How far would you go to help?

[duc916]

Do you need help around the shop or house? Things that would be nice to get done, but you do not have time (painting, weeding, cleaning, etc.)

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I say if you can afford to do it, help a man out if he's been a good customer. Yeah, you MIGHT get screwed...but you might also get a life long customer who sings your praises to others the rest of his life.

I try not to be a cynic and not negative. Too DAMN many of those in the world already.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Help the guy out. He seems to be honest. If he was going to stick you with the bill, he wouldn't have said a thing...He would've let you do the work, then just not paid you.
When you lose your trust in your fellow man, your the one who has lost.

If it's not going to financially kill you, then do what your soul tells you. It's good karma to help people out, you should just go in with the expectation that you might get little to no repayment. If it would put you in a bind, simply tell him that, after all you aren't a charity.

Maybe see if he can help you after hours to work on his vehicle?

Some people donate to charities, others just help when they see an opportunity to do so.

I fall into the latter category.

I agree with these guys.

 

[elronin]

A fellow officer that I work with told me a good story once. He walked into the local Publix supermarket and as he walked through the door he noticed a 60 to 70 year old black female crying and people just walking past her. He stopped and asked her what was wrong and she advised she had been dropped off by family who would pick her up later, and she had lost her money wallet that had 40 dollars in it. She advised my friend that she looked all over for it and even asked the manager if anyone had turned in a small wallet. Manger told her no in a rude manner. This officer frequents this supermarket and knows the manager, when he asks him if the old lady had asked him about the missing wallet, he told him he looked but no one had turned a wallet in.

So the officer asks her what was she there for, she replies for some medication, and some groceries. He tells her he was not gonna give her the 40 dollars but to go ahead and pick up some groceries and her medication and meet him at the check out line that he would pay. So he meets up with her pays her stuff which was like 30 dollars, and she thanks him and her family picks her up.

My friend then walks over to the cashier and asks for a 20 dollar scratch off, and guess what he wins 500 bucks. Know he is one of those guys that always try to pick up the tab, and when it comes to gambling, he just lucky I guess.

Now the moral of the story is you will eventually be paid back some how, either something good will happen to you, or just the fact that you committed an act of kindness might be all the pay back you'll ever need.

I know its not 30 bucks, your gonna need to pay in the hundreds. Just add up the parts, get some used parts if it will save you money. As far as time, everyone has helped out some just to help out, I bet you've have gotten some sort of help over the years from others that didn't cost much but a beer and some food.

If you can do it, just do it. It's that simple.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[woodrail]

wait for it.........

 

[mrpizza]

wait for it.........

hahahahahahaha

 

[kbs2244]

At the least cover your cost up front.
(And do not tell him what the amount is. IE, do not break out labor on your bill.)
Then work out a payment schedule for the rest.
If it is a truck used in a business then he should be able to understand the need to be paid as a business cost incurred.
You are just carrying the money for your labor.
(Again, not specified as such. Just to keep you from the Sebring convertible possibility.)

 

[ctgoodman]

You know him better than us. I'f I had done business with him for 10 years and felt I knew his story I would do what I could for him..

It just ticks me off to see people take money from friends and relatives who then barely buy groceries and neglect their kids by not taking them dentist or Dr., but both the wife and dad smoke 4-6 packs of cigarettes a day and always have booze for the weekend riding around in a truck with $2500 rims, while making payments on an $8000 ATV.

 

[dlcwent]

Thanks for all your input guys. I decided to do it. I too believe that good deeds do not go unrewarded. This guy is not a leech. He is a hard working man that has really fallen on some bad times. I don't even know why I posted this. I am very fortunate and can afford to help him out. I just don't want to never see him again because he owes me money. And in the past, people that have screwed me, I look at it that I bought them cheap (even if it was for several hundred bucks). I wanted to hear from others, to see how they felt. It's not always easy being a nice guy (not that I am) nice guys get Fu...ed and I wondered what some of you had say. An interesting situation when money gets involved.

 

[woodrail]

Good for you. Regardless of what happens, what you are doing is good. How he handles it is on him.

 

[bmwe0692]

You knew what you were going to do before asking here. All it took was a little validation on the forum members part. This gentleman needed a hand up, not a hand out!
Karma will be on the horizon for you. Not today, maybe not this week, but it will eventually reach you.

T.J.

