Customer Payment

[redbeard]

Maybe I'm just burn't on dealing with the public....

Had a guy come buy my shop last fall asking if there was anything he could do for some money. Seemed like an ok guy that just needed some work/money so I let him rake all the leaves in the yard behind my shop, something that I never do but thought I would help him out. He got done in an hour and did a good job and I said how much do I owe you? He said $25? I pulled out $50 and told him to keep pushin and it'll turn around for him. He was very happy.

I wonder had you not been so generous with him the first time if he might not have been so pushy later on. Not that above and beyond is a bad thing, but it can give people ideas.

[EchoSixMike]

My buddy worked for a auto repair shop. Small local place. People would call up and ask to have their car towed in to get an estimate. They would get the estimate, say they would get back, and never show up or answer. They would leave the car. They were glad it was gone from the front of their house and would never answer any calls. He said there were a lot of the cars out back and they were running out of room.

On your situation I hope you get some cash out of it. Or maybe next time take a deposit if it looks pretty shady.

No estimates without deposit/CC#. No free towing. Here, mechanics leins are pretty easy; since we're a police tower, we just run them through the local PD, takes about 3-4 weeks in most cases, and since they're through the PD, the tool bag discovers that they can't renew their DL or auto registration.

The funny thing is, if you have a title, getting rid of the junk is simple, many places will pay you for it(even with the "free" tow) since scrap steel is over $250/ton. Oh well, you can't fix stupid. S/F....Ken M

[fdcmiami]

looks like a classic case of delayed "citification". don't worry, it will serve you well.

[everlastsupport]

We are way off topic, but what the heck.

I like the ones here on the corner with a cigarette in their lips (how much a pack now?) and a smart phone on the hip. I stopped giving a long time ago when I saw that pattern and a local new channel followed a handicapped homeless guy back to his new caddi a couple blocks away. There are places they can go for help. That is were to send the money if you feel the need.

[SeanMurphy265]

We are way off topic, but what the heck.

There are places they can go for help. That is were to send the money if you feel the need.

Most people who have been homeless will tell you to not give them any money. Your better off taking them somewhere or bringing them something to eat. I use keep McDonalds gift cards and would give them away, but their not fool proof. The groups that help out with the homeless usually know who is legit and who is not.

A funny side note.. I always said that if a homeless person came up to me and asked for money so they could buy beer; I would give it to them just because they were shooting me straight. I never thought that would happen, and a year and a half ago it happened. I was still living in Memphis and we were with a group on Beale Street listening to a band playing in a park. This guy walks up to me and says hey man... I need some money... and I'm not talking about some money for food... I just want a beer. I kinda laughed and told him that since he was being honest that I would hook him up. I walked across the street to one of the bars and got him a large draft beer. He thanked me, and I thanked him for being honest, and I appreciated that. The guy hung out in the park and had a good time. He danced and never bothered anyone the entire night. He was broke and just wanted to have a good time.

[everlastsupport]

A funny side note.. I always said that if a homeless person came up to me and asked for money so they could buy beer; I would give it to them just because they were shooting me straight. I never thought that would happen, and a year and a half ago it happened. I was still living in Memphis and we were with a group on Beale Street listening to a band playing in a park. This guy walks up to me and says hey man... I need some money... and I'm not talking about some money for food... I just want a beer. I kinda laughed and told him that since he was being honest that I would hook him up. I walked across the street to one of the bars and got him a large draft beer. He thanked me, and I thanked him for being honest, and I appreciated that. The guy hung out in the park and had a good time. He danced and never bothered anyone the entire night. He was broke and just wanted to have a good time.

I would probably do that. Not sure. Guess it depends on the person and the feeling I get. That is funny though.

[DaveO]

I like the ones here on the corner with a cigarette in their lips (how much a pack now?) and a smart phone on the hip. I stopped giving a long time ago when I saw that pattern and a local new channel followed a handicapped homeless guy back to his new caddi a couple blocks away.

A lot of people were duped into bad mortgages during the housing bubble, and a lot of other people falsified mortgage applications. The first set of people were victims of aggressive loan companies, and the second set were victims of themselves. What bugs me is the sense of entitlement certain people have: I *must* have a new car, I *must* have a fine house, I *must* have my cigarettes and smart phone etc. even when they can't afford it.

