Funny Scheduler "Bailout" regarding guidelines

A prominent scheduler just responded to me about some unclear guidelines I pointed out, by saying, "No one else has had an issue..." , while kinda, sorta, admitting that the guidelines were unclear! And I thought denial was a river in Egypt!

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It may be the same scheduler that had told me that same thing twice, in the past. Once was with guidelines, that ended up getting changed to correct the issue. The other was when I pointed out an issue with the website by sending screenshots to show proof. Funny thing about the latter, at least two people on this site stated they were having the same issue with the website. And they were each in different states.

@edithms wrote:

A prominent scheduler just responded to me about some unclear guidelines I pointed out, by saying, "No one else has had an issue..." , while kinda, sorta, admitting that the guidelines were unclear! And I thought denial was a river in Egypt!

It’s quite possible that nobody else read the guidelines carefully.

Coyle has a shop that conflicts. I just don’t care enough to point it out to them.

@edithms wrote:

A prominent scheduler just responded to me about some unclear guidelines I pointed out, by saying, "No one else has had an issue..." , while kinda, sorta, admitting that the guidelines were unclear! And I thought denial was a river in Egypt!

Ok i will bite without being too obvious what was unclear on your end?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2025 11:32AM by Iluv2shopUSA.

Maybe the scheduler doesn't think that no one else has a problem because once the shop is done, it's between the shopper and editor. There could be plenty going on there that the scheduler is unaware of.

Sounds like a classic Ipsos answer.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/01/2025 10:27PM by sestrahelena.

I had an issue with guidelines and it was in fact Ipsos. I did the shop wrong because the new instruction used a vague word to discuss the new guideline. I won my case but they never changed the guidelines.

I documented elsewhere my agonizing email chain with an Ipsos project manager and their woefully unclear/unfollowed guidelines for one of the darkness gas station gigs. Both current programs have similar issues.

I took it on as an exercise in diplomacy instead of my usual pedantic ranting, and it paid off in the long run. Finally got them to admit they had screwed up and received full pay for the shop.

Some things never change: MSCs rarely exercise the same attention to detail they expect from their shoppers.

Have synthesizers, will travel...

What was unclear is that photos of documents received (two photos maximum) were CLEARLY marked "optional" and even if one did upload two photos, they had to be specifically related to the type of shop completed. (Even if one was only uploading what the employee handed out!, which is what usually happens!) If one didn't receive the correct document (obviously, this is what the shop was testing for...), then the shop is rejected....gotta love it!

As a scheduler, I can say that sometimes shoppers will go back and forth and want the guidelines changed, etc. That information is passed on to the project manager but it really is just 1 person out of many shops, often the guidelines won't be changed. Sometimes there is a long process, some clients will need to approve any changes, etc. The project manager typically will look at reasons shops are rejected or things that shopper provide as feedback, and if there is a need for a change in the guidelines, I have seen that happen often. I think that everyone agrees that conflicting guidelines, or guidelines without clear instructions are confusing, and no one wants that.

Karen Holland
Independent Scheduler for Ipsos
[www.ishopforipsos.com]

Appreciate your insight Karen, and it's not just IPSOS, and sometimes it comes from the MSP's client. I received an assignment for an apartment shop in CA that had the wrong address. Turned out the location was off by 100 miles! The scheduler was on the east coast and had no way of knowing. Communication is key.

TBH, I've had to ask for clarification on 70% of my entailed assignments due to vague/conflicting instructions and/or report verbiage/structure. I've gotten all kinds of replies, but yours has been the most enlightening. Thank you.

Then there have been multiple situations (with other MSP's) in which I got approval to go ahead as-is, then wasn't paid after I provided the data. I won't work for them anymore.

Inflation and gas prices are killing us in the field. I'm at the point where, if there isn't timely clarity before beginning the work, I seriously consider declining the assignment. I can't afford to go out of pocket for my expenses and time for an issue I did my best to address, and not get paid.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2025 03:01PM by SBP.

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Funny Scheduler "Bailout" regarding guidelines

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