What happened to honoring your word?

[Bill Douglas]

Just say "I promise not to punch you in the face. I'll be around shortly to pick up the item."

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Baz

Thanks for your comments!

Over all it's good communication that makes it happen. I use email as much as possible to keep everyone posted and updated. It's so easy to do it why not?

7 grand...wow that sucks!

Not sure what your experience has been with the wealthy....but they usually make the worst customers! Big shots who are terrible at paying. It's taken a while but now I add a little extra contingency for the ones who activate my radar....fool me once shame on you....fool me twice....

It would have taken me more that half that just to get it out of them, I suppose? they have big lawyers too.

I lucked out when I was a kid. Through a designer I started with a small time actress working on her home and the word spread slowly. My parents did a pretty job with me, as a young man at 22, phone calls were always returned ASAP. Work got done on time and did exactly what I was suppose to do and more ( always more, as cheap advertisement, even today). Tell you the truth, I am kinda dumb, so competing with the smart folks I don't stand a chance, but most construction guys aren't always that responsible so it was easy. I agree with you about the wealthy, getting pay is sometime difficult. I have to say, the Hollywood crowd is weird, they often don't know what they want, so I had to do a little hand holding. Once they are on track, they are not afraid to pay for it. A couple of them I have done business with in the past 20 years, I don't get a check until the end unless its big money where I can't cover my expenses. Its literally a hand shake. Come and think of it, they are all 50 or older. The under 40 crowd, I have to really think hard about them. I really enjoy working for upper class folks. We appreciate each other, even my workmen like withing with them.

[asphaltgambler]

How I see this thread: Overall I am in complete agreement - but- if a deal is to be made then do it NOW. My Dad who explained this with a great example. When you're in church and the preacher / minister / rabbi gets the congregation all worked up with his sermon for 15-20 mins then passes the plate for 'collection' just after the closing of their speech. Regardless of what religion you subscribe to the 'plate' is never passed at the beginning of the sermon............................................ .................there is a reason for that.

Whether a buyer or seller be prepared to complete the deal immediately after both parties are in agreement. It's just that simple.

[71scgc]

My pop told me very long ago: In the end, the only thing you really own is your word. It needs to be your most valuable possession.

It rings in my ears continuously. Probably the most important thing he ever taught me. Even above heelin' and toein'...

Carter