References FAQ ...

Steps to upload References

• Login
• Select Functions/ Reference Upload from the left menu
• Select a document from your computer in one of:- .doc, .pdf, .txt, .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png format
• References must be less than 250K file size.
• Then a link to your references will appear on your profile. Only logged in homeowners you have exchanged messages with, will be able to view your references.

Tips to overcome problems

• If files space is too large - scan and save as PDF Greyscales or Black and White. color takes up a lot more file space
• make sure you keep your file name simple - not too long and no special characters - eg myref2.doc or reference.pdf
• References must be less than 250K file size.
• If your upload a word file the homeowner must have word on their computer. Word documents often download rather than display in the browser. So you may want to consider saving as PDF.

The most acceptable form that can be read by most homeowners is PDF. If you use a latter version of Word it may not be accessible by homeowners as they either dont have the latest version or dont have Word at all. You can scan as a PDF document, OR Save As PDF from your word processor or scanner software.

You need to have the word Police in your heading/ title of your reference: Select Functions References in the Members Left Menu and update Title to include the Word Police within the title.

Also please select the Police Clearance keyword: Select Profile / Edit Keywords - then under Security select Police Checked

The references cannot be viewed by the public. They can only be viewed by logged on Homeowners. You can chose an extra security level of only displaying to Homeonwers you have applied or communicated with. This also protects the privacy of the referees. You should have their permission to upload the reference.

The most acceptable form that can be read by all homeowners is PDF. It you use a latter version of Word it may not be accessible by homeowners as they either dont have the latest version or dont have Word at all.

You can scan as a PDF dcoument.OR Save As PDF from your word processor.

The login and click References to upload to your reference library

Just write about how they did a good job for yo.u and was reliable etc - that you would ;choose them again - mainly just be yourself, in your expression. When done - forward to your housesitter and they can upload it to their personal private reference library - it can only be viewed by logged on homeowners. References are only wothwhile if the references can be verified by the homeonwer so included some contact details on the reference.

Compaints

We don't allow sitters or homeowners to post disparaging remarks about other human beings due to libel and legal issues. It works both ways. There are on rare occasions very unreasonable homeowners and sitters who don't fulfill their side. We ask that complaints be sent to us that are factual objective and unemotional. We hear both sides and take appropriate action from there.

Unfortunately the ebay feedback system is not viable with housesitting - yes a good idea but not able to work in practice. At ebay all parties are verified by credit card information or similar and both sides are involved in a monetary transaction. At housecarers homeowners can register without any verification (as we are conscious of privacy concerns) So anyone could manufacture feedback. Also there are libel issues and there is always two sides to ever story.

If we get complaints and hear both sides of the story we sometimes block homeowners or sitters from the site. If either side is unreasonable or irresponsible etc.

You can get that information here:
Police Clearance Information