Customer Payment

I did a small job for this guy on Friday. I probably should have passed on this job, but I need the cash. I welded a trailer coupler and jack on a junk trailer, and I mean the trailer was junk and hauled junk! It was one of the projects where everything that was used was most likely laying around. The trailer was a turd before I started and it still is a turd, but at least it has a coupler instead of two pieces of flat bar with a bent lag bolt as a pin. I called the guy and told him that it was ready yesterday, and he told me he would come buy today and pay.

I get up this morning and walk outside and the trailer is gone. I think maybe he put the cash in my truck, mailbox, or under my door. I look around and can't find any money. I think the guy will pay, but it's still the principle; leave a note or a phone call something. Needless to say I'm a little aggravated.

Report it stolen...

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Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265

I did a small job for this guy on Friday. I probably should have passed on this job, but I need the cash. I welded a trailer coupler and jack on a junk trailer, and I mean the trailer was junk and hauled junk! It was one of the projects where everything that was used was most likely laying around. The trailer was a turd before I started and it still is a turd, but at least it has a coupler instead of two pieces of flat bar with a bent lag bolt as a pin. I called the guy and told him that it was ready yesterday, and he told me he would come buy today and pay.

I get up this morning and walk outside and the trailer is gone. I think maybe he put the cash in my truck, mailbox, or under my door. I look around and can't find any money. I think the guy will pay, but it's still the principle; leave a note or a phone call something. Needless to say I'm a little aggravated.

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I hope it was actually the customer who came and got the trailer. Maybe you need to rig up a boot or hitch lock to keep customers from doing that without you present.

that sucks. there is a relationship between the way people treat the things they own and the people themselves. cheap lesson. next time invest in a lock and chain;

never mind, you can't go beating deadbeat customers with a chain. i'll delete that

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.

Did you do a work order and get his name and location and phone number

If you run across that trailer while you're out with your mobile setup, perhaps you can give him a little more welding, "on the house". Like maybe the brake drums to the backing plates.

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Originally Posted by Brian Ski

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.

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I did some work for a shop like that once, but they had a slightly different solution for the junkers that weren't worth doing a lien sale on. They would "donate" them to the city by dropping them in a place where they would be impounded. They would be in for a nice surprise next time they went to DMV for anything with that name or address.

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Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265

I did a small job for this guy on Friday. I probably should have passed on this job, but I need the cash. I welded a trailer coupler and jack on a junk trailer, and I mean the trailer was junk and hauled junk! It was one of the projects where everything that was used was most likely laying around. The trailer was a turd before I started and it still is a turd, but at least it has a coupler instead of two pieces of flat bar with a bent lag bolt as a pin. I called the guy and told him that it was ready yesterday, and he told me he would come buy today and pay.

I get up this morning and walk outside and the trailer is gone. I think maybe he put the cash in my truck, mailbox, or under my door. I look around and can't find any money. I think the guy will pay, but it's still the principle; leave a note or a phone call something. Needless to say I'm a little aggravated.

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Did you find out for sure he came for it and it was not stolen?

I have learned over the years that you trust NO one!

I will bend over backwards to help people in need. I always do more than expected with every job I do so that it leaves an impression with the customer and when they talk about me, it's good. I have even done things for free when I can tell someone is way down on there luck.
BUT.... The moment you believe the crap that comes out of some people's mouth, or you let them talk you into paying "on the 3rd of the month", or you do a small job and tell them be back in an hour and you don't think you need a name or phone number, you get stuck with no money, parts that sit in a corner gathering dust and a feeling of "I knew better than that!"

Most people are decent but there are a lot of people looking for a way to screw everyone they come in contact with.....

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

I did some work for a shop like that once, but they had a slightly different solution for the junkers that weren't worth doing a lien sale on. They would "donate" them to the city by dropping them in a place where they would be impounded. They would be in for a nice surprise next time they went to DMV for anything with that name or address.

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I was thinking the same thing... But I think it has something to do with the shop being responsible for the vehicle when it is in their possession. Like if you dropped a car off to get the tires changed and come back the next day and it was gone.

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

Most people are decent but there are a lot of people looking for a way to screw everyone they come in contact with.....

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I don't think it is that... From what I have seen a lot of people think that is normal. Around here my buddies and I call them city people. They are the ones that live withing 20 feet of their neighbors house, for close to a decade and don't know their names. They are the ones that if the neighbor is having trouble with something (that they can see) (something heavy in the car, etc) they just walk right in the house ignoring the neighbor.

My neighbor had a tree drop on his garage a few days ago... I called him up for some reason. Something minor and he mentioned he was going out back and cut up the tree later. I showed up with my saw in my hand and we both knocked it out. Cut up and brushed dragged out of the way in an hour or little more...

