I’m very detailed oriented and meticulous about my work and reports. I’ve done dozens of residential assignments for different MSC’s on several platforms and am really frustrated with the Ellis platform, report structure.

There are outdated/contradictory/unclear instructions on several points, and the form is very glitchy; I’ve wasted hours of time and focused effort, only to have multiple narratives and uploaded files disappear even when I “save” them, received error messages no one can seem to explain, had input submitted as finalized without doing so, and received the message they can’t be “returned” once that takes place, so the main report is incomplete and unedited for grammar and spelling.

I’ve reached out in the report e-mail form as directed and received partial answers, so tried via separate email including email addresses for all the departments concerned to address all of the facets, so all of this time and effort isn’t declined, and am still waiting on workable fixes…after several days.

Have advocated for needed extensions due to expire tomorrow.

I’ve literally put 12 hours into this assignment plus 3 hours of round trip driving, plus a great on-site tour, and cant complete/submit, and what has been deemed “finalized” isn’t complete.

This is not how I work. I communicate well, reach out when clarity is needed so I can do it right, and finish on time.

Appreciate any insight about who I can reach out to for a more “global” support perspective, and tips on how to circumvent the incessant glitches so I can get this done.

Maybe this why the “primary shoppers” are declining assignments?

Thank you.

Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/14/2025 08:25PM by SBP.

I'm sorry no one here was able to help. Were you able to get any support from the MSC?

ellis sucks i got irritated by their lack of communication and they canceled my account the moment i showed one sign of frustration. i begged for it back and they would not do it

They have arguably the worst online experience of any MSC.

I've become mostly immune to their silliness.

I only take jobs with bonuses of at least $100 to ensure I get paid appropriately for the time and frustration involved.

That being said, the most I've ever spent getting a shop completed was around 3 hours for a video shop.

I completed my first of approx. 180 shops of the traditional, audio, video and property inspections, in 2006. All went well for a decade, until I was notified 31 days after submitting a report, I had visited the wrong location. While that could be possible, it does not take 31 days to discover such an error. I disputed the claim of a mistake on my end, they refused my appeal and I terminated the relationship. It was, and is, my opinion someone at their office erred and the blame was assigned to me.

Communication with Ellis via the envelope icon AND via phone is incredibly frustrating. I rarely get a response to my email in a timely manner, and I NEVER get a return phone call. Their shop forms are tedious and redundant. I will only do their shops when they are bonuses well, and they are “shop anyone.” Trying to reach a specific person using their recorded call system is too time consuming. Rant over.

It has been many years since I worked for EPMS, I think right around the time Grace Hill bought them is the last time I did. I did a couple apartment shops here in AL. But the apartments were just plain disgusting and I couldn't get over it enough to convince the rep that I was interested in living there.

I haven't had all of these bad experiences with them. The worst thing I ever had to deal with was trying to reach a named rep who wasn't a rep at all but the head sales manager at the location. He didn't sell or show properties to prospective residents, and another one who was a janitor at the property. Those were uncomfortable situations, but I got through them, and I got paid.

Thank you for the validation. This is my first experience with Ellis. I’ve done dozens of assignments for Grace Hill and received complements.

I’m still trying to get a straight answer about the platform dysfunction. It looks and behaves like it was created before Y2K. Tried every avenue of communication to get timely help as deadlines approached and passed… even called the home office in Texas. Got disconnected 2x while listening to the voicemail menu, 2 more times when I opted for the operator. Every extension offered a recorded message from “Steve,” who didn’t answer any of the extensions, so I left a message as requested.

I’m beginning to think he’s the only one there…like a lone hamster running endless rotations on a wobbly wheel …

No one will speak directly. The email addresses provided in the FAQ are useless…returned as “undeliverable,” and the in-assignment emails sent, if they’re replied to, only tell me to repeat what hasn’t been working….and demand the same info I’ve been trying to provide.

“Steve” actually emailed me asking where the required attachments were (which upload but the system won’t save), so I emailed them right back (and offering proof everything requested has been provided), and captured screen shots of every section of those tedious forms, and at least 30 unproductive back and forth communications and automated emails no one responds to.

Explains why shoppers are cancelling so often, and they’re forced to offer such… unusual bonuses.

Now, I’m being prevented from viewing the map of available jobs, so, based on what’s been shared here, its logical to surmise I’m being shut out for being a squeaky wheel… who did my best to…do my best and produce the quality of work I’m accustomed to providing.

I logged 375 miles round trip in awful Bay Area traffic and worked my butt off on 4 reports with a payout of over $600 I NEED to be paid for timely, and really hope that doesn't glitch and freeze too.

I really appreciate the wisdom and kindness here.
Next time I consider adding a new MSP I’ll reach out here before I say yes.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2025 07:03AM by SBP.