Irene,
There's not a shred of doubt in my mind you're extremely disappointed. Knowing the Ellis instructions from having completed almost 200 jobs for them, I'll state 3 points:
1-You didn't make contact with the target by phone, which is a violation of the instructions.
2-You traveled to the community knowing the target wasn't working, which is a violation of the instructions.
3-You rhetorically ask what difference does it make if you don't make contact by phone; Ellis and their clients require a phone contact and a section of the report is devoted to that requirement.
I wish I could have known of your problem contacting the target, because I'm positive I could have been referred you to one of the ladies for assistance.
As to target shopping, I think anyone would rather be able to shop whomever answers the phone, but that isn't the case. Are these jobs for everyone? All know the answer; no work is for everyone. There're shoppers who love MSCs from whom I wouldn't accept any work. In addition, I won't "hit the road" for a video route, but others love the travel. It all boils down to the old adage: To each his/her
own.
Irene, if you're like me and work for the money, Ellis represents an opportunity to profit; I've been paid from $40 to $70 for the shops over the yrs. In these uncertain times, that isn't "chicken feed." Give the matter some thought and if you'd like to try another job, contact Vanessa Dickerson through the website and I KNOW she'll help you. You might even decide to "give video a whirl." If so, you couldn't find a more willing guide than Bob Asher.