I am the same guy when the neighbor is an older guy or sick I would buzz it up for free to help them out. Or help them with the snow in their drive. Pretty funny... I plow out about a dozen drives in the winter... Might get a couple bucks out of a few, but just do it to help...

I noticed if you do that to these "city people" types there attitude is completely different... Instead of a thanks, they tend to get aggressive/attitude and want to know what is your angle or what do you want. Must be really bad to live life like that.

Last fall I was cutting some pretty good size branches in the way back yard, closer to the neighbors house, an older guy. I don't see him much. I look up an there he is with a couple beers in his hand and said it was time for a break. (not a city guy.. Haha)

The guy paid me today in ca$h! I felt like he would pay me, I wish he would have paid me before he picked up his trailer!

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Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265

The guy paid me today in ca$h! I felt like he would pay me, I wish he would have paid me before he picked up his trailer!

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Well, in the end a happy one - and CA$H is king. You figure you will do anything different in the future to avoid that sinking feeling in the future? Everyone's business and environment is different so there really isn't a right or wrong answer - I'm just curious. Cheers!

Thats good he paid you. I too would use a chain and lock on all items left outside so that doesnt happen again. We have company trailers stole before and thats not something that is good. We sometimes will also just park equipment in front of our trailers.

Yes, sounds like new plans for future trailer and projects with wheels :D

Glad he paid you. Cash is king.

I live in town and have a fair amount of traffic, but next time I will park my truck in front of what I'm working on. If I could get more a more steady work flow I would look into renting a small shop. Right now I'm using small garage that's rent free next to my house, but it's old and not that great for welding. I store my welders and tools inside the garage and work outside.

If I rented a small shop and put a sign out front I might drum up more business, but I'm not ready to take that plunge yet. I'm hoping to be finished with my plasma table this week, and I'm hoping that will drum up more business. The closest CNC Plasma is 30 miles north, and with a little advertising I hope to drum up some business.

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Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265

I live in town and have a fair amount of traffic, but next time I will park my truck in front of what I'm working on. If I could get more a more steady work flow I would look into renting a small shop. Right now I'm using small garage that's rent free next to my house, but it's old and not that great for welding. I store my welders and tools inside the garage and work outside.

If I rented a small shop and put a sign out front I might drum up more business, but I'm not ready to take that plunge yet. I'm hoping to be finished with my plasma table this week, and I'm hoping that will drum up more business. The closest CNC Plasma is 30 miles north, and with a little advertising I hope to drum up some business.

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How do you price cnc plasma work ?

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Originally Posted by Brian Ski

I don't think it is that... )

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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.
Skip forward a week.... Here he comes again wanting work. I said I don't have anything for you, I was just helping you out last week...ok he says, and leaves. The next week he stops by and says "since we friends, I figured you might help me out? My electric got cut off and I need $20 to turn it back on? (with his hand out)
I don't have it man, times are hard for all of us and I'm really slow right now. So he turns around and leaves but before he walks out the door he see's my candy dish for my customers and grabs a handful...:mad: Really?
So the next week he brings, what he says is his wife, in the office and says we haven't eaten in 3 days, do you have $5 for some food? That was it, I told him I've been nice to him but now you are twisting my arm and I'm getting sick of this. I have NO money to give to you, leave and don't come back or I Will call the cops!
And I haven't seen him since.

People like that ruin it for the Real needy people because now I help no one... Ya just never know who's running a game, sad really.

I get tired of able bodied, mentally capable folks trying to panhandle me. I know that some of them live in nice apartments and call them out on it when I know it is true.

While being unemployed, I did almost anything short of sitting on a corner and working the cardboard. Disabled Vets of course get something from me, but most others get nothing except sound advice which is to "Make it Happen".

Why in the world should I feel sorry for folks who can make it happen? I simply refuse to, and I tell them so.

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

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

My electric got cut off and I need $20 to turn it back on? (with his hand out)

People like that ruin it for the Real needy people because now I help no one... Ya just never know who's running a game, sad really.

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Well I think if the electric got turned off it would be closer to $200 than $20.... You should have said, If you put your finger in that outlet it should give you a charge to last a couple days.

Reminds me of the guy down the road that has the sign out for money. He sits out there all day long... Then he gets in his nice caddy and drives off...

I was talking to the guys at work and made the comment about the food bank down the road, the parking lot is full of cars much better than mine... One guy says everyone drives a better vehicle than you... Hey whats wrong with my rusted out 88 f250??? Sure as heck nice not to have a car payment.

Oh well done ranting. For now...

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by Brian Ski

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.

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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

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

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.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by SeanMurphy265

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.

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

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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

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.

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...

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.