Walt, if money for the labor was not addressed up front, the guy may have
been under the impression that it was "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch
yours". Why not give him the benefit of the doubt until such time comes
where you may need assistance from HIM. That's when his character will be
revealed. If he has no skills or favor discounts to offer you, wait till you
need some grunt help and put him to work, even if you have to point out the
favor you did for him on the trailer. Some people don't get "squared up"
until they've had a little guidance, and a "jump start" from others. I had a
guy in my neighborhood once that I did'nt know well. He wanted me to weld a
small part for him. As I welded, he picked up a broom and swept my entire
shop for me, unsolicited! Got the corners, too! Needless to say, we both
gained a friend and a new respect for each other that day. People can
surprise you both ways.

RJ
"wallster" wrote in message
...

"GTO69RA4" wrote in message
...
I'm sure a lot of people know what I'm talking about. Getting known
among
friends as the guy with weird hobbies and tools. A good buddy pulls up
today
with his snowblower, says it broke and he remembers I had a welder. So
being in
a not-completely-antisocial mood I help him out. Just as I'm about to
start it
starts snowing hail the size of peas, then blowing sideways. Everything
gets
covered with the white stuff, and after having trouble starting I
finally
get
it done. Then he happens to mention that his blower wasn't actually
running,
and he heard I knew engines...

Well, at least I can feel my fingers after a few hours and he's back to
making
money with driveways. Maybe I'll end up with that Stanley No. 7 he's
been
not
using for 6 months.

GTO(John)
I can relate. Last summer, a friend of the family needed his utility
trailer
lengthened. I explained how it could be done and the price of the steel,
he
gave me the money for the materials and i bought them. After about four
hours of measuring, cutting, and welding, it was done. The only thing left
for him to do, was to cut the wood floor boards (using the template that i
provided)
Upon delivery, he gave me a firm handshake and a thank-you. That was it.
Apparently, my labor was free. I would have been happy if the guy offered
anything. A case of beer, a twenty spot, anything. Maybe we're all better
people for helping, but i wouldn't let anybody do me a favor without even
offering a couple of bucks.
Now, i'm usually "too busy" to help certain people.

walt