Sandy, I get your point. It's like if the grocery store overcharges me for an item, I go back and have them correct it. At the same time, if they failed to charge me for something, then I am that rare bird who goes back in and pays them for it. After all, if I make them correct it when they overcharge, shouldn't I give them the money when they undercharge?
But this is BUSINESS. You make a contract, you stick to it. If you screw up, you make it right.
As for a 45 minute shop taking nine hours? Screw it. I would have walked out, and let the scheduler know what happened. And I wouldn't expect to be paid.
You want that kind of contract, Shop, do merchandising. Their pay rates are per hour on site (even though you are NOT a W-2 employee, but an IC); so if a shop that was supposed to take 45 minutes takes nine hours, you'll get paid for the nine hours on-site. Or get a regular job. I can see it now...Gee,boss, this assignment is a lot harder than what I usually do....I need some extra pay on this. Good luck with THAT scenario!!!
We have to consider so many things when bidding for routes or whatever. It's like building or renovating a house -- your budget has to have some cushion, or you'll be broke before the work's completed. I can't tell you how many times over the years I've run into road construction, cattle drives that closed the highway for HOURS, flooded streets, windstorms, and forest fires have prevented me from completing routes in a timely manner. You cannot foresee/forecast that type of thing.
I had a bank shop once, 4 hour drive. Negotiated a fair price. Guidelines stated absolutely just walk in and see a bankere. Do not call ahead, do not make an appointment. Got there, and banker is available only by appointment, and the earliest one they can give me is day after tomorrow! I walked out and called the scheduler. I submitted the report. I did EXACTLY what I was supposed to do, so I should get paid, right?
Yes, I got paid in full.
But it surprised me when I got the e-mail saying that since I followed the guidelines and did exactly what I was supposed to do, I would be paid in full.
This is a BUSINESS, people! A contract is a contract. How would you feel if your patio was half-done and the contractor came to you and said I know you've already paid me for the work, but it's taking longer than I estimated, and I need another $2500 for materials now?
You'd fire his you-know-what and get another contractor. And maybe take the first one to Judge Judy for breach of contract.
Honor the danged contract. That goes for both sides, us the shoppers, and the MSCs.