 

[PelicanPines]

First of all... I don't think you are "Burned" when you do someone a solid favor and they can't repay you. It's called doing someone a solid who has been putting food on your table for years.

Second of all... wait.. there is no second. Just do the guy a favor and hook him up.

 

[kf4zht]

I have no problem helping out a good customer or friend that has helped me in the past (even not monetarily). When I do there is no "Payment plan" or financing. I usually will ask them to help out on the work.

Where I get leery is the old friend that comes out of the woodwork or the one that you have known for a short time and all of a sudden its a tragedy. Those seem to be the ones that screw me over. That and anyone who doesn't offer to help with the work wherever they can, even if it is just putting stuff away or handing tools to me.

 

[McGoo]

Since you know he is a stand up guy,you are doing the right thing. I have helped out many without asking them to repay me. I am a firm believer in paying forward so all I ask is that they help someone else who truly needs help (it doesn't have to be money).

McGoo

 

[yhprum]

Good for you.I hope that good Karma pays you a visit!

 

[jim1987]

So your going to tell him after this you don't want to ever see him again?

"I just dont want to never see him again because he owes me money"

I think you meant you don't want him to stop seeing you because of money.

 

[Elmo4895]

THe contractor and I were just talking about this yesterday. We both have helped many out. THe difference between him and I, when someone screws him over, it's usually to the point that he has to take them to court. (he owns apartments)

I found out years ago.....if you are going to help someone out, DO NOT expect to get any money back in return. If you are willing to help out, make sure you can afford it, and do it out of the kindness of your heart.

Just like in one of my other replies, everyone that was in the Toolroom when I left, I helped to get in the Toolroom, and taught them. What happened? When I left, a few thousand dollars of my tools were stolen, I asked a so called friend, who I really thought was a friend about who might have my tools. He didn't know, and that was the last time he has stopped over. That has been two years now since I spoke with him.

We were at a company bowling party one winter, and a friend that we went to bars with, or him and his girlfriend would stop at the house every so often......he was at the bowling party. We were talking and he said that he finally got to see his kids (he was divorced) So he was wanting to get them something for Christmas but didn't have the money. I handed him $300 and told him when he gets on his feet and gets a good job, he can pay me back then. That was the last time we spoke.

I do something for someone because I WANT to. Anymore, I don't look to get anything in return. Friends will screw you, family will screw you worse. I'm not bitter about helping people and not getting anything in return. I believe in Karma, so the good things that happen to me in life, that is my repayment. The ones that I have helped out, if they don't pay it forward, and don't help others, Karma can be a real ***** too. I've witnessed it time after time.

And when it comes to friends, you will only have one or two real true friends in your life, and that may just be your wife and kids. All the others are acquaintances. Some hang around longer than others. And they show their real true colors when it is their turn to help you out.

"A good friend will come and bail you out of jail... but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn... that was fun!"

What he said!

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I've helped people out in the past that I thought were good for their word only to be burned. I guess that's life and we live with our decisions.

The one thing as already mentioned is why does this fellow not seek help from family first? Is he a closet dead=-beat and you are only seeing his phony side?

I would have asked around and tried to find out more about his background before extending the favor. He may have some skeletons with rotting flesh in his background.

I do a good bit of charity car repair work for widow women at a local Baptist church who were care givers to my father in his final days. To them I will always be in debt to them for their kindness.

 

[6768rogues]

Get used parts, fix it on the cheap and charge a minimal amount. Then work out a payment plan perhaps with payments bartered if he can do something of value for you.

 

[boo coo tracks]

Do it!! What is the price of 10 years loyalty. Bet you have a lot of customers who always pay but they have moved on. You will get a good felling !!
Tracks

 

[boo coo tracks]

Tough call. You time is "free" (not really at all), but the cost of the hundreds of dollars of parts comes from you. That money could be a nice weekend at the amusement park with the family or similar.

I know it is tough to tell, but is the guy trying to help himself? Was he smoking and have a Red Bull can in the truck?

What does a Red Bull have to do with this!!!!!
Tracks

 

[jim1987]

What does a Red Bull have to do with this!!!!!
Tracks

$$$.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey guys.. I came across a new one today. I've owned my own small repair shop for about 14 yrs. (my 2nd one). I have a customer that's been coming here for over 10 yrs. Always been a good payer and a real nice guy on top of that. About 2 months ago he had a mild stroke. It didn't totally screw him up but did put him out of work.

