Last week I completed my highest paid shop - $200. It was a bank shop relatively simple, but it was about 25 miles away so I never would have done it for the $20 it was originally offered for. I also already have accounts with this bank, but this shop was for a credit card.

Now I think the company is trying to find a way not to pay,

The shop required me to speak with a banker, not a teller to find out the info and apply for the card. All went well, I went in. One teller and one banker visible. The banker was busy with another customer. When the teller asked how she could help I said I wanted to speak with a banker about a credit card. When she offered me a seat, I said, "no problem"

A few minutes later, the banker (who turned out to be the manager) walked over and said she was going to be a bit longer and offered me coffee. Again I said no problem. As the banker walked back to her desk, another employee came down the hall and into the platform area, The bank manager brought her over and introduced her to me and said Jane could help me

We said down at a desk. She pulled up my account went through the whole spiel, gave me the proper disclosures, At the end, turns out she did not have a business card - required for the shop. She offered me the manager's card. The manager also came over when she finished with the other customer and spoke to me.

After I submitted my report with the manager's card. I wrote an email to the scheduler to explain what happened.
No reply. Yesterday I receive a notice from the scheduler about the discrepancy and to upload the correct card.

I write to the editor with an explanation and attach a copy of the email I sent Friday. No reply.

There is no place to put my explanation in the report, The only attachment is the card. So now I attached the email to the report so it does not stay in the system as an unfinished report.

Any other suggestions? I am really concerned since the payment is so high that they are going to look for a reason not to accept the shop.

Without the card, name and title of the person you actually spoke with, they may not be able to use the shop. That would be a true bummer. I have been in somewhat similar situations where there just was not a darn thing I could do to make it work. Do you have any idea who the person was you spoke to?

As a Monday Morning Quarterback--step out of the bank and return when you see the other customer leave; insist on a business card from the person who helped you because she was 'so kind'.

There are a whole bunch of woulda, coulda, shoulda but I completely understand that when on site we expect our patience will be rewarded.

I don't know what to say. The employee who assisted you did not have a business card. I had a shop last month where the employee needed to provide a business card, but she told me she ran out. She did provide me with a brochure of the business, that included the address and phone number, so I uploaded that, and it was fine. I only had her first name, but I did have her title. Maybe the Scheduler wants you to cross out the Manager's name, and write "Jane" on it instead, to clarify for the client?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2015 02:25AM by MilessMum.

It is in the best interest of you and the MSC to accept the shop. However, there is a hiccup, which must be ironed out, without creases. The MSC is not looking for a reason to deny the shop. Re-shopping an assignment, already highly bonused, comes out of their pocket. Depends on the guidelines regarding the business card. Some guidelines allow for a name to be written on a card, imprinted with another banker's name. Or, a name to be written on a brochure. In the event neither is allowed, you can expect questions and concern. Hopefully, the MSC realizes that not every shop can go according to plan, and allows for contingencies. Keep us posted, and at some point when you feel comfortable, naming the MSC will be helpful to other shoppers.

I agree with Mert, that if it is humanly possible to salvage the shop it will be in the MSP's best interest to do so. And with the price so high to get the job done my concern is that the client is a stickler. On the other hand, Jane herself may have qualified as a 'banker' since I'm sure the Manager did not miss that you didn't want a teller to assist you. And that you had interaction with BOTH Jane and the Manager, they may be able to slide it through. We will be rooting for you.

I had a problem like this recently where I was doing a Scenario C at a post office, when suddenly the clerk said that I could not purchase priority mail for my box after she weighed it. For some reason, overnight mail (aka priority express mail) and standard mail were still available, but not priority. I knew the "rules" said not to buy standard, and to only buy express when it was cheaper than non-express priority mail, so technically neither of the two options was viable. I bought standard, since it was in the price range of the MS company, and purchasing it would give me the name of the clerk who was telling me that I could not choose priority. I was in between a rock and a hard place. However, my postage for the "donation" may be tax-deductible if I am not paid for it (no word back from the MS company yet, even though I e-mailed them), so I've come to peace with whatever happens.

Thank you all for your replies. I will definitely keep you posted. Hopefully the client accepts the shop.

Yes I have the name of the person I spoke with. I gave a description. I actually even have her age as she happened to mention it during her presentation. I also have the other upload required - the terms and conditions of the credit card with the rates.

In other bank shop guidelines, I have seen instructions which say that if the person does not have a business card, have them write their name and contact number on another business card or brochure.

I recoil inwardly whenever someone says they do not have a card. They can make one, by writing their name and title on either another employee's card or a piece of official documentation that shows the name and address of the location (if possible). In narrative I explain it as part of the interaction. Wait for feedback, and then it flies or not, but I have had good experiences so far.

Next time someone has no card, use facial expressions to cajole them into action of making one. They have to do the writing, is a caveat.

One tip: When I go to any shop requiring a business card, (cell phone, bank) I look around for any type of brochure. I hold on to it during the shop. If the banker or the salesperson does not have a business card, I hand them my brochure and ask them to write their name and number down. This may or may not be acceptable depending on the shop, but it's better than no business card at all. For the record, the brochure with their name written on it and number, has been accepted 100% of the time

To add to what has already been said, It comes down to identifying the person you spoke with that didn't have a business card. This person may have been the correct class of employee, "banker" in your case. However, they may normally be based in another branch and filling in that day. They may have been some other type of employee such as a branch manager or even higher that was filling in to talk to you. The MSP wants to submit a report with certainty that the banker is correctly identified.

When I get this type of situation, I always insist on them writing their contact information, even if it has to be written down on a napkin - slight exaggeration here. Well, maybe not. Whatever needs to be done.

Another suggestion is when a report requires an item that was unavailable, I create one. In this case I would write or type on a piece of paper something like, "Business card unavailable. Please see narrative." I then scan that paper to file and submit it where the report requires it. Then the report has a file it needs to complete the submission.

Good luck.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2015 12:41PM by vlade5394.

Another thing that kind of throws me off... is when an associate hands you a business card and it's for a different location. I hear them often saying, "Here is my business card. I don't work at this store normally. I usually work at XYZ store but I am filling in for someone." As soon as I hear that, I make note of it to the scheduler/editor and the report has never been rejected

Hi everyone - I received an email today that confirms my shop has been accepted and will be paid.! Hooray.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

Congratulations! We need to find a virtual bar and you can buy the next round of virtual drinks! Seriously, though, I'm glad it worked out for you. Have a little faith--most companies want to use your work if they possibly can.