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Here's the story.
I was solicited to participate in a phone interview for a pharma company. I was offered $350 per hour, prorated, for an anticipated 45-60 min interview.
I responded that I would be happy to participate, but I would require the $350 (one hour) as a minimum. The study required me to be at a computer, at a specific time, and answering questions about a procedure that I have 20+ years experience doing. The surveying company thanked me for agreeing, we quickly scheduled a time, they called me, I was interviewed (it lasted about 50 minutes), I pointed out a MAJOR misunderstanding on their end, one that no one before had, they seemed appreciative, and we were done.
Today, about 10 days later, I received a check in the mail for $290. I rechecked the email in which I agreed to participate, for $350 (minimum one hour), and while the survey coordinator never specifically addressed this point, she expressed appreciation for me responding and agreeing quickly, etc.
So what would you do next (pick multiple, if applicable):
A. Suck it up. Minor misunderstanding. Cash the check for $290. It is better than a sharp stick in the eye. It was probably my fault, anyway, for not specifically confirming the amount in an additional, separate email.
B. Send an email to the survey coordinator pointing out the discrepancy between the check and the agreed upon amount.
C. Send the check back to the survey company with a letter requesting the full $350. (Maybe smear something disgusting on the letter.)
D. Disparage the survey company and the pharma company to everyone you know, including the peeps on the WCI forum, for being cheapskates, liars and cheaters.
E. Tell your daughter that we can no longer afford the jeans that we bought her for Hanukkah, and they are going back to the store.
F. Have your lawyer friend draw up a demand letter for $1500 (or $15,000, it's pharma, after all, deep pockets), for the mental anguish and loss of consortium over the breach of contract.
G. Other (hopefully, something more practical or witty than A-F)
I was solicited to participate in a phone interview for a pharma company. I was offered $350 per hour, prorated, for an anticipated 45-60 min interview.
I responded that I would be happy to participate, but I would require the $350 (one hour) as a minimum. The study required me to be at a computer, at a specific time, and answering questions about a procedure that I have 20+ years experience doing. The surveying company thanked me for agreeing, we quickly scheduled a time, they called me, I was interviewed (it lasted about 50 minutes), I pointed out a MAJOR misunderstanding on their end, one that no one before had, they seemed appreciative, and we were done.
Today, about 10 days later, I received a check in the mail for $290. I rechecked the email in which I agreed to participate, for $350 (minimum one hour), and while the survey coordinator never specifically addressed this point, she expressed appreciation for me responding and agreeing quickly, etc.
So what would you do next (pick multiple, if applicable):
A. Suck it up. Minor misunderstanding. Cash the check for $290. It is better than a sharp stick in the eye. It was probably my fault, anyway, for not specifically confirming the amount in an additional, separate email.
B. Send an email to the survey coordinator pointing out the discrepancy between the check and the agreed upon amount.
C. Send the check back to the survey company with a letter requesting the full $350. (Maybe smear something disgusting on the letter.)
D. Disparage the survey company and the pharma company to everyone you know, including the peeps on the WCI forum, for being cheapskates, liars and cheaters.
E. Tell your daughter that we can no longer afford the jeans that we bought her for Hanukkah, and they are going back to the store.
F. Have your lawyer friend draw up a demand letter for $1500 (or $15,000, it's pharma, after all, deep pockets), for the mental anguish and loss of consortium over the breach of contract.
G. Other (hopefully, something more practical or witty than A-F)
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