I had a simple ticket for a rack n stack parts swap on a server yesterday. It was supposed to be a 4 hr job that I bid as 4 hr min $$/hr for 4 hrs travel. I arrived on site 10 minutes early, checked in through the platform but couldn't get an answer at the door. I texted the PM who's told me before he won't communicate through the platform and he told me the client has asked to put the ticket on hold until they're ready sometime in August. He apologized for not letting me know sooner. Schitt happens and I understand.

The problem I have is that the buyer locked the ticket as on hold and I haven't been paid for my trip out. He stated in a text that since he put the ticket on hold at 9:55 which was before I was due on site, he's not paying for this trip. Buyer is not responding anymore beyond that 1 text. I reported a problem on FN and the ticket was promptly closed with no action nor comment.

So here I am, out gas money and 45 minutes of driving for nothing and in a position with now way out. Any suggestions on how to get out of the ticket without being plowed by FNs new reliability metrics ? FN support has told me that if I ask to be removed, it will be a ding on my score. I understand that if the buyer ever surfaces again and releases me from the ticket, I'll be dinged as well. I've worked with this buyer before. It's been rocky but not awful. This PM is new and my old contact quit.