Complaint Review: Preferred Reports - Lafayette Louisiana

The purpose of this report is to warn my fellow loss control consultants and put the insurance companies on notice that use cheap inspection companies like Preferred Reports it will cost you millions in the long run. Preferred Reports is the company you would prefer not to do business with if you value your business at all.

The following email conversation illustrates greed at its best. It begins at the bottom with my making contact to my client after realizing that I was killing myself for what turns out to be less than $10 an hour. I was not paid for time and travel expenses and was short paid $400 based on their low standard. I admit after reading the contract more closely that the interview was more of a bait and switch. I was kept so busy for a few weeks I it took me some time to realize what was going on.

 

My final pay was little more than $600. I did 19 jobs for this company. All but 3 or 4 were many many miles away from my base of operations in Shreveport, LA to include San Augustine, TX, Alexandria, LA, Texarkana, TX, Monroe, LA, Bastrop, LA Longview, TX to name a few. I did my last job in Rustin, LA but did not turn it in since they did not square their account with me.  It was a school with children of all ages that had several hazards and they wanted to pay me only $40 to complete it. Additionally, I did a multi-story office building 2 hrs away that had complex calculations needed to determine the square footage which there was a discrepancy on between the city and insured. Part of the building was 2 story, 3 story and 4 story. Dimensions on large parking lot and additional building were also required. It took hours to complete documenting all the hazards also found and they paid me less than $80 and did not pay my travel.

 

Subject: Re: Houston we have a problem . . . .

Samantha,

Forgive me if I don't feel guilty but I see a pattern with the lack of integrity of promises not being kept. It just gets worse. I give you take. Did you not tell me my next check would be for more than $500? And that was combined with the small payment from the week before.

Trusting you was a mistake and Bart thought that stuff would work on me. The only thing I feel bad about is that I let it go for so long.

I am a member of SOFI and have ripoffreport.com at my disposal. If I don't see all travel and payments received on the next check I will report it so my other brothers at SOFI don't waste their time and reports made at ripoffreport.com don't come off at any price.

As for the XXXXXXXXX School of Ruston you really thought that $40 was enough for a facility that caters to children and doubles as a daycare.

Shame on you both.

Sincerely,

Scott Lee Martin

Inspector

From: Samantha Moreau

To: S L Martin

Cc: Bart Sturgis

Sent: Sunday, July 5, 2015 3:02 PM

Subject: Re: Houston, we have a problem. . . .

Scott,

It was nice while it lasted, I am going to have to move the work that is currently assigned to you.

I thought better of you, but considering the position you are leaving me in, it seems I was wrong.

I have read the email you sent to Bart, including the invoice for your payments. Those AmTrust Package assignments are MUCH larger than the work you have done with us (I know, I am very familiar with that template) and are multi-coverage, word documents. The jobs you have completed for us are much more simple and monoline, programmed into the system. You cannot compare them apples to apples when discussing pay. I am sorry that you can't recognize that.

I wish you the best in what you have ahead of you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: S L Martin

Sent: Sunday, July 5, 2015 2:45 PM

To: Samantha Moreau

Subject: Fw: Houston, we have a problem. . . .

Samantha,

I am forwarding message I sent to Bart yesterday. I'm not playing games. Until I am paid I will not do any more work for him of any kind so don't ask. I have completed 18 jobs in last few weeks and the last check was so weak I don't think it will cover much more than my expenses.

Furthermore, I have already cancelled the three appointments I had scheduled Monday and Tuesday.

Sincerely,

Scott Lee Martin

Inspector

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: S L Martin

To: Bart Sturgis

Sent: Saturday, July 4, 2015 3:18 PM

Subject: Re: Houston, we have a problem. . . .

Bart,

No, it is not. I am doing it now not at yesterday’s rate. Most of the work I have done for you is many miles away. Your work is not much less complicated really, diagrams and expansive narratives are required. See attached invoice for just two jobs from your competitor. Yes, they are a pain and they pay slowly but they have market share and big accounts for fast food chains.

I stand by what I said and can't believe I let it go this far. I don't need any advice or promises of a better tomorrow just $1,000 in my account before I do any more work for you. I saw some changes in my expected paycheck and what I see on the system does not look right. I can't speak for your other consultants but I don't do fast and sloppy. My efforts set my reputation in concrete because regardless of what I am paid it is my business that is on the line.

It is your job to get more from the insurance companies and my job to make sure you pay me right. If they want it cheap then that is what they will get. I don't doubt you have a market share that may lead some of the others but that is not the kind of business I want and now I know why. I can rip and run all over for you for chump change or focus my efforts on those who appreciate them.

What would you do, I mean really? I had hoped it would be some time before you found out what an AH I can be but I have been busting my butt for you and your not making the right noises.

Sincerely,

Scott Lee Martin

Inspector

From: Bart Sturgis

To: S L Martin

Cc: Samantha Moreau

Sent: Saturday, July 4, 2015 11:04 AM

Subject: Re: Houston, we have a problem. . . .

Most of our work is flat rate. The entire industry is that way. The work in your area does range from $40 to $150 flat and we do have some hourly work. I have done this for years and 3 hours is a bit too long. Scott if I was doing these, I would make my call and when I schedule the appointment, I would ask them if they have 10 mins to answer a few questions as it will decrease the time I inconvenience you on site. Most questions can then be answered so all I have to do is run over there, take pics and get my measurements. The goal is to do several a day. Make $250 a day, then you are good as you are taking home $1000-$1250 weekly.

There will be time where you will need some travel money and Sam will work with you but that discussions you and her have to have.

Your area is getting very busy and bringing on new clients in LA. I can keep you very busy so think about it. If you like we can talk, I know ways to speed your time on assignments and make a big pile of money.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 4, 2015, at 9:37 AM, S L Martin wrote:

Bart,

Copy of what was sent to Samantha today.

Sincerely,

Scott Lee Martin

Inspector

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: S L Martin

To: Samantha Moreau 

Sent: Saturday, July 4, 2015 9:31 AM

Subject: Houston, we have a problem. . . .

Samantha,

I finally took a breath and look at what is going on. First of all there are no inspections, especially those that require a diagram that take less than 3 hours. The pay rate we discussed is $35 an hour and $25 per hour for driving. Do the math, we are way off that mark and I'm sure you know this. Additionally, I am getting pressured to hurry up and get it done. I do not see travel on many that I have turned in and reported travel on. You told me my next check would be over $500 and it was only $274.

Be advised that the next check needs to reflect what we discussed in the initial interview. Additionally, if there are any inspections assigned to me that pay less than $105 and up should be removed or reassigned immediately.

Sincerely,

Scott Lee Martin

Inspector