freebies

[larry_k]

Just because you work from home . Why do people think you can do work for free???? After you pay for the machine and software.
How many of you have come across this problem.

[dlcw]

Many times! People think I run Santa Clauses workshop and I will put stuff under their tree for Christmas.

Interesting people don't treat plumbers and other trades the same way they treat woodworkers....:(

[Brady Watson]

C'mon guys...all we do is 'push a button' anyway :rolleyes:

...and maybe top off the pink lemonade from time to time :D

-B

[myxpykalix]

....after all, it's the computer and the machine that do all the work:eek:
We just sit and watch it move back and forth..babysitting it,,,shoot they could probably train a chimp to do it...:eek:

[steve_g]

I let friends and relatives know early on that I think and work better on a full stomach... That way at least I get a meal with the "favors" I do.

SG

[donclifton]

That's no true. I'm a AIr Conditioing mechanic and welder and everyone wants you to look at their unit or weld something but only when they get the time not when you do. I have been dress to go to the movie's and had people I hardly know want me to go a different night so I could weld something for them for free even though my wife and kids are in the car.
Don Clifton

[twelchPTM]

i agree with don. i can't tell you how many times I've been called for a "favor". but the worst of it is when you call someone and ask for a favor in return....

[gundog]

Tell me about it I have a complete metal shop and wood shop. I work a regular job and run my business and guys I work with are always asking me to make them things or weld this or that. I don't remember any of them ever mowing my lawn hell that is a skill I am sure they all have. I usually offer to let them use the tools and offer to show them how to do it and no one ever takes me up on the offer they just want you to spend your spare time on their project.

Mike

[kbraat]

Michael,

Your comment is right up my alley. When I have too many of my own things to do, or am not interested in the job people want me to help with, I offer that I will solve their problem if they take care of some of mine. I usually point to the 3/4 acre lawn and ask them to spend the time to mow it while I spend mine to fix their issue. When refused, I ask why I should spend my time on their problem when I still have mine to deal with when I am done with theirs. If they help me, we both benefit.

I have never had anyone take this trade.

[dlcw]

It is sad that people are all for asking for favors but very reluctant about returning favors.

[myxpykalix]

Stop complaining...just be glad you're not a Proctologist!:eek::D:rolleyes:

[jerry_stanek]

Do you want cheese and crackers with that whine.

[bcondon]

The comments are quite true! My wife is always askng me "why don't you ask for help?" and I found that there are a small group of friends that I would help, because they have been good friends over my lifetime.

In my past job, there were two of us that would give people advice on
hiring contractors, or building, or getting permits...

The funniest story was the women that was having the kitchen redone. The electrician found extension cord in the walls attached to the washing machine of which he removed. He told the women he had to remove it because the job would be inspected adn asked if she wanted him to wire in a new circuit for a price that I thought was very fair... She exploded at him and told him he needed to put that cord back in the wall and his reply was that he could not because the job would not pass inspection. She then wanted a free circuit which he said he coul not do.

She explained the story to me and when I said I felt it was fair, she screamed and yelled at me in the office,,,, Now we had a whole bunch of engineers snickering over the cubes...Her renovation for her kitchen was in excess of $60K...

My advice from that point on comes slowly!

[chiloquinruss]

The little sign in my shop office says, $75 per hour, one hour minimum, Friend or Foe! :) Russ

[CNYDWW]

I have to say that it's a nice feeling not having to deal with this anymore.

Regards
Randy

[carlhopkins]

Well I had to comment, I have had my share of folks who must think you are in this for the hobby and free or you are to high.
But I sure have received my fair share from others too.
My wife was preparing hot peppers for pickling and when I got home around 3:30 she had her hands in ice trying to cool them down. It was rather funny but I know she was in real pain.
We tried several home methods with no relief, we did not have any insurance and she said she would be ok.
Anyway we have several doctor & dentist friends that I have done work for and I called my what was my primary care doc at home. His wife said he was at a deacon meeting and to call him he should be about done.
He gladly called in a scrip, and combined with a left over pain pill from where one of my dentist friend pulled a tooth for "free" in a short while she was on cloud nine.
Oh yeah I can't forget my Heat and Air guy. Our heat pump went out several years ago, he put in a new outside unit and we are just now repaying him and yes it is in the form of an rather nice entertainment center.
I know we all need the cash but I have found the good neighbor and bartering approach works very well.

[larry_k]

now thats a good women!

[sailfl]

Carl,

Instead of cold water try Milk.

[carlhopkins]

Nils

I would have known better but she had been taking her thumb no gloves and pushing the seeds out of the center then diced them by hand.
She had been into the ice for a while and I think slowed down the process.
The poison hot line said to use liquid antacid, mayonnaise, milk I think was one too. Between the amount she had done and delay in trying something it was simply to late. A good dose of drugs and a few hours later her face just suddenly showed the relief.
She was in some more pain, I felt sorry for her but still had a good laugh:D. Glad she is a good sport and a great woman!

I just wanted to add my 2 cents, I could write a book on how good people have been to us giving us the use and benefit of there "trade" or "service".
I feel like if I cannot give back, then I am useless and would not deserve their friendship.

Carl

[dlcw]

I have no problem doing co-ops with other people. I've done it many times. It's the ones who come in wanting me to do something free and they offer nothing in return. They don't even mention a co-op deal, just can I do this for free.

[beacon14]

I've had people offer to take me to lunch in exchange for a few hours of my time on the computer and ShopBot. I usually tell them I'm not that hungry.