today I was supposed to do a CORI shop (nice bonus for once...another shop took a while and when I got on the road, it was cloudy and there were flurries. This was in West Virginia in the mountains. The roads were clear for a while. And then I hit a patch of snow (several miles worth). Still not worried (heck--I'm from Jersey) I kept going. When I got to a higher elevation, the roads became impossible. I turned around and almost hit a post. I kept going slowly and hit a patch of black ice. It took me about 5 hours to get home. I emailed CORI and explained. I didn't want to just cancel on the board because it would be a last-minute cancellation and I don't want to "flake." I haven't heard back. Do I have a chance? I wouldn't normally bail, but the situation was unsafe. Any thoughts?

You were right not to just cancel, but to contact them. One would hope they'll give you an extension and be fair about it, given the weather.

I'm worried about this stuff myself, because I have a route in PA and WV at the end of this week into next week. It's supposed to be warmer by then at least.


jersey07032 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> today I was supposed to do a CORI shop (nice bonus
> for once...another shop took a while and when I
> got on the road, it was cloudy and there were
> flurries. This was in West Virginia in the
> mountains. The roads were clear for a while. And
> then I hit a patch of snow (several miles worth).
> Still not worried (heck--I'm from Jersey) I kept
> going. When I got to a higher elevation, the roads
> became impossible. I turned around and almost hit
> a post. I kept going slowly and hit a patch of
> black ice. It took me about 5 hours to get home. I
> emailed CORI and explained. I didn't want to just
> cancel on the board because it would be a
> last-minute cancellation and I don't want to
> "flake." I haven't heard back. Do I have a chance?
> I wouldn't normally bail, but the situation was
> unsafe. Any thoughts?

I've never had a company be a stinker about situations like that. If road conditions are bad I won't go. It's not worth risking my health and/or my car. Are you going to be able to reschedule or just cancel? Obviously rescheduling is always the best option.

Tech, you beat me to the submit button I've had 2 good road trips in the last 2 months and feel like things are rolling so having the winter slow me down would suck. Right now my hope is to find some things in warmer climes

I didn't see an option for rescheduling. I would love to. But, I have never dealt with a human being at CORI so don't know if there is anyone to call/talk to/what ever.

I think this week is going to be iffy, weather wise. Not so bad close to home, but snow west of here (ie, WV).

Scary the way it can be clear and smooth sailing one minute and treacherous the next.


Well, I guess all I can do is wait to here. Unless someone has another suggestion.

There are three shops about 340km from me that I am looking to do for CORI. The bonuses are right and I am checking the weather forecast every day waiting for that nice, dry, sunny day before applying. It looks like Tuesday might be the day.

Even though the 3 shops are paying a total of $140, I still won't drive that distance, especially in the dark, if there is a chance of icy roads. I just don't like driving outside the city in winter.

I think you were wise to turn around and go home. No shop is worth dying over and no MSC is worth their salt if they hold it against you. I don't think CORI will blame you, especially if you offer to go again. Good luck!

Just got a message from them saying the shop is overdue. I replied and re-explained my situation. But don't see a phone number or any other way to contact them.

Don't worry about the automated notices. Once you've replied someone will eventually get that, but I always recommend calling. Assuming they aren't having bad weather you should be able to reach someone after 9 eastern time. 419-422-3196. Keep in mind if the weather was too bad for you it was probably too bad for any shopper.

thanks I will call in the a.m.

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Don't worry about the automated notices. Once
> you've replied someone will eventually get that,
> but I always recommend calling. Assuming they
> aren't having bad weather you should be able to
> reach someone after 9 eastern time. 419-422-3196.
> Keep in mind if the weather was too bad for you it
> was probably too bad for any shopper.

As others have said, it's always best to make contact and not assume. That said, I have found always found companies to be understanding about rescheduling due to inclimate weather.

I recently had a situation where I had to flake on a shop for CoRI due to health reasons so I went ahead and canceled the shop first then e-mailed them and explained the situation. I was just not allowed to shop for that client for the current round of shops, but they did not ding my rating.

I wasn't able to cancel ahead of time. I didn't realize that I would be on some mountain in the snow until it happened. Then I had no cell service (not that I'd have know whom to call! I am calling now.



Brak Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I recently had a situation where I had to flake on
> a shop for CoRI due to health reasons so I went
> ahead and canceled the shop first then e-mailed
> them and explained the situation. I was just not
> allowed to shop for that client for the current
> round of shops, but they did not ding my rating.

Just talked to the scheduler. At first she was a tad icy, but then she warmed up. I am rescheduled for tomorrow...assuming the roads are passable. This shop was close to another I was doing yesterday--close enough anyway. Now, I am going way out into the little of nowhere for relatively little money. Might be able to pick up a couple of other shops. But...I am committed.

