Should I pay them or not?
lbarrycotter 13 posts
I am at a standstill on a decision to pay a provider or not.
I am both a provider and a buyer on odesk and recently had a transcription assignment I was unable to complete myself. I discussed my situation with my buyer and we both agreed that I could outsource the remainder of the project (I was also doing this at my cost, not the buyers, (because I feel that professionally the assignment was my responsibility, and as I was unable to fully deliver, I should bear the cost to keep my business (being me a provider here on odesk) reputable. From this experience being the first time I have ever hired another provider to complete an assignment for me, it will also be my last.
So I outsourced the project to a provider with excellent feedback; a 5 to be in fact. Their communication in trying to get the assignment was great, they were very fast to response and eager to do the job. However; as the deadline passed over 24 hours and after several emails from myself asking about the project status, I finally, 36 hours passed deadline received the file. Upon checking it they not only did a miserable attempt at the project (left whole conversations out and in total completed if lucky 20%) I also found they had only worked 10 minutes into the 20 minute audio file and did not even attempt to complete the last 10mins. The audio was not 100% percent quality, but it certainly was not poor, I myself would say it was in above the average of most audio files I have transcribed.
When I questioned the provider about the remaining part of the transcription they polite replied with “ma'am sorry.. anyway.. it's ok.. don't pay me anymore.. its ok... im having difficulty with it”. There was no mention of this in the email I received with the so called completed file and I had previously advised the provider if on any parts they were not clear on to leave a timestamp in red through the paragraph and I would go over it and correct it and insert what was missing.
To me (both a provider and a buyer) this behaviour is very unprofessional, however; they still completed 15% to 20% of a fixed price assignment. I believe no one on odesk or anywhere else for that fact should work for free. Should I / Or would you pay them for the work they completed?
It also makes me wonder how many other times this provider has only part completed assignments and has given a buyer the same response ‘it’s ok don’t pay me’ and therefore the buyer hasn’t and in the meantime the provider continues to have a glowing profile that is an untrue reflective on their work.
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you might have on this.
Thanks
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amandareese 25 posts - United States - Joined May 11 2009
Ouch, that's a tough one. I had that issue with a transcription I did, only I was simply unable to complete it in the timeframe requested (it was a super-rushed turn around. A file over an hour long to be done in just a few hours) due to a really wonderfully convenient (not) migraine. I apologized, sent the half that I had finished, explained to the buyer what had happened in a very open manner. She offered to pay me for what I'd done and I declined because I felt it was wrong to accept any payment for a job unfinished...
Really I think it's your own judgement call. If you feel this provider deserves negative feedback, I would pay for what's finished and note it on their profile so they don't continue to do this. I don't think I would fault you for not paying for an unfinished/shoddily done job.
pkalimuthu 474 posts - India - Joined Mar 07 2008
christian_angelo 6 posts - Philippines - Joined Oct 07 2008
Why?
Because you said the project was on a fixed price. So as professional provider, they should deliver the package as it was ordered and failure to deliver the complete job is another way of saying they are terminating the agreement.
They should learn how to respect the time of their clients. Good thing that you are also a provider and you could understand them. But what if they do the same problem with a new buyer... that would create a negative impression to oDesk or the outsourcing in general and it will somehow affect the other providers too.
I just wonder how they had that 5 star ratings with that kind of service.
rzagaja 30 posts - United States - Joined May 26 2009
I certainly wouldn't. But what do I know? I'm new, LOL! I would, at least, let odesk know about this provider as it reflects badly on them to stand behind the provider w/o having the real story.
I hope this is not an imposition, but I have a question for you. I was looking at a transcribing job in the listings today. Fifteen years ago I used to transcribe session notes for a psychologist. I used a clunky machine with a foot pedal that regulates speed and has easy rewind functions. I'm guessing that's now how it's done today (I am old, lol!). What technology goes into transcription these days? I'm considering investing in equipment if it is not too expensive. I have medical transcription background as well (funny how you forget how many things you are experienced in until you start reading job postings!).
Thanks.
Rose
jpittenger
They actually have very similar equipment (foot pedal and all) that attaches to a computer for transcribing digital files. I think the footpedal and control software usually runs in the $100-$200 range (before turning freelance I worked at a local office supply company). I'm sure a search for digital transcription equipment would return many options to choose from (just make sure you order from somewhere reliable).
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rzagaja 30 posts - United States - Joined May 26 2009
Thank you! I was telling my husband I feel a little stupid on this issue (he's a systems analyst). I feel better now. I'm going to look into it.
pcledera 51 posts - Philippines - Joined Feb 19 2009
Hi,
There is a free transcriber software that you can download and a foot pedal attachment at a cost, it's called "Express Scribe" by NCH software.
Regards,
Patrick
rzagaja 30 posts - United States - Joined May 26 2009
Thank you! I was just looking into it and didn't know which software is best. You must have read my mind
I appreciate it!
jvarquez 4 posts - Philippines - Joined Jun 06 2009
If i am asked? I would pay them a dollar and leave a feedback. I learned from the FAQs that Zero payment means Zero feedback count.
kgshriram 17 posts - India - Joined Jul 23 2008
I think unprofessionalism manifests itself in many ways, but communication surely seems to the problem.
And he left a feedback which was quite nasty. Anyways what I did was pass as many tests as could...
I actively bid for transcription work and do let me know if there is spill over work I would be glad to oblidge.
acagle 1 post - Canada - Joined Jun 20 2007
I think that you should not pay the provider who did not do their job. If it comes to a dispute with Odesk, you should have all the documentation at hand to show the management that the provider did not make a good faith effort. Furthermore, you should leave feedback on the provider's profile so others do not fall into the same problem with the worker. Communication between provider and buyer is key to good business relationships and good production as it is with the offline world. I can understand someone who falls behind due to illness but that should be communicated. A competent buyer or manager, whether in the offline world or on the Internet, makes allowances for providers who do want to give their all for the job but have crisis arise. That's called good people management skills.
AndrewX5 20 posts - Trinidad and Tobago - Joined Sep 19 2008
I think the Providers asked you not to pay them, only because they didn't want bad feedback.
(I didn't read all comments if this was already said)
stew721 18 posts - Canada - Joined Aug 16 2009
I realize this thread was started a while ago, but has been replied to recently though. In any event, there's nothing wrong with sub-contracting your work.
The truth of the matter is, that's common practice in the real world. There are even some contractors who sub-contract 100% of the work they obtain, not knowing the first thing about the work they've obtained. Sort of like an author having a ghost writer write their book if you wish to look at it that way. My opinion of that type of contractor is somewhat different than that of those who sub-contract to offset their workload and such, but that's neither here nor there.
As for whether or not to pay them... Personally, I'd pay them a percentage of the agreed upon rate for actual work completed and leave them appropriate feedback regarding their work, or lack there of. In the real world, whether or not I would pay them would depend upon their written contract with me as there may or may not be clauses specific to this sort of thing.