The report hadn't been finalized because I was still working on the phone portion, which occurred after the visit. Unfortunately, Ellis doesn't provide an option for saving a copy of the report, .pdf or otherwise. They have tiny little text boxes in which you have to write long narratives (the text boxes do not expand even when writing a full page of text). If you attempt to print a .pdf it will only capture a small portion of the text you've written - think about a box about 1 inch in height. That's all the text you will see in the .pdf. Your only option is to cut and paste each and every narrative field into another document. I generally do this just prior to submitting.
Each time I complete an Ellis report I swear to never take another of their apartment shops. If you've worked an Ellis apartment shop before I'm sure you understand what I mean. They are by far the most unorganized redundant reports ever. I had only accepted this one because they reached out to me for help, and it was bonused. Have I learned a lesson, yes. Will I cut and paste every field in the future even before I've completed the report, you bet. But, if I'm not paid it will be a moot point as I will never work for them again.
I have a written statement from Ellis stating I would be reimbursed. I received while on the phone with the "manager" who said I wouldn't be paid unless I rewrote the report. The manager was to speak with the CEO and get back to me. That was 10:00 AM today. Still no word. When I look under "payments" it now has the assignment listed as cancelled. Whereas this morning it was completely gone. It shows payment as pending. I don't know if that means they are going to pay me, but don't feel it necessary to tell me so....or if they still have no plans to pay me. Looking at past shops I've done for them the payment has always been processed on the 7th of the month. So, maybe I'll know more soon. But, it may be too soon for this particular report to get picked up in the payment cycle tomorrow.
I am a scheduler for my full-time job (not MS). We have a clause in our contracts covering cancellations by the client as I'm sure every MSC does. Our clients must provide 48 hours cancellation notice or they are required to pay a two-hour minimum charge. I have to believe that the MSC have a similar clause for cancelling shops when the shopper has completed the majority of the shop.
Thank you for your support. When crap like this happens its nice to know there are others that understand. I will update when I know more.