Charlie wrote
Rod Speed wrote
Scott in SoCal wrote
Rod Speed wrote
Charlie wrote
Bill wrote

These self-centered "me" generation people are really something!

I did some free remodeling work for a young friend about 10
months ago. Prior to doing this work, my friend assured me he
would reimburse me for all the materials I needed buy to do the work...

When I was done with the work, I gave him a copy of all the
receipts for things I had purchased as well as an itemized list
and total amount he owed me. Again my labor was free.

So the months rolled by and not a single dime came my way. But in
the mean time, my friend purchased all sorts of expensive "toys"
for himself (he makes very good money). Like fancy wheels/tires
for his car (the old tires were fine), a new very expensive
entertainment system for his house, and on and on.

I kept reminding him of the money owed to me...

Well after 10 months of this, he finally mentioned something
about paying me. He said he would total up the receipts I gave
him. I again gave him a copy if the itemized list I have given
him 10 months prior. After a couple of weeks, he called me and
said "You can come and get the money I owe you!"

I think I will try this with my electric bill. I'll call the
electric company and tell them I have the money for their bill
and they can come and pick it up!

Geeze these people are really something!

The way I have solved that kind of problem is by giving
the guy a shopping list. "Any questions? Call me when
all the stuff is at your house and I'll be over"

Trouble is that plenty arent capable of using the list properly.

And its often a lot more trouble to make up a list that someone who doesnt
know anything about renovations can use than to get the stuff yourself.

Still sounds like a lot less trouble than Bill had getting reimbursed.

Sure, but it makes a lot more sense to get the cash upfront instead.

If you do that you are ignoring travel costs and time.

You'll waste more travel costs and time try8ing to make a list for
someone who isnt capable of doing that work themselves and who
doesnt understand the list etc.

You'll save much more travel cost and time by requiring the cash
upfront and doing the shopping yourself if you decide that there is
some risk of not getting paid.