Here's the deal.
He brought his truck into the shop on Tuesday. He needs an inspection. We found a lot wrong with it. Very rusty and used hard in the last year. Anyway he is in a hard spot with cash. I am going to lay out hundreds of dollars on parts alone and several hours of labor. He says he needs his truck but don't know how or when he can re-pay me.

What would you do?....No smart *** answers please.

Just get it in writing. Even that ***** to bring up but gotta do it...even if he can only pay 20 bucks a month. Maybe give him a break on the labor if you can (some discount).

Unless there is some form of local social service that he can tap into which might exist; usually the religion-based ones have something like this. Winter in maine can be rough without a disability so much worse with his disability.

You don't have to but you should. People you know (like long term customers) even if they're not "friends" are your friends.

 

[Hobbit]

If I'm in a position to give my services away for free to someone I deem worthy I will do it. If I'm not in a financial position to do so at the time I will kindly decline.

 

[rick carpenter]

Thanks for all your input guys. I decided to do it....

Ya done good, Bubba! God bless you.

(You're an honorary Southern Bubba now.)

 

[TractorJeff]

My neighbor always insisted on paying for help. Then he had a mild stroke, being an "Over The Road" truck driver. DOT pulled his license.
Anyways, He called asking for help, I showed up, he wanted to pay, I right out told him No, Don't worry! It'll square up. He still calls if he needs help, I lose a little time from paying projects but he is trying to move forward in life.
No, He doesn't drink Red Bull and smoke!
Anyways, Maine can be a tough place, hence the pickup truck. If you have known him for 10 years, you probably know his background, you be the Judge of Character.
Me I would fix it, but for his pride maybe ask him if he can sweep or answer phones, chase parts.

 

[Labradorian]

Look at it this way, 10 years of loyalty, if he was gonna pull a move I rekon he would've done it long ago.
You know the facts and the details of why he is where he is, So, if you can keep your Loved 1's fed and happy and the doors to your shop open while helping him out, I'd say go for it.
Sometime we have to show our appreciation to our Clients for their loyalty as well.

Above All, just the fact that you asking, tells me you have considered it and it is therefore in your heart to do it if the above can be met. You'll feel good about yourself in the end and thats what will count.

Couldn't of said it better myself.

 

[rockinacummins]

The forum has spoken. Help the dude. If he has a good attitude, seems to be honest, and you have a heart, get started. And, as stated earlier, barter it out. He could lend a hand in the shop!

 

[ovilla]

What I've discover over time is that folks that truly need help never ask for it and those that don't always do. Yes, it sounds a bit weird but that's just my experience. Best of luck to you!

 

[dlcwent]

Hey guys. If any of you are interested. I did the work on his truck.

He came in and gave me his 02 Trailblazer as partial payment. He's gone through PT and should be back at work soon. He thanked me for al the help and assured me I'd get what money was owed to me. The Trailblazer needs a little work, but overall is in pretty good shape.

So I guess a little charity didn't put me out. I know I could fix the Trailblazer and sell it and would get back all that I gave away. But it actually looks like I could make money on the deal.

As some of you said. No good deed goes unrewarded.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

Two thumbs up.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Maybe cover 50% of the parts and the labor? Get some cash out of him. It's not like he's a buddy or family

He's more apt to make it up to you, than a 'buddy' or a family member would.

The 50% seems reasonable.

 

[littlebritishcar]

My grandparents owned a restaurant in Los Angeles in the 1940s. They had several very loyal customers whom they considered friends. Most of them worked at the local steel mills. When the steel workers went on strike they allowed them to eat on credit. The strike went on and on and the workers were having extreme financial difficulties. My grandparents allowed them to being their families in because, for many, that was the only way they could eat. The strike continued and my grandparents mortgaged their home and business to keep the doors open. When the strike was over the workers stopped coming in. A few attempted to pay a little at a time but most were so far in debt after the strike that they just couldn't pay my grandparents back. They avoided them because they were embarrassed. My grandparents soon lost the restaurant and their home. My grandmother went to work as a waitress and my grandfather went to work in the factories alongside the very people who owned him the money. He never held it against them because he said that they were good people trying to provide for their families. The way he saw it, everybody took a beating during the strike. My grandfather became a very strong union man and worked his way up to plant manager at the tire factory which is now the Citidel in Los Angeles.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hey guys. If any of you are interested. I did the work on his truck.

