We’ve all been there – she thinks we did a bad sourcing job – we think we did a good job! Who is right – who is wrong – WHAT would you do?

THIS HOT POTATO WILL BE THE SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION ON THE NOON EST TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25 MAGICMETHOD CLASSROOM CHAT OVER ON THE NETWORK!

Customer Side
I need some advice from this group!
Last week I was contacted by a researcher in California who had seen a posting of mine on LinkedIn. She was very hyper on the phone and excited by the fact that I am unfamiliar with the Minnesota market and insisted that she could help. I told her that my experience with "researchers" in the past was not positive as they tended to do sloppy work - ie. not verify information, have typos or wrong numbers/emails on their lists and so on. She insisted that she was properly trained and knew how to call in to companies and was certain she could help me - at a discounted rate even!

I agreed to work with her for a start of 5 hours and explained that because our client was in consumer packaged goods, ideally we would focus on that market. The search is for a Human Resources Manager with no more than 7 years and I gave her titles of HR Rep, Consultant and HR Manager to source as well as a list of companies of interest in CPG. I indicated that I was unaware if they had offices in Minnesota but certainly surrounding states would work.

I also indicated that it was important to verify all information and to please format the spreadsheet.

What I received was what I felt to be, a mess. The numbers provided were not functional after hours with no employee directory or opportunity to leave messages. As well, a number of emails bounced. The final straw to me was that the majority of information on the spreadsheet was contacts at the VP level.

She had the nerve to send me a bill via email which she wanted paid immediately, prior to confirming with me that the work was at least what I expected. I couldn't believe it and franky I am frustrated and angry that I'm paying for information I didn't ask for. I never asked for VP HR and was specific about that.

I received the bill on Monday and she is calling me every two seconds asking for payment which I told her she would get next week when we do our payables. She is furious and has left me nasty messages and emails telling me I have no idea how to work with a researcher.

So, am I out of my tree? Maybe I have high expectations? Can someone educate me on how to spot a professional researcher and one who is just desperate for money.

Sourcer Side
I just did an incredible job for a woman.
The work was superior and she refused to pay me.
It' only a small amount of money but she says she is going through a "miscarriage"? What should I do. I have NEVER had this happen to me before. She is in Canada and does not understand sourcing or research at all.
******
There, you have the two sides - what do you think is going on and how can this sorry state of affairs be remedied?