Thanks for the suggestions. On those rare occasions when something comes up that means the report is not going to happen on time, I do notify the scheduler that the physical visit has been completed and the time for the anticipated sumbmission of the report.
I probably have been spoiled by the flexibility of other companies on some of the issues. I respect the fact that Sentry has chosen a rigid structure for their business and there are those who are comforted by having rules for the sake of having rules.
I also realize that as an independent contractor, I should focus my time and energy where it is most financially productive. In recent years I have begun to decide for myself that not assignments are worth accepting and not all MSCs are worth working for. Weeding out and simplifying are healthy things.
MDavisnowell Wrote:
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> Kedmunds, it looks like you did three in a row
> that had some sort of problem not adhering to
> exactly what the MSC wanted. Sentry mentioned the
> last report was late, but didn't say how late.
> That was a bonused job, so they would have been
> especially anxious to get the gate closed on that
> one. If you run into a problem getting a report
> in, it would be good to send the company an email
> that you have completed the shop and you are
> working on the report. That would be reassuring,
> and give you an opportunity to let them know when
> to expect the report.
>
> You may still get dinged for being late, but the
> situation wouldn't be as tense on both ends.
> Please be assured you have company on getting
> dinged. I was dinged for being late on the very
> first shop I did for them. The guidelines had
> made it absolutely clear that I absolutely had to
> get that report in or I would be dinged. No
> surprise there. Sure enough.
>
> As to whether it's petty for a company to make a
> money deduction for not adhering to what they
> need, I say it's great they pay anything at all in
> those cases. I have done several shops for Sentry
> and in one case they were especially generous not
> to make a deduction. Lowering a grade instead of
> making a deduction is not nearly as effective. I
> don't care about a grade as long as I get paid,
> but ding me and I shape up. I'm way past trying
> to figure out if I'm No. 1, 2, or whatever in the
> class.
>
> Once you catch on to what they need on those
> reports, you'll be able to do the Sentry shops
> with greater speed and less stress. My experience
> has been this is a solid company to work with, and
> they have first rate guidelines and training.