Newsletter June 1, 2007

[workathome]

June 1, 2007
 
 
TO:   Prayer Rug Independent workers/Potential workers
 
     
 
    We would like to take a moment to introduce our new team here at My Prayer Rugs, LLC, and provide an update on the latest changes to our program.  The changes that we have implemented do not affect prior Lafferty Services workers, and are only applicable to our new workers and workers that choose to upgrade.  
 
    Below you will find a list of contact information for your communication needs:
 
Lonnie Perez, Managing Director
VirginiaBranch@myprayerrugs.com

Gloria Lundy, Customer Service
esvaexchange@peoplepc.com

 
     All newly registered independent workers and those that upgrade will be provided an ID# which will make it easier for tracking and providing statistics to you.  Please use this ID# on all correspondence with the company.
 
     Our goal under new management is to address the issues and restructure our program based on the feedback that we have received from the present workers.  The current issues were received from forum members, direct emails and local independent worker feedback.
 
Current Worker Issues
 
Worker dissatisfied with the lenght of time it took to process & send new work.
 
Worker dissatisfied with the lenght of time it took to get paid after work was completed.
 
Workers wanted higher pay for work.
 
 
     During the change of management we decided to address these issues by restructuring a program to help resolve the issues that were relayed to us by workers.
 
 
Solution for Independent Worker Issues
 
(Lenght of time for Processing and Shipping new work)
Fact:  Most small packages received, take on average, 4 days to receive and another 4 days to be delivered back to the worker.  Larger packages take from 6 to 8 days one way.  This time accounts for 1 to 2 weeks in which the worker is out of work, with no supplies.  Adding the time it takes us to process, rate and pay the workers we are looking at another 1 to 2 weeks, which creates an entire month the workers is out of work.  This is unacceptable and worker complaints are justifiable.  
 
Resolution:  In order to resolve this issue we've implemented a program that allows our new workers and those that upgrade, to obtain there own supplies, and be reimbursed for supplies.  The worker no longer has to wait for supplies to be sent by the company and the company no longer risk losing supplies sent to workers that become inactive.
 
(Lenght of time to get paid for work completed)
Fact:  The companies policy was to pay the worker, once they began processing the new shipment.  This meant that if it took 2 to 4 weeks to process worker, they would be paid in 2 to 4 weeks.  This is unacceptable and worker complaints are justifiable.
 
Resolution:  Since new workers and those that upgrade do not have to wait on the company to send new shipments, they can now be paid within 24 hours of receiving there completed work.  No more waiting for payments!
 
 
(Higher Pay for work completed)
Fact:  It is quite common in most jobs or contractual work to have a starting pay, which ultimately progresses to a top pay.  The need for business stability and growth requires standards that will effect the  long term goals of the business.  Pay progression provides workers with room for growth, and it provides the company with long term workers.  This creates a trustworthy business/worker relationship that allows the business to be able to determine a workers experience and dedication to there work, which determines pay progression.
 
Resolution:  We have decided to keep the pay progression, and allow your pay to be based on quality and quanity of work produced.  We have also decided to add an additional means of earning higher pay for workers that are not satisfied with pay progression. (may both be use in combination)  We have implemented a bid program, that will allow workers to bid on orders and earn up to $100.00 for completed rugs.  Pay increases will be based only on the quality and amount of rugs you have completed according to your contract.  The only options we have implemented for higher pay at this time, can be accessed by using our bid program, or our regular buy back program, based on your pay progression.
 
 
Who has access to these resolved issues?
 
     Everyone has access to these benefits, using different methods.
 
New Workers
New workers registering via My Prayer Rugs, LLC have automatic access to benefits.  
 
Lafferty Services Workers (paid in full)
Lafferty Services workers paid in full have access to a FREE Upgrade directly from the site until June 16th.
 
Lafferty Services (down payment only)
Lafferty Services workers that have only paid a downpayment can upgrade for $3.00, which will give you a paid in full, full access membership.  (otherwise you will have to continue your payment plan or set up your payment plans before new work is issued)
 
Lafferty Services (Free workers)
Lafferty Services free workers can upgrade for $5.00, which will give you a paid in full, full access membership.
 
The above upgrades can be made directly from the site up to June 16, 2007.  After June 16th, we will close this offer and begin sending remaining Lafferty Services workers, that did not upgrade there supplies on June 18th.
 
