Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Hello,

I placed my first bid for a project on Elance the other day and I got a message from the person asking me to call him today. Well, I did a quick check of his company on BBB and I found that the company had 5 complaints over the last 36 months. Should I call or stay away? I am always the type of person that if there are more than 3 complaints submitted to BBB (obviously if a person is going that far to complain...it was something more than just annoying)I tend to stay away. I am not sure what to do. It is an insurance company, so maybe people are much more quick to complain?

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Quick follow-up---Is it normal for people posting jobs on Elance to request a phone call from a bidder??? I am not sure about this, but it could be my nerves getting the best of me.

Tess · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

I would call, certainly - as you bid on the job and were asked for a meeting. But use due dilligence when communicating with and getting to know this potential client, as you would with any other.
The insurance industry is notorious for upsetting customers - and isn't exactly a high customer service market...so doesn't necessarily make him a bad prospect.

Just make sure you take a deposit against your initial relationship, and get your contracts signed before anything else - that way, you're covered.

Have you run a general Google search for "Company Name reviews" to see what else people are saying, might be interesting at least to gain more perspective.

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Also, I don't think it's odd that he asked for a call - not necessarily common for freelance but not a negative at all.

vidatica · #5 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

I registered with Elance and I have never received anything but emails. I apologize for my ignorance on this term... what is BBB?

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Hi Viviana--Sorry about that--BBB = Better Business Bureau

Tess · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

BBB = Better Business Bureau - it's a site where the general consumer public can go to get information about companies, to find out if there are any consumer complaints against them, etc. And to lodge complaints as well.

Often times when a company treats a consumer really poorly the consumer will use the BBB to try to get a resolution as well as put their complaint on record.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #8 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Ok, well, I sent him an email via Elance and advised him of when I would be available to contact him. Now I have all day to prepare for my phone call! Unfortunately, I have to get ready to go to work now!

Thank you and I will let you know how it turns out.

vidatica · #9 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

I'm glad I asked. That is an interesting site.

Ness Lindsay · #10 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008

Darlene,

I would have to agree with Tess. I would certainly follow-up, it wouldn't hurt to gain further insight from the client.
However, I ALWAYS operate on my gut, it has yet to stear me wrong. If you feel that something isn't right....then perhaps it isn't!

Follow your gut on this one! (that's what I would do)

Vanessa Lindsay