted?


Depends on what you order. I did a lunch shop and took a guest. We both ordered the 3 for 10 special. The food bill was $21.60 with tax. I tipped $3.40. Total = $25.

It was plenty of food. We each got an appetizer, beverage, and an entree, which included two sides. No out of pocket.

My shop was accepted. I read the shop requirements to be that an 18% tip is the maximum tip reimbursed, not that an 18% tip is required. I believe that tipping should reflect the level of service provided. Had this not been a shop, with available reimbursement, her tip would have been lower. I usually tip 20-22% for good service, and the MSC only will reimburse a tip UP TO 18%. In this case, the service was not good. I doubt this server will be able to make a living as a server unless she gets better. Drinks were not refilled, I did not receive the correct sides with my entree, and service was generally slow. I had other Chili's shop with better service (although I've noticed service is not Chili's strong suit, and service has deteriorated since they started using the kiosk) and I tipped more.

If you tip more than 18%, only up to 18% will be reimbursed.
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April 15, 2018 04:45PM
I did this shop solo after being offered a bonus. It was super easy. I did not have to stand up to take the picture. Lifted my arms and tilted the phone to get the whole table. I took several pics of the room and just sent them all, let them pick which they liked best. My report was accepted with high praise. I spent the whole $25. Entree, drink and dessert were $20 and change, the rest went to the tip.
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April 15, 2018 06:15PM
RE tips...there have been many threads on the tip question so those interested should search for them and read them. And it is good to be aware that in some states the servers earn a $2 and change base pay plus tips and in others they earn min wage which could be as high as $15 (and an extra service charge for health insurance added to the bill) plus tips. This all makes the tip question much more subjective in my mind...
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April 15, 2018 06:49PM
While taking pic on chair, fall off, sue and bill the MSC...just saying, they are putting you in danger, especially if the shopper wears heels...being silly (again).

Live consciously....
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April 15, 2018 06:52PM
@Irene_L.A. wrote:

While taking pic on chair, fall off, sue and bill the MSC...just saying, they are putting you in danger, especially if the shopper wears heels...being silly (again).

LOL that thought went through my head too
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April 17, 2018 02:41AM
I just completed the lunch visit. The three for $10 promo is a fantastic bargain. I got a soft drink, salad and 6oz steak with two sides. The steak was delicious and seemed quite large. The server overcharged for my drink so I had to get that corrected. It was supposed to be one dollar to make the total equal $10. I ordered an app to get closer to the allowed reimbursement of $25. I researched the menu before the shop and the online menu showed several choices for the three for ten promo that were not shown on the paper menu. I reported this.
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April 17, 2018 12:00PM
They don't have the 3 for 10 in my area. I wish they did.
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April 17, 2018 03:26PM
The overhead picture isn't too bad if you dine by yourself for lunch and they put you in a small 2 person table. Other than the slightly awkward pictures this was a good shop for me and I plan on doing them regularly if I can. It's too bad about the 4 month rotation.
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April 17, 2018 04:25PM
Will they have these monthly? Some shops seem to disappear. I would also do these monthly if the report stays the same.
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