found Joyel Puryear "Info Technologist" on craigslist, paid him $500 to compile test batch of data for website import. i explained platform requirements clearly to him, showed him examples, even gave him a spreadsheet template to use. he assured me he and his "virtual assistant" (VA) team in India" are experienced in data projects like this, & that he would have completed test batch of data back to me in "two weeks."
two MONTHS later, and after one excuse after another - aunt died, best friend died, MLK holiday, unexpected delays, i.e. same stuff others posted - i never received test batch of data, just a couple of garbage files (my templates with couple of minor edits) he sent to placate me after i kept calling/emailing him for updates. complete waste of time. i told him i wanted my money back i.e. his upfront "money-back guarantee" - he assured me i would get it. however, only more excuses (ex-wife wrecked his car, lady supposed to wire him money that never came through...).