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How Far Does Generosity Go?

I'm looking for some opinions regarding a situation that occured yesterday.

Me and Mike were out talking with our neighbors last night. One of them told Mike the next time he has his plugger on his mower to let him use it, because his lawn really needs to be aerated. For one, Mike will not borrow out his mowers and equipment to anyone.

So these are the choices he has. He can kindly do this for our neighbor, but that can lead to other neighbors wanting the same free service. He can kindly state a fee, to change the assumption of doing this for nothing or he can ignore the issue.

I'm asking for your views on this. Mike has no trouble helping anyone who asks for a favor. The problem is that he doesn't own a personal mower that he can just come over and help someone out. He owns a commercial mower for  BUSINESS. It's alittle different situation. It's like asking my other neighbor, who does driveways, to come over the next time he's out doing a job and expand our driveway.

Your suggestions would be appreciate.

 

 

 

 

 

Published Friday, April 28, 2006 6:16 AM by Tracey

Comments

# re: How Far Does Generosity Go?

Friday, April 28, 2006 9:03 AM by Chris Ford
I would think of something that later on down the line you may need from your neighbor. Consider what they do for a living and can your favor be returned.
Fact of the matter is that you will be neighbors for a long time.
I would say that if Mike has time to do it and it is not too much of a hassle then do the neighbor a favor. But never be afraid to ask for the return on your favor.

# re: How Far Does Generosity Go?

Friday, April 28, 2006 12:20 PM by Jerry
I think you should just ignore the comment.  If he does bring it up again, tell him that you really can't do it for free, because in case the mower is damaged,he would feel bad asking for the neighbor to pay for the repairs.    

# re: How Far Does Generosity Go?

Monday, May 01, 2006 10:25 AM by Scott
There's no harm in explaining it just as you did above.  Your neighbor should understand that business is business & beer is beer. Explain the liablity involved & maybe run through a scenario of how this same situation didn't work out in the past with a previous neighbor.

Your neighebor should have no problem paying full price for the service is he really wants it done.  You could always ask him to pave your driveway in exchange too :-]

As with most anything, The most inportant thing is to openly talk about it with them so all parties have a clear understanding of each others views.
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