Garage Etiquette

[Urbanstorm]

I wanted to ask other peoples opinions on this.
Maybe its just me.

I had an item on a classified site, and a young guy and his dad showed up to look/buy.

I opened the garage door and invited them in. I had the item on my Roller Cabinet next to my car. I'm talking to the young guy about the item and I look up and the father is leaning with his full hand and wedding ring against the fender of my car. I watched him like a hawk out of the corner of my eye, and the transaction only took but a minute. But i felt my demeanor change when I saw it. The guy even says something to the effect of, this is some car you have here.

No harm done, however whenever I am invited into someone's garage, I make a point not to lean, touch, kick the tires on anything in there.

If you are like me, What do you do to politely ask them to keep their hands to themselves?

The car is a 2011 BMW 1 series M Coupe in orange if you were wondering.

 

[DCarr2]

I have had people start going thruogh drawars and cabinets in my shop, which I promptly kicked them out... they typically act defensive like they have some 'right'

 

[8man]

I agree, I don't even come close to someone else's car!

Although I don't have a good suggestion about how to politely ask them to not touch it.

 

[buddyboy]

You need to act like Willy Wonka whenever you bring someone new into your space.

"ok before we go into my shop there are some rules, you don't like the rules, don't come in"

then if they do something all you have to say "did you forget the rules already?"

 

[930dreamer]

I don't let strangers into the shop.

 

[LXCam]

I'm a car guy thru and thru. I always wear loose shirt and never have any exposed metal when I'm around cars. Hell I even put my hand on my shirt so nothing touches a car when I'm looking under the hood or interior. Some guys have absolutely no common sense when it comes to anyone else's belongings. If someone did that in my shop or even in my presence to someone else's I didn't even know I would say something without hesitation, which has happened on many occasions.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Personally I wouldn't even open the garage since i am worried about security. Whatever i am selling will be sitting in the driveway or in the back in my truck when they get there so there is no peering eyes at my stuff in the garage. I'll even have an extension cord pulled out there so if it's something that requires power they can plug it in and test it


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[Cummins_Tech]

Yup, if I'm selling something, I drag it out, load it up, and meet in a neutral location. I'm a CHL holder so I always carry protection as well, too many crazies out there that wouldn't hesitate to try to steal from someone to pawn it so they can get their next fix.


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[DH007]

I have asked people to stop leaning on my stuff. I usually try to keep it lighter like saying, "my OCD is kicking in so please don't lean on my (X)." Usually that does the trick, but I have had to be much more blunt a coupe of times and am willing to do that.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I"m sure he wasn't doing it intentionally, he was just clueless. People lean on or touch cars all the time; if you're picky about it ask them to politely not touch, and 9 times out of 10 they'll apologize and take their hands off.

 

[isb cornbinder]

My wife paid $24,749.03 for the body and paint on my 1940 Ford. My beer and marijuana stoned neighbor walked into the shop and staggered toward my car and sat on the front bumper, left side. He left a serious rub mark in the paint. I kicked him out with a no return option. The reader can imagine the language I chose to use to show my displeasure.

 

[matt_i]

Personally I wouldn't even open the garage since i am worried about security. Whatever i am selling will be sitting in the driveway or in the back in my truck when they get there so there is no peering eyes at my stuff in the garage. I'll even have an extension cord pulled out there so if it's something that requires power they can plug it in and test it

 

[crewchief888]

i agree with the above posters, i wouldnt let a stranger in the garage in the 1st place.

personally i wouldnt lay a hand on anything in someone elses house or garage.

i hit a couple cars shows during the summer months, and stay arms length away from every vehicle.
it's called respect for someone elses property

i wouldnt think of touching a vehicle. i dont like anyone doing it to my vehicle, even tho they couldnt hurt anything (i always ask if they are up on their tetanus shot when anyone gets close)

 

[PFSard]

i agree with the above posters, i wouldnt let a stranger in the garage in the 1st place.

personally i wouldnt lay a hand on anything in someone elses house or garage.

I'm in agreement with this line of reasoning. On both viewpoints. (1) No strangers in my house or garage. (2) And absolute respect for someone else's property. If I want to touch something, I ask permission first.