He came in and gave me his 02 Trailblazer as partial payment. He's gone through PT and should be back at work soon. He thanked me for al the help and assured me I'd get what money was owed to me. The Trailblazer needs a little work, but overall is in pretty good shape.

So I guess a little charity didn't put me out. I know I could fix the Trailblazer and sell it and would get back all that I gave away. But it actually looks like I could make money on the deal.

As some of you said. No good deed goes unrewarded.

He's happy, you're happy, good for you man.

 

[skyking]

What does a Red Bull have to do with this!!!!!
Tracks

He is saying that most people in bad times put themselves there. They cry about being broke but still smoke ,drink,go out ,do drugs and do the same things that are the reason they are broke.
We are all supposed to live in a manner where we can survive when times are hard.

" No good deed goes unpunished"

Tell the guy that while you work on his car he can be painting the trim on your house or detailing your car or some other task and see just how quick he dissapears!!

 

[PFSard]

Hey guys. If any of you are interested. I did the work on his truck.

He came in and gave me his 02 Trailblazer as partial payment. He's gone through PT and should be back at work soon. He thanked me for al the help and assured me I'd get what money was owed to me. The Trailblazer needs a little work, but overall is in pretty good shape.

So I guess a little charity didn't put me out. I know I could fix the Trailblazer and sell it and would get back all that I gave away. But it actually looks like I could make money on the deal.

As some of you said. No good deed goes unrewarded.

Thanks for the followup. That's great. At one time or another, we all can use help. I hope your action in this case brings you many more net positive returns.

Paul

 

[ajchien]

I'm late to the discussion....

If you're the boss, and he's a long time customer. I'd say help out. That's one of the perks of being boss. You're making the decisions.

The day that you cease being boss, or some lawyer decides to meddle, or some governmental regulation prevents you from doing it ... then you're no longer in control.

Cherish being able to make the decisions.

 

[Crfdell]

I had a customer that came to me when buying a new home (small trailer in reasonable condition) wife was a school teacher but was on disability leave due to a sever medical condition. They paid my fees no questions asked and I had no idea at the time that they were having difficulties spoke with the realtor and found out everything including the fact the husband had sold his car to pay for my services and they were losing their house in town reason for the downsize. I took the cheque to them with a note on the back that basically said that my services were a gift from my wife and I and that I hoped they could use the money to help get settled.

I felt good and these people became an advocate for my services and I have made more money from referrals over the years and made some friends in the process

 

[Labradorian]

I had a customer that came to me when buying a new home (small trailer in reasonable condition) wife was a school teacher but was on disability leave due to a sever medical condition. They paid my fees no questions asked and I had no idea at the time that they were having difficulties spoke with the realtor and found out everything including the fact the husband had sold his car to pay for my services and they were losing their house in town reason for the downsize. I took the cheque to them with a note on the back that basically said that my services were a gift from my wife and I and that I hoped they could use the money to help get settled.

I felt good and these people became an advocate for my services and I have made more money from referrals over the years and made some friends in the process

Sounds like something I would of done too...... Sometimes you just got to help people out.

 

[Kevin54]

Hey guys. If any of you are interested. I did the work on his truck.

He came in and gave me his 02 Trailblazer as partial payment. He's gone through PT and should be back at work soon. He thanked me for al the help and assured me I'd get what money was owed to me. The Trailblazer needs a little work, but overall is in pretty good shape.

So I guess a little charity didn't put me out. I know I could fix the Trailblazer and sell it and would get back all that I gave away. But it actually looks like I could make money on the deal.

As some of you said. No good deed goes unrewarded.

The guy was a standup guy. You now have something you can make some money on over and above what you put out. What I would do is fix it up, detail it out, sell it, and when you make over and above what the other job cost you in parts only I would tell him that you also had some good luck, and hand him back the change.

Now don't take it wrong......that's what I would do. Karma can be a *****, or she can reward. You were worried, but even though you decided to go ahead and do it, possibly with our GJ'ers prodding a little, in the end, the 10 years of loyalty to you paid off, and there was nothing at all to worry about. You took a gamble on him, and he showed you he was true to his word. MYSELF, I would offer any money made over and above back to him, and if he absolutely refuses, I would take that money and donate it to some place that can use it, and let him know that is what you are doing. Not very often are you going to run into a person like him, other than the person in the mirror who decided to help him in the first place. You did good