As a local computer mechanic, I receive handful of calls from friends (and their friends) to fix their erratic machines. Since we are “chummies”, I refuse to bill them when they ask me how much I charge. Is it shyness on my part? Partly. My philosophy is, someday, I’ll get something in return anyway. Give and you shall receive. Something big is waiting for me.
And then it becomes a habit. This time, I service computers without charging people who I met just once. Not good, I think. Most of these people are professionals and businessmen, and it makes them uncomfortable when someone refuses their offer, may it be in donation or in kind. They even have to force the payment to my hands. What an awkward situation. I had to accept. And the moment that happened, the long wait was over.
If you are in the same boat, I have an advice for you: don’t let the day pass by. You have to understand that this is your chance or you’ll keep waiting forever. Politely take it, like it is an honor servicing them. Because “that someday” you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. And “that something in return” that awaits you, is already right in front of you.
Own it, like I do now. There’s nothing wrong with accepting something you rightfully deserve.
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“As a local computer mechanic, I receive handful of calls from friends (and their friends) to fix their erratic machines”
You’re not the only one!
I’m off to my brothers this afternoon to sort out his PC again. I could make a fortune if I started charging for this!
Hello Danny, thanks for visiting my site! I’m glad somebody can symphatize.
-Saedel
PS. your site is interesting. Will try some of your tips! Thanks again.
I got similar problem when I was still working in a computer shop here in Saudi Arabia. Lots of Pinoys will ask you to fix their computer in hoping to get discount from you. Just like anybody else, I do that for a fee. But when they became your friends then where the problem started. I could no longer ask them to pay for my services. So meaning, the more friends I got the less money I get. Hahaha.
But I have one incident that I couldn’t forget. A kabayan shows up in our shop hoping to get my personal services to fix his computer. Before coming to his house, we agreed that I have to charge him SR 250 for the services.
However, after fixing his computer and before I could say anything, he insisted that he has to pay SR 50. He said, it only took me few minutes to get his computer up and running.
I was upset with his reason and told him “kabayan, you are not paying for my time but for my technical skills. Now, I’ll give you an option, either you pay or you don’t.” He ended up paying the agreed amount. I left and never wish fix his computer again, if ever.
Nice to see you back, Godfather. Good thing the guy paid you. He’s not only supposed to pay for your skills, but also for your time, no matter how long or short you were able to fix his computer. Thanks for your post, now I have a clear picture on why you made this comment.
You’re right. A freely offered bonus for something you were going to do as a friend should be accepted if it’s a reasonable reward for your time. I have turned down gifts like these before, then later wondered if I should have said ‘Thanks!’ with a big smile.
It’s the typical problem when two people stand at a door saying ‘You first’ and both are too polite to go through. Good on you for taking the money.