To answer the OP's question : I would not be happy with someone leaning on my nice automobile with scratching materials. Politely ask the person to please not lean on the car. He was probably doing it unconsciously.

 

[LeonardY]

I have one neighbor that is a really nice guy. High School Principal for a special education school.
But when it comes to garage etiquette, he has none.
Came over to chat one day and sat against the hood of my car. I politely asked him not to. He looked at me like I was overreacting. I explained that I just waxed the car. He apologized.
Came over another time and was interested in my woodworking. He began telling me about his father in law having old woodworking planes. He picked up a few of mine and then put them down hard on the bench. Right on the sole and blade. I explained to him that you put them down on the side so not to damage the blade. He did it again. I said, "You're not a good listener."
There are other instances but you get the idea
I've finally gotten to the point that I close the garage door when I see him headed over.

Our local sheriff allows people to meet in their parking lot for sales. I've had a few people cancel when I tell them to meet me there.

 

[19eddie82]

I've had colleagues and customers alike using my tool box as a coffee table, a tool rest or even a bicycle rack. I get told all the time to lighten up as it's just a piece of metal, I have to point out that that piece of metal cost more that there TVs and explain that they wouldn't be too happy about people putting cups of coffee down on their TVs. Doesn't stop people tho at least 4 times a day I have to move/throw stuff to the other side of the workshop out of my way.

 

[Outlander]

My Dad was not a car guy but to him they were all 'expensive machines' that were to be treated with respect. If I were to lean or sit on a car today I would feel the back of his hand from the grave.

 

[rmmiller]

I let my eyes wander but keep my hands to myself, I wouldn't want my stuff molested so I give others the same level of courtesy.

Personally I wouldn't even open the garage since i am worried about security. Whatever i am selling will be sitting in the driveway or in the back in my truck when they get there so there is no peering eyes at my stuff in the garage. I'll even have an extension cord pulled out there so if it's something that requires power they can plug it in and test it

I do the same, easiest way to solve the issue.

I have one neighbor that is a really nice guy. High School Principal for a special education school.
But when it comes to garage etiquette, he has none.
Came over to chat one day and sat against the hood of my car. I politely asked him not to. He looked at me like I was overreacting. I explained that I just waxed the car. He apologized.
Came over another time and was interested in my woodworking. He began telling me about his father in law having old woodworking planes. He picked up a few of mine and then put them down hard on the bench. Right on the sole and blade. I explained to him that you put them down on the side so not to damage the blade. He did it again. I said, "You're not a good listener."
There are other instances but you get the idea
I've finally gotten to the point that I close the garage door when I see him headed over.

Our local sheriff allows people to meet in their parking lot for sales. I've had a few people cancel when I tell them to meet me there.

This is why I always leave the door closed, my garage time is my alone time. I plan on buying or building a screen for when the door is open,There is one that rolls up and down but you sacrifice head room.

 

[Robby321]

What about ya motorcycle guys? Idiot sits on yer bike no ask first and WHY DO THEY NEED TOO TWIST THE THROTTLE? And many bikers have chain wallets, keys dangling and swing into everything. I ALWAYS grab the keys in my hand if EVER near a ride to look.."NO TOUCH"!

 

[lakeroadster]

I too am very aware and respectful, never touching anyone's vehicles. But I have found that it's all about "Cultures and Generations"

Generations:
I took my Grandfather to a car show in my Model A Hot Rod. He was a true car guy... a true mechanical wizard. We walk up to a car, and my Grandfather puts both hand on the car and leans on the fender to look at the engine. Grandpa was in his late 70's at the time. The guy that owned the car just smiled and struck up a conversation.

Cultures:
We moved from Ohio to Colorado. I park my truck near the door of where I work. I come out the door and there are 5 guys leaning on my truck. I yelled, WTF guys? Get off my truck!

In both cases I knew the folks well, and they knew me well... none of them were spiteful, all were people that respected others property.

 

[PelicanPines]

I don't even let them know the exact town I live in. WOULD NEVER let them know my street... much less house...

BUT yea... If I'm in someones garage... I don't touch anything...

HOWEVER let me mention this... if the gentleman was older... sometimes us old people need help with gravity... consider that ...

