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katadj
USA
315 Posts |
 Posted - 04/19/2004 : 01:02:49
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Question to be answered:
In the event that you are deployed for a vendor that does not appear to be in the top 50% of the new Chart of Vendor Fees, (forthcoming), will you work? |
Edited by - katadj on 04/19/2004 01:04:29 |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 20:16:09
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A "no" answer is clear and easy to understand, within the context of this poll.
A "maybe ....", or a "sure ....", and a "depends on the location"; are understandable decisions within the thought process relative to this poll.
However, I'm stuck and confused with the current 32% response of, "depends on the vendor".
Re-reading the opening remark at the top of the poll, I don't see how people can relate the specifics of the vendor to the decision; when the premise is stated that 'the vendor' is in the lower 50% of the available known fees.
A couple of simple examples to illustrate my confusion with that specific 32% response; "depends on the vendor".
Crawford is a sound multinational vendor. They have a "full adjust" schedule with Hartford, paying $115 gross at the $500 gross loss level.
Crawford also has a fee schedule with Safeco for wind/hail, paying $175 gross at the $500 gross loss level.
Cunningham is a sound multinational vendor. They have a fee schedule with Vesta for wind/hail, paying $220 gross at the $500 gross loss level.
Brush Country is a well known regional vendor. They have a fee schedule with USAA (D-1), that pays $315 gross at the $500 gross loss level.
I could go on and on, up and down the scale, with well known or less known vendors.
So explain to me, notwithstanding the post-Isabel horror stories relative to a very few vendors, how the decision relative to the poll question - "depends on the vendor" - when the premise is established the 'the vendor' fee is in the lower 50% of the known fees; specifically relates to the poll decisions made? |
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olderthendirt
USA
370 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 20:30:48
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| A requirement of an estimate, 2 photos and a 1 page file in the blanks report may pay more in total billings then a higher fee schedule which takes hours of paper work. No your vendors and what is required. |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 20:42:15
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Hey Dirtpile, good point for sure - know your vendors and what is required.
But, is not "what is required" dictated predominately by the carrier, that the vendor is managing the claims for that event?
Obviously, any vendor who has more than one carrier client, has multiple client "paper work" requirements protocols.
So going back to the poll question, "depends on the vendor"; I see your valid points raised as being more centered on the specific carrier, who the acting vendor will implement that carrier's paper requirements for.
Know your vendors, but I think a lot also depends on the carrier and their specific requirements imposed for implementation by the contracted vendor. |
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Johnd
USA
110 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 20:56:39
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Depends on the Vendor:
Translation:
I've been working for this vendor for several years and they keep calling me out for storms. I have not tried to find other vendors to work for and this one has been reducing the fee schedule little by little for the time I have been working for him. If I "call in sick" or refuse an assignment, I may never get a chance to work for these WONDERFUL FEE SCHEDULES again. Actually I do not have a lot of self confidence about finding other work and I'm really in a position where I need the money I could earn from this vendor. And NO I have not thought about what I would do if this vendor DID NOT call me again.
Sure I have to Get Started:
The individuals who answered this question are probably the most honest respondents to this poll. Unfortunately, Leonards is churning them out at the rate of over 150 a week.
Depends on the location:
I know this vendor has a crappy fee schedule, BUT ..... if I can get a lot of claims in Smallville, where I worked before I know I can make some quick money and who knows, there is always cane season later. Besides, if I run-n-gun these little roofs in "Nabisco City" I can crank out 15 - 18 a day and ..... lets see at an average of $96. each that would be .......
now .. where can I make some photocopies of this roof diagram...
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Edited by - Johnd on 04/19/2004 21:44:41 |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 21:12:49
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Wow John, quite graphic!
As independent contractors - be it in the claims industry or as a wholesaler of bait - I hope the malady that you describe is not widespread among the players in this sandbox.
If so, training of quite a different nature is required, to acquire the skill set necessary to reach out beyond that restrictive barrier.
Without that strength, nothing will be accomplished as a group or individually by the people in this community; to better their financial situations, even with the data that is suggested in the poll. |
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LAW1526
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 21:50:55
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Clayton, you are certainly back and obviously feeling well, its good to see your posts again.
Regarding your question from my point of view. I have worked for vendors with decent fee schedules and couldn’t get paid without a fight (no issues with my work product). Working on a little less fee schedule and getting paid for my entire billing on time nets me more in the long run. My banker wants too much interest on my unpaid invoices while I’m waiting to get paid. If the vendor with the highest fee schedule doesn’t pay you for three, four and five months after your billing and then you receive payment to find it has been reduced at their discretion with out your input, do they really have the better fee schedule? You will not see me holding out for the highest fee schedule if this vendors name is on the list of non-payers.
You will see me standing in line at the fair, reasonable and on time paycheck fee schedule vendor job. Say that five times fast.
I guess my answer is Depends on the Vendor.
We all want to be paid fairly for our efforts. I’m ducking as I say this, we as professional adjusters need to be organized to lobby for our own health and welfare in this industry. As long as we remain an unorganized professional group, allowing the vendors to negotiate on our behalf we will get what they negotiate and give us, end of subject.
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katadj
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2004 : 22:26:08
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The vote process was contrived to address most of the known issues we have had to deal with.
Some of us only work for one vendor, some of us are just getting started, and some have had good and bad experiences with differing vendors. Others just like to work and are self-sustaining to a point, while others hate the honey-do lists, LOL
Some like to work close to home and minimize the "out of pocket" expense, thereby creating more of a ROI.
If the poll does not include something, make a suggestion, and it will be considered.
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Todd Summers
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2004 : 12:21:53
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| Some vendors W-2, some 1099. Some provide E&O and GL, some don't. Some pay 70%, some 60% or 65%. Some pay deployment travel reimbursement, some don't. Some require contractual commitment, some don't. ...etc. etc. etc. |
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katadj
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2004 : 13:06:06
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Question?
If the poll has been viewed 355 times and only 44 votes have been registered (12%) what is the problem?
Is there something missing?
Do you not understand the options?
Are you afraid to cast a vote? It is anonymous.
Perhaps there are not enough adjusters looking
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2004 : 13:45:27
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Dave, you surprise me, even though alas, I have felt like yourself in this situation; many times in the past.
It is probably best summed up as the actionless signal of the silent majority, or as apathy, as others have suggested in the past in similar situations.
I'm glad I finished the project to which your poll indirectly refers to, otherwise this would have been a drag on the required motivation to complete it for 26 people, or however many. Maybe, there isn't more than 30 or 40 people who have any real interest in considering or acting on this type of business decision?
Even an old fool like me - before my apparently being relegated to my armchair - realized years ago that you can only physically work so hard; and that the bonus is in finding ways to work smarter to maximize the return on one's efforts.
Someone should start a poll on the types of roofing shingles, to determine which gives the roofer the biggest margin. If you get more than a 12% turnout for that, we would then know the level of dilution within this community. |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2004 : 15:43:27
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It could be that the same people are viewing the thread multiple times. This is my fifth trip! And I won't vote here b/c I work for a carrier.
Jennifer |
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Todd Summers
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2004 : 15:56:12
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| Yep, this is my third trip. |
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Catmannn
42 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2004 : 17:13:00
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It seems to me that most of the road warriors I know, have worked and will continue to work for the same two or three venders they have made their living from the last 10+ years.
To change venders, it is not the schedual but the amount of claims and the vender's ability to pay my service invoice" very important".
I would not consider changing venders for an additional buck.
Once the above is addressed in your poll, I feel you will get a better response.
Thanking you for all the hours of imput you have in this project.
Houtz |
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Admin
547 Posts |
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Vote with your feet.
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