 
Free Workers
 
We will also, continue to offer the opportunity for new workers unable to pay a registration fee, the opportunity of being chosen for our Free Monthly (work at home program) Give-away.  We will only give-away 5 position per month.  You may sign up from our website, to be placed on the list.
 
 
Links
 
Main Link:  http://http://www.myprayerrugs.com
 
Affiliate Link: http://http://www.myprayerrugs.com/affiliatepro/affiliate/
 
Forum: http://http://workathome.madmooseforum.com/
 
 
Congratulations
 
Congratulations to Beverly Anderson for winning the $100.00 Affiliate Jackpot
 
Congratulations to Tammy Sutton for being the highest bidder $75.00 for the month of May
 
Congratulations to Ruby Nelson for being instrumental in putting together our local worker meetings.
 
Congratulation to all workers that have helped to build our online medium.
 
 
 
Thank you, Gloria Lundy
 
 
 
 
If you no longer wish to receive updates, please send a email with remove in the subject line.

[Havsaworkin]

First off, I just wanted to say that I got the following this morning:

"We have posted a copy of this months newsletter on our forum.

We have received some permanent failure to deliver messages from some workers, and wanted to assure that everyone has access to a newsletter.

If you did not receive your newsletter, please send an updated email address to:"

I did not get the newsletter though.  Did they send both the newsletter and this notice in e-mails, or just this notice?  I don't know why I would get the notice without getting the newsletter too if both of them were sent via e-mail.

Secondly, I am very much so confused.  This part:

"Resolution: In order to resolve this issue we've implemented a program that allows our new workers and those that upgrade, to obtain there own supplies, and be reimbursed for supplies. The worker no longer has to wait for supplies to be sent by the company and the company no longer risk losing supplies sent to workers that become inactive. "

What if we don't want to buy our own supplies, but still want to get work faster?  The closest supply store is 30 miles away for me, and that combined with gas prices...It ain't happening.  I liked receiving my supplies all set to go, but I also liked not having such huge gaps between shipments.  I would really like to have more than one project at a time, so I can finish one, send it off, and start working on the next one right away.

The one thing that doesn't seem to be taken into account in the above statement by New Works is this: I paid $70 to become a part of this.  If, for some reason, I decided that I didn't want to be a latchhooker anymore, and I decided not to send in my unfinished projects, the company would still have my $70!!!!  I'm pretty sure that whatever small square I'm working on, they cannot possibly be worth even close to $70!!!!  So the company is trying to cover their rears in two different ways: Require us to pay a large upfront fee (which I paid in full upfront) and only send out one project at a time to keep from losing any money on wasted materials.  That seems unfair to me, because if I'm serious enough to pay $70 for something, then you can bet I'll be serious enough to do the work.  I am almost done on the square I have right now (it's that funny shaped rectangle one) and I have no idea how much I am going to get paid for it.  I do know that I have spent hours working on it, and that combined with the cost of shipping and the envelope to ship it in, I am probably making about $0.05 an hour.  I'm not joking in the slightest.

So if I am willing to make less than slave labor wages, it seems like the least that could be done is to send out more than one project at a time, and not treat me as if I am going to bolt with the materials at any moment.  As strange as it sounds after reading what I wrote above, I actually do enjoy doing this.  It's a fun way to pass the evening and not feel guilty that I'm watching so much TV. :lol: but I am fairly dissatisfied.  Thanks for reading, and hopefully this will get to the right person.  Just in case, I am also sending it to Lonnie Perez.  

I am looking forward to having these issues resolved.

Hava

[tammy4candles]

Hava,

I agree on your points. I also think it would be nice if they would send more than one project at a time. If those are sent back in, I think it is quite clear that you are a serious worker, and the fact that $70 was invested up front. Sounds pretty clear to me!

I really do hope things improve soon.

[workathome]

I did not get the newsletter though. Did they send both the newsletter and this notice in e-mails, or just this notice? I don't know why I would get the notice without getting the newsletter too if both of them were sent via e-mail.

Newsletters were sent out from customerservice@myprayerrugs.com
and a notification of newsletter was sent out from this forum.  If you did not get a newsletter then you are not listed on our mailing list or the email address you used is different from the email address you have listed on the forum.


 I am almost done on the square I have right now (it's that funny shaped rectangle one) and I have no idea how much I am going to get paid for it. I do know that I have spent hours working on it, and that combined with the cost of shipping and the envelope to ship it in, I am probably making about $0.05 an hour. I'm not joking in the slightest.

