How long to give a person to pay up?
 

I sold two preseason Packer tickets to my senior in high school neighbor and his dad. Dad is divorced and lives an hour away. They knew I had season tickets and told me several times that if I was looking to sell I should let them know. I figured 1/2 price ($73 for both) for a preseason game was fair and he agreed. After two weeks the kid still hasn't paid me but I saw him while taking out the garbage. He brought it up that he and his dad get paid the next day and he'd pay me then. Another 10 days has now gone by and he still hasn't paid me.

I'd rather not get the mom involved, I have no clue how to reach his dad and would feel kind of weird coming down on the kid. Do I treat the kid like a man and say enough is enough or do I keep letting it slide a while longer? Or maybe because it's only $73 do I let it slide but then am I sending him the wrong message?

I wouldn't get bent over 73 bucks, I just wouldn't ever get in that situation again.

-1

A debt is a debt. Next time you see him, flag him down and tell him you need to be paid. When he does, make sure to thank him for being a stand up guy. He'll remember feeling good about paying a debt, and you'll have taught a good lesson.

Next time you see him, set a deadline. "hey last time we spoke you indicated I would be paid upon you receiveing your check--that was over 10 days ago. Please have my money by "X" date"

a debt is a debt, regardless of the amount. He incurred the debt, why should YOU be a chump?

I can't stand deabeats or persons shirking their obligations.

+1 on debt is a debt. Kid needs to learn. I would politely ask when that money was coming across. Most likely is dad never coughed up his amount. You could ask for the dad's number to call him.

A bit off thread, but if you want to sell an PS tickets next year (or season tickets should the need arise), I'd be interested.

I am slowly doing the "stadiums I've always wanted to see a game in" gig and have always wanted to see the Packers at Lambeau Field.

It's funny how $73 can be trivial to some but may mean food on the table for another.

A debt is a debt.

I would ask him to be honest, is money an issue? We can make other arrangements, cut my grass, rake my leaves, help me paint my fence etc...

Kid could be embarrassed about it and does not know how to deal with it.

Or he could be a deadbeat douche.

But talk to him to figure out which it is.

+1 on stomachmonkey's comments.

maybe the dad said he'd pay for them and didn't?

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Sorry for the poor quality - but the only version I could find....

Agree with the others, need to confront the kid.
Just do it in a non-threatening way so it doesn't seem hard ass. 'Hey, how's it going, I was just wondering when you would be able to pay me for the tickets?' and then wait and see what he says.
You could always say that you could use the money now, might put just a little bit of guilt on him and nudge him toward getting the money.

On another note, Seahawk, if you want to see game in Mile High stadium in Denver, I have season tickets and would sell you a game.

Craig

Craig,

I'll send you a PM. Mile High is on the list.

Sorry for the Somalia Pirate-like hijack!

He's not your son but its a good time to make the world a better place by talking to the kid about keeping promises and your word is you bond... Done correctly, he will pay you and appreciate your trying to help him learn to navigate life.

Lots of great comments. Seahawk, I'll keep you in mind for next seasons tickets. I'm sure you'd love a below 0 and snowy January game.