Let's say you're a plumber, electrician, bricklayer, accountant, lawyer etc and you do a small job for a close family member do you charge them or is it "Family"?
Do you charge family $$
- Thread starter nobbie48
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Often end up fixing computers for family, but they often feed me.
MarcosSantiago
Well-known member
What about if you charge "materials" only?
So you can charge at least something. I would be happy to pay it, if I know we are family and you'll do it right.
So you can charge at least something. I would be happy to pay it, if I know we are family and you'll do it right.
Motorcycle and Marine Mechanic: It depends on the job and the time frame. My family (which includes close friends) knows not to ask for work during the busy season, or it costs them. If I am already doing similar work (ie. winterizing boats) and they need there's done, I take payment in food and beer. They supply the parts. If I have to make a special trip... there could be some money exchanging hands. I had to make a bunch of trips to a friend's cottage to help him fix his boat over the last bunch of years, in those cases I don't bring food and/or drink and we call it even because I get a weekend at the cottage as well. Fast, Cheap, Reliable pick any two. As long as my family doesn't mind waiting, it doesn't cost them much because I never sacrifice reliability.
suzuki2000
Well-known member
depends, what are they doing for you? My brother is an electrician, when I have needed him to do something, I always pay for materials, he doesn't charge.
exception was when we built an addition it was a little more than running a plug. I gave him some $ for his time. Still was below market value for sure
exception was when we built an addition it was a little more than running a plug. I gave him some $ for his time. Still was below market value for sure
Family never even if it's business related. Unless if I am to incur an expense of over $200. Then I just ask them to buy the materials. Never charge for time.
Pay for the services? Is this in reference to your sister and tinder???
It was actually a re fence to my grandmother
... and like guys with tattoos & just broke out of jail? We might be on to something
FWIW In my case and I was doing the work I would expect to have the materials paid for but not labour. If someone is doing the work for me I ask what I owe them. Even if they say nothing I try to show some tangible appreciation, bottle, dinner etc.
Now another scenario.
Let's say a widow / widower is getting on in years and can no longer drive or properly look after the family home. A son with a questionable work ethic moves back home to help out. He gets free room and board (And is a healthy eater) all car expenses paid, medical and dental paid etc.
Some see him as a freeloader but in reality it would cost more to put Grampa or Gramma in a nursing home or hire a live in caregiver. The oldster would not be happy in a seniors home.
Is it more a "Family should be free" attitude issue?
Now another scenario.
Let's say a widow / widower is getting on in years and can no longer drive or properly look after the family home. A son with a questionable work ethic moves back home to help out. He gets free room and board (And is a healthy eater) all car expenses paid, medical and dental paid etc.
Some see him as a freeloader but in reality it would cost more to put Grampa or Gramma in a nursing home or hire a live in caregiver. The oldster would not be happy in a seniors home.
Is it more a "Family should be free" attitude issue?
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Sounds like a symbiotic relationship to me
Same. If it's something that actually took time I might accept money (family/friends always TRY to pay me) but most stuff is pretty easy.
For most stuff, though - if it was something that took five minutes, then no, I don't think charging them would make sense. For most anything else, ain't nothing wrong with accepting money for work. If a mechanic spent an hour on a family member's brakes and they didn't try to pay, then they definitely deserve to be charged (unless there are difficult financial circumstances involved, but that's a whole other ballgame)
Computer Programmer here. One of my biggest pet peaves:
Friend/Family member: "Hey, you work with computers, right?"
"My 10 year old windows XP computer/Mac is having this problem where......"
Last time i worked on my FIL's computer it was a good 5 hour ordeal. Windows 7. A fight between the antivirus and some malicious adware (that was added by a third party download site to a program that should have been downloaded direct from the manufacturer).
I let them finish talking and then I tell them they need a new computer.
Motorcycle Mike
Well-known member
My brother-in-law is a licensed plumber and gas fitter, and now does renovation work basically part-time since he had a heart attack.
I hired him to help me finish my basement and I paid all materials (highly discounted through his company accounts though), gave him $25/hour, fed him, and gave him beer. I still feel I got a great deal considering the guy had to drive 2 hours to get here in his truck and he was giving up his time that he could have charged at twice the rate for if he worked for someone else.
For my family... I don't charge, but I don't refuse either. If I re-do my brother's computer, he buys me a case of beer. If I help my parents out, Mom sometimes will give me $50 or will take me and my wife out for dinner -- and of course I drink Dad's beer.
Usually with my brothers it will all work out in the end... I'll do something for them, they'll help me when I need it. I do have one brother that is the mooch of the family though... he has no problem asking for help, but never seems to be around when you need it. I still remember moving into my house 4 years ago... 3 of my brothers came to help, but that one was in town and decided to go to a concert that night so he couldn't help move during the day for some reason.
I hired him to help me finish my basement and I paid all materials (highly discounted through his company accounts though), gave him $25/hour, fed him, and gave him beer. I still feel I got a great deal considering the guy had to drive 2 hours to get here in his truck and he was giving up his time that he could have charged at twice the rate for if he worked for someone else.
For my family... I don't charge, but I don't refuse either. If I re-do my brother's computer, he buys me a case of beer. If I help my parents out, Mom sometimes will give me $50 or will take me and my wife out for dinner -- and of course I drink Dad's beer.
Usually with my brothers it will all work out in the end... I'll do something for them, they'll help me when I need it. I do have one brother that is the mooch of the family though... he has no problem asking for help, but never seems to be around when you need it. I still remember moving into my house 4 years ago... 3 of my brothers came to help, but that one was in town and decided to go to a concert that night so he couldn't help move during the day for some reason.