Well, this shop has been hell. Or bad karma. Or something. I finally got it done. Think I made $2.00.LOL The scheduler got extended the due date and I made three attempts, not counting today, to get the shop done. Each time, I made it half way up the mountain and had to turn around because it was icy and snowy. I knew the roads would be relatively clear today, the last day I could do the shop. Since cell phone service doesn't work and there is no address to put in my GPS (just a crossroads) I printed out directions. I drove up the mountain, which was terrifying. Missed my turn-off and went 30 miles out of my way. I am slow on the mountain and it took me 3 hours to get there. 3 hours! I took another road back, and that took me 2 hours. 5 hours driving for $50. And that doesn't count the other attempts. When I finally got home I started filling out the form. Got half way through and got bounced out. WTFiddlesticks. Had to send a report to the MSC. I finally did get the report in. I wonder sometimes. Does anyone else have any similar experiences to share? Misery loves company. PS.The requirements for the shop itself weren't so bad. So, I figured I would do some training. I started looking at the requirements for a fabric/craft shop this MSC does. I had less to worry about when I was getting my master's degree! I got through the video and was so overwhelmed, I said you-know-what it!

I had 3 audits in a town 43 miles away. I was offered very nice bonuses and gas pay on all 3 shops. When I left my house sun was out, smooth sailing. Got my GPS out and started the first one. It was getting colder. Moved on to the second and the snow started falling heavily. Knowing the road home would be 10 times worse in the dark, I paniciked, finished that shop and started for home. That 43 miles took 4 1/2 hrs. I called the scheduler when I got home. I probably should of had a drink first cause I immediately became emotional while telling her how I almost died! LOL She was very compassionate and said not to worry she'd take care of it. Now I'm just embarrassed.

PS.The requirements for the shop itself weren't so bad. So, I figured I would do some training. I started looking at the requirements for a fabric/craft shop this MSC does. I had less to worry about when I was getting my master's degree! I got through the video and was so overwhelmed, I said you-know-what it!

The fabric/crafts shop video does look pretty intimidating, but it wasn't as hard as earning my MA degree, jersey.

Seriously, just find a way to pass the test, and the shop itself is not difficult at all. I usually do the 2 in my area every month, and they are in and out in 10 minutes unless there is a line at the cashier.

Carol

thanks 57. which brings up a more general question. with shops that require a lot of timing, how do you keep track?

also, does anyone know how CoRI "grades" their shops? I got a 5 on this one. I get all 9s and 10s. I didn't get any comments re: what was wrong. there was a not at the bottom asking me to please apply for more shops. why would they want me to apply for more? usually I don't think much about the ratings but a 5? GEEEEEEEZE. they didn't come back to me for any additional information or question anything.

Relax, 5 is the highest score. I really hate to burst your bubble now that you know you've gotten the high score, but nobody has ever been able to find a shopper who has gotten less

I am not only relieve, I am ROTF!

Thanks.

And I need my bubble burst from time to time. I read posters who think they are a superior breed because they have all 9s and 10s and I want to scream thru my mac. I don't want to be like that!

LisaSTL Wrote:
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> Relax, 5 is the highest score. I really hate to
> burst your bubble now that you know you've gotten
> the high score, but nobody has ever been able to
> find a shopper who has gotten less

What is it with CORI anyway. Why don't they have a save ability in their reports. I have been doing a final spell check and have gotten booted and had to re enter several times. Most companies have a save option or auto save capability.


I always get nervous when I have one of the long gas station shops with 16 pump photos plus problems.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/08/2012 12:37AM by kalfini.

My policy when booted from a report is to try to enter it a second time. If that one doesn't work I send along an e-mail and I'm done until I hear something back. Nobody pays me enough to enter the same stuff over and over again

Amen, sister.

I did manage to get the report completed on the second try.

I can't remember. Are they quick with payment?

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My policy when booted from a report is to try to
> enter it a second time. If that one doesn't work I
> send along an e-mail and I'm done until I hear
> something back. Nobody pays me enough to enter the
> same stuff over and over again

One of the quickest. Jobs completed by Monday pay out Friday of the following week. As little as 12 days and as long as 18 or 19. Since it's DD that makes it sweeter

well, now I am happy I stuck with it. I was thinking I would have to wait two months to get my $50. this means I will have it by the end of the month!

Heck no. Why do you think many of us actually like them

Lisa--I so get it now. I keep finding things to post about, but I should be taking the quiz for the fabric/craft shop that looks insane but apparently isn't all that bad. I need to limit my Forum time! geeze. I also have a report I have to review for the parents of one of the students I tutor.

Gotta love it, about 20 hours ago it was 58 degrees hers and now it's 21 and only 2 inches of snow shut down several interstates and practically shut down the city this morning! Bizarre and unusual. Road crews actually got things cleared, but high winds, low temperatures and blowing snow immediately covered everything and turned it all to ice. I had to reschedule a job which would normally be 10 minutes away. Man am I glad someone called to tell me it took them almost 2 hours to get to the same area. Have I mentioned lately that I hate winter!

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Have I mentioned lately that
> I hate winter!


Hah! You and me both, Lisa! We're having our first snowstorm of the season and it's a doozie. Had to reschedule all of today & tomorrow's work because the driving conditions will be awful. On the plus side, I now have a long weekend, woohoo!!!

Around here this is a "french toast day." That's because the day before a storm there is a run on eggs, milk and bread If predictions are bad enough my last minute run to the store will be for wine!

We have french toast days here, even when there is just TALK of snow. We don't call them that, however. Set to do two more shops tomorrow and there is talk of snow. I am not afraid to drive in the snow but my hill is very steep, so I don't leave the house until the plows come through.