A guy I worked with suddenly went from single bachelor, apartment, new car to supporting his mother and sister when his father died suddenly. After he moved back home he lamented to me how tough it was, but was shocked when I suggested little things like disconnecting the cable tv, stop buying new clothes, and carrying his lunch to work instead of eating out every day. He couldn't grasp the concept of doing without, even for a short period of time while his family concerns were sorted out.

[everlastsupport]

DaveO, 100% right there. Might have to move this to the lounge

And the government helps them out with our tax dollars too. That is what gets me. Bad economy I can see the people needing help. Members and Mods on the forum have and some are still there. But the ones with the GOV incomes and still have the smokes, fancy phones, cable, new car, etc. That kills me.

[performance]

No cable or dish for me. No new car. No I phone, or pod or pad... Clothes wear just as good from the thrift store (maybe a little better) or on clearance at wal mart. We got the right kind of mortgage on a house that appraised well over what we paid...before the bubble burst...We've cut things back to the bone. Wife is an unemployed teacher with a master's degree. They've laid off 10,000 teachers in the state from what I understand. We're not alone in that in our town that is upside down with 20% unemployment. Still isn't easy for anyone these days.

[undercut]

No cable or dish for me. No new car. No I phone, or pod or pad... Clothes wear just as good from the thrift store (maybe a little better) or on clearance at wal mart. We got the right kind of mortgage on a house that appraised well over what we paid...before the bubble burst...We've cut things back to the bone. Wife is an unemployed teacher with a master's degree. They've laid off 10,000 teachers in the state from what I understand. We're not alone in that in our town that is upside down with 20% unemployment. Still isn't easy for anyone these days.

I hear you. Let go during the bubble. Out of work for over a year when bubble burst. Found a job but let go after 9 months due to slow down. Wouldn't have minded working minimum mopping floors at that point. We would have scraped by but I was scared for my kids. You want the best for them but can't think about their future when making ends meet each day. Been working for a couple of years now but I continue to buy almost nothing for myself. Still making up for lost time. I have, however, saved up for a welder! It's a huge investment that I hope will pay some dividends. I want to make stuff for my kids, do some repairs that would otherwise cost money, get my feet wet in a new trade and maybe make some money on the side.

*My very best wishes to those in tough times*

Now for something a little more upbeat (and closer? to being on topic)!

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/328509

[everlastsupport]

But on the good side, Natalie can be with the little one now. But the lack of income makes you adjust real fast I am sure.

[Johnson]

I don;'t think I would get SO negative about city people. I grew up in the city and own a cabin by a state forest up north. I also lived in a small town for 5 years and my mom has a farm in the county. One thing I notice about COUNTRY folk is they always try and rape you on price if you didn't go to high school with them. Or charge triple what "city" folk charge because they know you have no other choice other than to drive three hours back to the city. My girlfriend is from a small town in WI and all the cops that "knew" the kids let them go from driving drunk. There is no "place" where good people live There are good and bad people in both areas. I have some great neighbors that are 20 feet from me....and I have seen some country trash getto people with junkers and garabge all over there 10 arcres. Trust me ignorance and hate is everywhere....Try not to be so judging to others...

[Tanh]

I missed this thread but it kinda hits me in the gut. I'm a city slicker and a little rough around the edges. But I don't see myself as "city folk", in the sense that I'm deviant and antisocial. That doesn't mean I try to stick people with my burden or cut them out of what's due.

It's just that in the city you're very focus on your own life. And if that life includes others then you'll be social with them. If not then it really doesn't matter what others think. You have so many people around you they become like the sand and you get jaded to their presence. Some of them are so in their own world that they don't give a fart as to others and their conditions.

I can identify with those that don't give to these people. Not because I don't care for others but cus it's just going to be wasted. And we're not in a position to waste resources. Up till a few years ago I was unmarried, had no car and travelled by bus. At the station you'll see beggars everywhere. A guy came up to me once and was mumbling something with this back turned to me and on his new cell phone. He was asking for fare to the next town cus he was outa cash when his mom kicked him out. I just ignored him cus when you talk to someone you have to face them. You also have to be talking to that person and not having a fake conversation trying to look busy or important. Guess I woulda came off looking like a snob or typical city trash at that time.

Just goes to show, charity is only for the rich. The poor don't need it. Mostly because we poo folk can make due with what we have and we're resourceful out of necessity.

Sorry for the thread revival.