I generally like these type of shops and sign up for as many as I can. I had a situation recently that occurred for the first time, and would like input as to how some of you more seasoned shoppers might have handled it.

Scenario: Approved for a small apartment shop, instructed to call ahead and evaluate the phone conversation and make appointment, but the paperwork had the wrong number. So, I emailed the MSC and asked if they wanted to provide a correct phone number or have me google it. The MSC corrected the phone number the next day, so I tried to call twice (no answer) before leaving a message. The shop deadline was on the following day, but I hadn't spoken with anyone, and no one had returned my call. I called once more and left another message on the day the shop was due.

Here's where it gets tricky. I emailed the MSC and asked if I could have the shop extended. The MSC emailed back and said that per the guidelines, I was allowed to make an on-site visit and upload a picture of the signage to prove I had been there. I looked over the guidelines and that stipulation was not in there. However, I conducted the shop as told and went on-site, found the office was closed and locked, took picture of signage, and answered "NO" on the rest of the questions, wrote up a detailed timeline, offered to try again next week in my paperwork submission, and submitted the shop.

This doesn't feel right in my gut, but as the shop deadline wasn't extended, I felt like I had no choice but to submit as is. Any suggestions? I hate to have this shop declined, because I felt I did my best effort.

Since you have it in writing, you have completed the assignment and should be paid. This is not as unusual as you might suppose.

That procedure may not have been in the shop guidelines, but it is likely found in the MSC’s general instructions. They probably didn’t extend the due date because multiple shoppers have already called, not gotten a response and canceled the shop. They just needed someone to go out and get a picture showing the office is closed during business hours.

Thank you both!

I once had an issue where the apartment office did not currently have anyone working there. After multiple phone calls, I was able to upload a photo of the front door showing that the office was closed.

Ive had times where they automatic dialer connects to the wrong number and I send them a message through the shop page and they fix it. Hard to say how they handle it obviously without knowing the MSC.