We have been constantly requesting that workers please notify us if they have not been paid or if they have work out.   We've been posting for over one month regarding this issue.  

Are you saying that you spend $70 and presently, have a 9x18 square that you have been working on for almost 2 months, which you have spent many hours working on???  And as a result you will probaby end up making about .5 an hour.

And that you would like to request that the company send you at least (2) 30 X 60 rugs to work on, so that you can have some extra work???

I will definitely forward this to administration, however considering we do have workers that have been able to complete a small square in less time, we can only assume that peoples skills vary....creating a need for the training period in our original program.  I'm sure as you progress the time you have to spend on a rug will enable you to make more, ane even with the other avenues of increasing your income, remember that this is still a means of supplementing your income.

What if we don't want to buy our own supplies, but still want to get work faster?

Buying your own supplies is a choice to help cut down on the time it takes to process and ship you new work.  

Require us to pay a large upfront fee (which I paid in full upfront) and only send out one project at a time to keep from losing any money on wasted materials. That seems unfair to me, because if I'm serious enough to pay $70 for something, then you can bet I'll be serious enough to do the work.

This is a very reasonable and logical statement, however the truth is that there just happens to be a few people that paid $69.00 and still have not returned even the first square.  Considering this, it would also be reasonable to assume that it may be possible that if the company was to send them 2 of the largest rugs, in order to make sure they have extra work, they may get the same results.  

Why? Why not pay the worker when the shipment is received??

Some people are paid every week, some people are paid every two weeks, some people are paid by the day.  I think that the payment schedule and management is probably set up according to how processing, recordkeeping, and reshipment fits together and is best managed by the company.  

But I will definitely forward this to management, because it will be beneficial for those that remain under the original program.

I hope that I have answered all of your question.  If not, just send me an email on list it here on the forum to be answered.

Gloria

[Havsaworkin]

I did not get the newsletter though. Did they send both the newsletter and this notice in e-mails, or just this notice? I don't know why I would get the notice without getting the newsletter too if both of them were sent via e-mail.

Newsletters were sent out from customerservice@myprayerrugs.com and a notification of newsletter was sent out from this forum.  If you did not get a newsletter then you are not listed on our mailing list or the email address you used is different from the email address you have listed on the forum.

I know it would be the same e-mail address because I only have one.  How do I get on the mailing list?


I am almost done on the square I have right now (it's that funny shaped rectangle one) and I have no idea how much I am going to get paid for it. I do know that I have spent hours working on it, and that combined with the cost of shipping and the envelope to ship it in, I am probably making about $0.05 an hour. I'm not joking in the slightest.

We have been constantly requesting that workers please notify us if they have not been paid or if they have work out.   We've been posting for over one month regarding this issue.

I haven't gotten paid on this one because I haven't sent it back yet, and everything I've seen in e-mails that have come to me (and I have only received one other one than the one I received today, that I can think of) haven't mentioned anything about writing to tell you that I have work out, but only if we haven't been paid.  I should have my square done within a day or two, because I am close to finishing it.  Am I supposed to write someone and tell them that, and if so, who?  I think I have not been "in the loop" for quite a while on this, because I didn't have any idea I was supposed to write anybody to tell them I was working on my project.  Because I have been out of the loop, can you please tell me if this is an ongoing thing?  I just thought that I was supposed to get my work, do it, and send it in.  Are we supposed to check in periodically, say every two weeks or something?  Any information on this would be great.  Thank you.

Are you saying that you spend $70

Yes.

Presently, have a 9x18 square

I haven't measured my square, but I'd assume that's right.

that you have been working on for almost 2 months

I don't know how long I've been working on it.  I did stop working on it for a couple of weeks because of being out of town and other personal things, but I really can't say how long it's been.

which you have spent many hours working on???

Yes.  Most definitely.

And as a result you will probaby end up making about .05 an hour.

I'm estimating, but yeah, close.

And that you would like to request that the company send you at least (2) 30 X 60 rugs to work on, so that you can have some extra work???

Actually, I have yet to get a large rug.  I got a small one that I turned in and requested that I get two small ones the next time so that when I get the one small square done, I can start working on the second one while the first one is processing.  I got the rectangle instead, and no second one.  I'm fine with the rectangle, I don't care, but I would like at least two items so while one is being sent in and processed, the second one can be worked.  By time the third one comes, I would have the second one pretty much completed, and I can send in the second one and work on the third.  By sending me two the very first time, I can make sure to always have a steady supply of work.

