The Secret McDonald's Trick That Will Blow Your Mind
If you look forward to frequent visits to the golden arches, you probably have had some great McDonald's dining experiences. And likely, some not-so-great ones, too. One of Mickey D's aspects that loyalists appreciate is how the flavor, taste, and values are relatively consistent no matter where you happen to be in the world. While some menu items will change depending on where you are—like a Teriyaki Burger in Japan or Poutine in Montreal, Canada—much of it is the same. McDonald's is a go-to resource for business travelers who always find themselves on the go or American globe-trotters who miss the familiarity of home.
So when you walk into an establishment with an impatient cashier who barely looks up at you, or you're served cold fries or a tasteless burger, it's disappointing, to say the least. But how can you ensure you'll receive excellent service? And that mouth-watering, satisfying meal you're hungry for, every time you visit McDonald's?
There's one secret McDonald's trick that apparently, ensures the best-of-the-best. According to one Quora user, it's only visiting McDonald's during 'Gapbuster Times.'
What are Gapbuster Times?
If it feels secretive, and that's because… it is. These are considered the hours between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., as well as 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sound familiar? Probably so, since it's peak lunch and dinner time for most people. This is when mystery shoppers (also known as gapbusters, hence the name) are paid to visit restaurants and rate their experience. They provide a review on every interaction they have from the moment they open the door, including cleanliness, customer service, wait time, food quality, and so on.
General managers care profoundly about these detective-like visitors since their score contributes to the overall store ranking. The higher this number, the more likely a general manager will receive a promotion, salary bump, and other incentives.
How can you appear like a gapbuster, without actually being one? It's so simple, you might choke on a chicken nugget: ask for a receipt! Mystery shoppers must provide proof they visited a McDonald's so they can be reimbursed for their meal. Since the vast majority of consumers forgo a receipt in the digital age, requiring a printed copy is a signal to the cashier that you're someone important.
They'll likely become instantly nicer and more helpful to you. And best of all? You'll get a fresh batch of fries, the juiciest burger, and priority over everyone else. You can thank us later for this very clever, secret McDonald's trick.
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