[QUOTE=Member #2322]So I schedule some service from an independent contractor and the contractor never shows up. I waited over an hour at the designated place. When I called, the contractor said, "In a couple minutes. " Half an hour later, no show, so I left. The independent contractor goes by the name RL. I was so pissed. 2 hours later, the contractor calls me up but I couldn't talk at that time.
From now on, I'm going to stick with store front establishments. They are more like union workers. You have a set fee, you know what you will get and how you will get it and you know what kind of time schedule they are on. If there is a problem, often times you can complain to the union official and if there are enought complaints, the official can oust that person.
In contrast, independent contractors are more like non-union workers. They have no set fee. Often times the negotiated fee does not include many services implied in the contract (verbal) and the independent contractor goes after huge change orders, much like a State job. You feel like an ass because these change orders can be huge, but you give in because with out it, you will not end up a happy client.
Then there's the time/schedule issue. Independent contractors do not have a set schedule where you can simply call upon them at will. In contrast, a store front operation is always available. Also with independent contractors, unless agreed upon during the contract negotiations, there is a very short time constraint.
Performance can be good or bad, but there really is no consequence since they are independently operated and you cannot complain to the union.
The few good things about independent contractors is sometimes you can negotiate a fee so good that you are willing to take the risk of getting ripped off and unhappy.
So there's my pitch. [/QUOTE]I Concur! I was fortunate enough to had all no answers, so I didn't have to wait. I'll stop at that after reading your post. The only one that did answer for me, followed through but was somewhat disappointing. (JayJay) I'll stick to the in-house as well. Union. Sounds like you have some experience working w/unions. I have too, with airlines and hotels.
