Easy money.....but I just couldn't take it!

[kingeri]

Got a call late last night, old lady saying her lights had stopped working. Whilst on the phone, I asked her to check her breakers and she said they are all on. It was 11.30pm and I was contemplating passing out, but I just felt sorry for her so decided to go round (was only 15mins away). When I arrived I found her on the floor unable to get up. She had fallen and broken her hip. Called ambulance and her daughter, got her off to hospital. Her son-in-law stayed with me while I had a quick look at her lights. The breaker was off, seems that it was only a bulb that had blown and tripped it out. Replaced bulb and went home.

Anyway, gets home today and there's an envelope on my doormat. Cheque for £100 and a thank you card.

Been looking at the cheque all evening, could really do with the money, but I don't feel right taking it. What do you guys think??

 

[mogga]

AS OLDY SAYS 25% ( as returning payment may offend old dear Iv done "homers" for mums friends well in the past ect who have blown a fuse ,tripped am MCB Normaly dont ask for payment but get a note or 2 thrust in my hand Along with a phone call from another for a socket replacement ect ect )return along with card possibly a wee bunch of flowers
You know that recomendations are hard to come by n this lady and family WILL recomend you every time

 

[applemac]

take the payment, buy her flowers and pop round for tea, fair play mate...nice work.

 

[malcolmsanford]

If I told my mum once I've told her a 1000s times when you do the old I fell over trick .........your not suppose to send payment will she never learn ......................

Seriously well done Sky and a credit to yourself and our profession. Often especially in today,s world families are separated and it's nice to know that there are still guys, in all trades who are genuine and caring.

Makes a change to hear about this rather than a Dom littlewood telling all the world about how a bunch of crooks we all are

 

[trev]

If I could find an email address for him I'd send Dom Littlewood a link to this thread.

 

[mickys86]

Hard one! - I would take it and get a get well soon card and flowers for the lady.

I'm with sky and tel on this one. Sound advice

 

[1shortcircuit]

Congratulations:thumbsup

It's a tricky one regarding the money but these old folk are often disgusted when they offer a reward for services and you do not take it so I guess it would be rude not to.

At the end of the day, you have saved her life through your actions so a reward is most definitely deserved.

I think you've just earned yourself a few customers for life there and the word of mouth should do wonders for you in the future. Not only did you promptly resolve the issue but you saved a life too... Money cannot buy that sort of advertising:thumbsup

 

[Paul.M]

Cash the cheque then make an appointment to go back around to fit an emergency light for her free of charge so she will have light if a rcd/mcb trips again. For the cost of twenty quid and an hour or so, it will gain you extra brownie points on the word of mouth advertising.

 

[Guitarist]

Cash the cheque then make an appointment to go back around to fit an emergency light for her free of charge so she will have light if a rcd/mcb trips again. For the cost of twenty quid and an hour or so, it will gain you extra brownie points on the word of mouth advertising.

It's a great idea, but be prepared for her wanting to pay you if you do. She sounds like someone who won't want charity.

 

[trev]

Ah but if he says "you overpaid me first time so I think this is a great idea for you and we'll be quits after this....."
Then no one is offended

 

[telectrix]

whatever he does, the beers are on kingeri tonight.

well, that's MY charity. LOL.

 

[thekingiam]

right so first of all take the monney,then pop around and give her some elecy work for free. next when she is out of the room take all the cash and jewelry you can find.
if she could afford a ton for changing a light bulb she must be loaded.

 

[ruston]

Mmm Do'nt think the money was for changing the lamp do you ?

 

[chrisgc]

Mmm Do'nt think the money was for changing the lamp do you ?

Exactly.

I say take it but buy a thank you card.

At the end of the day she could have been in serious need of help but you went round there even though you was contemplating not to - but you still decided to go around to the ladies house and help her out as you was not to know what you would find when you get there.

You helped someone in need and you cant put a price on that.

The £100 cheque you were given was not for changing a bulb it was for your help and honesty.

 

[nickblake]

one thing you could do with the money is stick an emergency light on her staircase just in case it happened again price they are today even with labour you'd still have so left to cover your costs

 

[Guitarist]

one thing you could do with the money is stick an emergency light on her staircase just in case it happened again price they are today even with labour you'd still have so left to cover your costs

Post #22

Great minds and all that nick