When RentACoder Fails

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson shares a not so great experience with online service Rentacoder.com

While I am a user of Rentacoder.com beware of coder "Tajvi's Team"!

I used them to convert my logo for embroidery. As you know this is a difficult file since I don't personally have the software to open the .dst file format. I had to rely on embroiders to provide me me with feedback.

The Coder provided a sample, the embroider agreed that the file that could be embroidered. I received a sample of the coders file only after I accepted the bid (my mistake) The sample was horrible and it was obvious that the coder Tajvi's Team didn't know what the heck they were doing.. No problem, I've worked with coders on the site before and all I needed to do was provided a little more guidance.

Not this coder. They refused to make any additional changes to the file, and in the arbitration process, claimed that since their sample was crap, and their final file was crap, that I got what i paid for.. Crap. (True)

I must give props to the coder for defending crap work. Even the arbitrator admitted that the work was crap.


"I agree that the work might not be of good quality, since it did not show up well in the software." Rafeek Kulkarni Rentacoder Arbitrator


Before you all slam me and start commenting "that's what you get for trying to outsource" I have had more home grown "web guys" flake on me and my clients over the past few years, So I don't want to hear it!

I have used both US and International Coders on the site, and I still recommend it to those of you looking for web, and design solutions in an affordable format. Just have patience with the coders and be prepared to provide actionable feedback. Most will be more than willing to make you happy with their work.

I have experienced coders that didn't do the greatest work, but they gave their best and i have no problem releasing funds to them and providing them with positive feedback.

Since I lost the arbitration with Tajvi's Team, I was not able to leave feedback for them, although they were able to leave feedback for me. (a 3 out of 10)

No worries Tajvi's Team... Feedback is no longer confined to one space. 0 out of 10. Buyer's you've been warned.

How to get what you want

Event Specialist, Cheryl Lawson discusses how following the dilithium crystal rule will help you get what you want.

Weather you are in the event and meeting industry or not we are always communicating and some would argue always negotiating. Employees, clients, vendors, or especially our loved ones... Communication is the tie that binds.

As professionals, we’ve all seen the titles. “Dealing with difficult customers”, “getting the job, promotion or raise you want”, or ….”How to win friends and influence people” .

There are many programs out there that tell you how to get what you want.

I'm not here to argue that you can't get what you want. Rather, that getting what you want is a direct correlation to others getting what they want.

We've all heard of the golden rule. Due unto others as we would have them due unto us. Or simply treat people how you want to be treated. I believe in the dilithium crystal rule. Treat people how they want to be treated.

This is not some new marketing discovery, yet to many even in the services industry this is a novel idea.

When you take my face to face class, we go through the DISC exercise to determine your communication style and define in what conditions you are most comfortable in. Conversely, we identify styles of those on our teams, in our offices and of course our personal lives.

According to the DISC I am a high I. That means I am most comfortable in social settings where I feel free to express my articulate and creative side. When communicating with or selling to me you want to focus on how your product or service will bring me public or social recognition. “All heads will turn when they see you in this red Ferrari” a girl can dream.

A High D desires power, authority and the opportunity for individual accomplishments… often referred to as A type personalities… when dealing with high D’s you want to present your facts, get in get out and no body get’s hurt. Try any of that social stuff on the high D and you might literally be thrown out of the building.

A High S is most comfortable with the status quo unless given a good reason to change. I always say if everything has changed in the Monday morning directors meeting… Tell the D and the I’s first. The S’s will conform, but if you spring on chaos they will crumble in a corner. The high S is a worker bee and someone you definitely want on your team.. They will often stay in a job even if they don’t like it. If you’re going into business, have a High S on your team! If the ship goes down --They’ll be right there supporting you all the way.

High C’s desire secure and sheltered environments. High C’s are probably the only ones who have actually read the policy and procedures manual. You want the C to be the one doing your taxes or reviewing the exhibitor contracts.

Of course in life we all have to be chameleons at times. But when the going gets tough, everyone assumes battle positions and those are usually our comfort zone.

You’re most like you when the heat is on…

It’s important to know where you are most comfortable communicating as well as how those around you feel most comfortable. Knowing this information will help you put quality teams together, develop long term relationships with suppliers and hopefully explain why you and your significant other never seem to agree on certain things. I’m not saying that you’ll ever be 100% in sync, but you will be able to be smarter in the situations you put yourself and others in.

The Dilithium Crystal Rule -- Treat others how they want to be treated!!

Listen to this as a Podcast by clicking on my website www.theperfect-date.com

You can follow me on twitter by clicking on the party aficionado link on the home page.

Learn about my Event Planning Classes in the “About US” section.

Have a perfect day!