I didn't complete 2 shops. (They were actually one, but whatever.)
Because6 this6 is6 what6 my6 6 laptop6 ketyboard6 types6 like6 and6 there6 is6 no6 delete6 kety.6
I get a 6 each time I hit the spacebar, not all the keys work and there's no delete. I am currently using a bluetooth keyboard as a work around, but when the reports were due I couldn't even login to the laptop because entering my password was impossible. I spent hours on the phone with Apple and the next day at the genius bar. (Lesson learned - DO NOT WAIT UNTIL LAST MINUTE TO COMPLETE!!)
I emailed scheduler stating my problem and that I wouldn't be able to finish the evaluations on time. She didn't respond.
All my scores are 10 except these. Now I'm an 8 and my last shop score is a 1 - "shopper didn't complete shop".
Totally my fault - I absolutely understand this - I didn't complete the shop and therefore a 1 is appropriate. But it's not because I blew them off - I recorded the call and uploaded the recording of my visit, had completed 85 - 90% and then my6 keyboard66 went6 insane6.
I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter if I didn't complete because of laptop malfunction or because I spent the weekend in Vegas, but they are a little different.
Is my "rep" with this MSC dust? Is there any way to repair6 it other than to beg the next scheduler to trust me?
Thanks for listening. HB

Maybe try giving the scheduler a call to try and sort things out, and if it's soon enough, maybe he or she would even let you finish the evaluations. Did you ask for an extension? If you're professional about it (we all make mistakes) it can go a long way, especially considering the fact that you have a really good track record already.

If you can't fix it, at least you still have an 8? Depending on the MSC maybe you can self-assign some lower paying shops and work your score back up because an 8 is still workable.

Other than that, I'd say learn from your mistakes and develop a contingency plan for the future? For example, if my computer ever malfunctioned, I have two different libraries I could go to in order to finish my evaluations. Between the two libraries, one is the university library so if one library is closed, chances are, the university library will be open.

I wish you the best of luck. Having technology problems sucks and I empathize.

If the scoring wasn't automatic and she got your email, that's pretty rude of the scheduler. If it was the weekend and no library or Net cafe open near you, I probably would've turned it in with the 6s, let the editor have a good laugh, and taken 5s instead of 1s. Take BCM's advice and call the scheduler. Maybe the system automatically did it, or maybe she "didn't get" your email.

In the future, you might want to try using the mouse to locate the accessibility settings on your machine. There should be an on screen keyboard option, that you could try out in a pinch.

I was late once in submitting a report because I was having all kinds of problems inputting to the form. I don't know if the problem was on my end or a glitch in the MSC's reporting software, but I think it was on that end. Regardless, I e-mailed the scheduler as I was trying to complete my report, letting her know what was going on. I finally got it done and submitted, and got a very nice e-mail from her the next day (I'd e-mailed her in the middle of the night!). She was very understanding, and my report was accepted without any deductions. So, I agree that if your scheduler got your e-mail and ignored it, that's not right. I'd call the MSC, too, and see if you can repair the damage with them. Good luck!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/2016 12:33AM by BirdyC.

The next time I applied for a shop, I emailed that scheduler, explained why I hadn't completed the previous shop and said the problem was fixed. I was assigned that shop and have done several others for the MSC and my rating is up to 9. That 1 still bugs me, but it was a good lesson. Thanks for all the input!

I would definitely consider buying a second laptop or desktop computer as a backup for the future. And with all the sales coming up, now would be a perfect time.

Since your job requires you to have computer access to submit your reports online, and since some reporting platforms are impossible (or at least a major headache) to use via phone or tablet, it would be considered a legitimate business expense on your Schedule C for tax purposes if it was used ONLY for business.

Disclaimer: Please consult your personal tax advisor. Mine said it was a legitimate expense.