 

[Bronson]

Several years ago I bought a 78 Corvette Pace car.
It has 10 miles on it. Price sheet still glued to the window, plastic still on both seat, cardboard still screwed to the floor and steering wheel still wrapped in plastic, car had never been tagged or stickered.
My next door neighbor ( local Fire Chief) heard about it and came over to see it, uninvited.
I had a PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH sign on the windshield.
He walked around the car oohing and awing and I opened the passenger door so he could see the Silver Smoke interior.
I stepped back to alow him room to look.
Suddenly, he grabbed the door, BY THE TOP OF THE WINDOW, and SLAMMED IT, HARD.
I could not believe my eyes.
I could feel my blood pressure rising and I took him by the elbow, walked him to the door and pushed him out and locked the door.
I couldn't believe he did that with the BIG SIGN on the windshield.
Spanky Assister, the Auctioneer ,came over to appraise the car and I told him the story.
He just shook his head and said he had seen that type of behavior at every Auction he was ever involved in.
He also told me that "if the window with the sticker on it had broken, it would have halved the value of the car".
I didn't keep the car long, every swinging **** that walked in my shop wanted to lean on it, or set their coke on top of the mirror T-tops.
The Vette is now in a Private collection.

 

[Ryanbabz71]

Everyone who resides in my house (wife and kids) know to be careful walking by my car in the 3rd car side if they are going for tools. My son is 7 and knows not to touch anyone's vehicles. Drives me crazy


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[mmb617]

I'd have said something. Some people are clueless but that doesn't mean you shouldn't at least try to educate them.

 

[LXCam]

I count myself lucky that my shop is about 100ft behind my garage. So on the rare occasion I have something up for sale I stash it in the garage and close up the shop so no one can see what's back there. It's pretty rare just anyone gets invited into my shop.

 

[Marctrees]

Yup, NO touch.... and more than that...stay 2' away minimum, and if you need to see closer, lean head into that space....Hands at sides.... NOT closer. Marc

 

[Hammer1963]

I am like most of you that have replied. One, nobody comes into my shop that I do not know very well and those people know the rules. Unless invited, you do not touch. Tools, cars, equipment, anything. i may be an ***, but that's just how it is. It only takes one encounter for someone to realize that I am serious

 

[brownbagg]

My wife paid $24,749.03 for the body and paint on my 1940 Ford.

why?

 

[ScottsGT]

why?

'cause she sounds like an awesome wife!

 

[malibu101]

why?

Probably because there can be a lot more to "paint" than just applying the paint.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

There's a difference between restoration, and slapping some primer/paint/clear on some 90s model shitbox...


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[Bretny]

I never let people i dont know in my garage. I sell stuff online a bit and i always put it outside with the doors shut. I even move quads/dirt bikes from the open face shed into the garage when i know someones coming. Cant come back and steal what they cant see.

 

[thursday]

I'm in the "don't let them in your garage" crowd. Sure you might miss the opportunity to talk shop with someone respectful and like minded but the potential risks outweigh the rewards in my dealings.

 

[Bighead38]

My wife paid $24,749.03 for the body and paint on my 1940 Ford. My beer and marijuana stoned neighbor walked into the shop and staggered toward my car and sat on the front bumper, left side. He left a serious rub mark in the paint. I kicked him out with a no return option. The reader can imagine the language I chose to use to show my displeasure.

Pics? I love 1940 fords.

 

[Dragfluid]

Jesus

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I always meet in a neutral location, unless the size of the item prohibits it. If they have to come to my house, I have the item ready out in the driveway, no one goes in the house or garage for any sale.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Anymore, I watch people when they pull into my driveway. Too many low life thieves around.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I also prefer visitors to ask before taking photos. If I am visiting your place I will ask permission first.

 

[Sammgb]

Like most, first, I don't like letting strangers into my garage. If I'm around someone else's car, I always keep my hands in my pockets just to make sure that I don't come into contact accidentally. If someone does get into the garage, I let it be known that looking is fine, but touching without permission might cause some problems. Only real problems I've ever had has been with kids at car shows.

 

[ddawg16]

why?

The fact you have to ask means you don't understand.