This is my thinking in regards to the smaller rugs.  I have yet to tackle a large rug, and I don't think I would really want two of those.  I would probably sit down and just cry at the massive amount of work sitting there. I did one square first, and sent it back, showing that A, yes, I paid the fee to make sure that I am serious, and B, I even did a square, showing that this is something I didn't just order one night with my credit card while I was three sheets to the wind, but that I actually plan on doing this.  

At that point, once the original square is sent in, two squares could be sent to the worker, and things could progress as I outlined above.  Start them off with two small squares, then two rectangles, then one large rug and one small square, or whatever.  Work them up gradually.  The most you would ever be out is the material for the large rug and the small square, which would be covered by the $70 deposit and then some, I'm sure.  After people have been consistent with their work, and they finally earn back their $70 deposit, then you can be sure that they are going to do the work, and that you can trust them.  If you can't trust them by that point, you're never going to be able to trust them.

Why? Why not pay the worker when the shipment is received??

Some people are paid every week, some people are paid every two weeks, some people are paid by the day.  I think that the payment schedule and management is probably set up according to how processing, recordkeeping, and reshipment fits together and is best managed by the company.

I know that you guys who are actually doing the work would know better what is happening, and me standing on the sidelines, only seeing a small snippet, isn't going to have the whole picture.  I just had to bring that up because the structure of the work, as I saw it, made no sense.  Perhaps if I could actually see the work in progress it would make more sense to me, so I will not say anything more on that particular subject.

Hava

[workathome]

At that point, once the original square is sent in, two squares could be sent to the worker, and things could progress as I outlined above.

In response to your above statement:  The very first small squares that were sent out, were considered one square.  And workers were paid for one square.  The larger rectangle squares that were sent out were considered two squares, and workers were paid for two.  On each shipment more work was sent then the previous time, if you received at least a 6 on your previous work.  

When you received the rectange it should have shown two on your paperwork in order to let you know that the rectangle counted as two.  I think that considering that you never got pass your second shipment you may not have been aware that each time work was sent you received more.  

I am not sure how shipments will be handled coming June 18th, however I will be sure to forward your email to management.

Have a pleasant day.

[Havsaworkin]

At that point, once the original square is sent in, two squares could be sent to the worker, and things could progress as I outlined above.

In response to your above statement: The very first small squares that were sent out, were considered one square. And workers were paid for one square. The larger rectangle squares that were sent out were considered two squares, and workers were paid for two. On each shipment more work was sent then the previous time, if you received at least a 6 on your previous work.

When you received the rectangle it should have shown two on your paperwork in order to let you know that the rectangle counted as two. I think that considering that you never got pass your second shipment you may not have been aware that each time work was sent you received more.

Thank you very much for posting this.  I had to jump up and see if my paperwork had a 2 on it, and sure enough, it did!  I had never noticed that.  So does that mean that the rectangle is going to be paid at twice the rate the smaller square was paid at?  I'm just curious, because I have only been paid for the rate of the smaller square.  I have no idea what this rectangle is worth.

I do think that it's great that the more a person works, the more work they get, but my only problem with that is that if the square I get is twice as big as the one I got last time, then it will take twice as long for me to make the square, it's true, but I will still have that downtime between shipments, where I'm waiting for more work.  That is the essence of my suggestion: Give me two pieces, whatever size you want (except two large rugs - please don't kill me off!

Havs

PS I got the e-mail to sign up for the newsletter, and have done so.  Thank you for that also. I'm glad I posted today - it has really cleared up a lot of my concerns.

[Leather44]

I would like to upgrade to full membership, since I am a free worker.  Where do I send the $5.00 to?

I am totally confused about that.

Do I mail it to the same address?  I don't see anything about that on any of the links that I clicked on.

Please give me an answer to this question, before the deadline date!

Leather44[/b]

[samomof3]

I would like to upgrade to full membership, since I am a free worker.  Where do I send the $5.00 to?

I am totally confused about that.

Do I mail it to the same address?  I don't see anything about that on any of the links that I clicked on.

Please give me an answer to this question, before the deadline date!

Leather44[/b]

You can go to this link and pay your $5 via paypal.
http://www.myprayerrugs.com/WorkatHomeChanges.htm
scroll to bottom of the page.