Honesty pays

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Sparky555

Senior Member
I think it's a good policy to immediately count cash in front of the customer. Likewise, look at a check especially that the number is written out correctly, dated correctly, signed, etc.. It's not a trust issue. People make mistakes and you need to catch it immediately. On overpayments I send a paid invoice that shows the overpayment. Then if the chandelier is $2k you deduct $500 as normal business.
 

Kdog76

Senior Member
I was once handed supposedly $600 in cash for a job. When I counted it later it was only $500. I called him back but because I did not count it on the spot (which I now ALWAYS do) he had to trust that I was not cheating him. Luckily we got it sorted out but it is always easier to deal with it sooner vs. later.
 

jaylectricity

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
licensed journeyman electrician
Although I definitely agree that you should count cash in front of the customer, I rarely look at the check a customer gives me before putting it in my pocket. I usually maintain casual eye contact and continue the conversation that we were having, fold the check and put it in my pocket.

If there is something wrong with the check, I WILL get that situation settled. But now I have the upper hand. "I trusted that you [gave me the proper denomination]/[signed the check with a signature the bank recognizes]/[put the correct date on the check]/etc...

Sometimes people make mistakes but when they recognize that you trusted them it helps in future negotiations. Sometimes there will be no future negotiations, but if there are there is a little something extra in your corner.
 
Location
san diego
doing the right thing

doing the right thing

I dont know if this counts but thought i would post it, i worked for a company in New York for 5 yrs the owner was a good guy i looked after the electrical of all the jobs he had going but was only on the payroll as an employee, i was moving to california last summer and we had a bit of a party for me goin away, the day before i left he rang me and asked to meet up i said yeah no problem went for a beer with him and as we talked over all the work and good times we had he thanked me for everything i had ever done for him sayin he never had to question anything i ever did, and the work was always top notch, he reached me an envelope saying that if things didnt work out in california i could alwayus walk back into a job with him in the morning, when i got home i looked at the envelope it had 5g in 100 dollar bills. I never had anything make me feel more apreiciated in my life made me feel really good but sad i was leaving a good boss.
 
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mcclary's electrical

Senior Member
Location
VA
I dont know if this counts but thought i would post it, i worked for a company in New York for 5 yrs the owner was a good guy i looked after the electrical of all the jobs he had going but was only on the payroll as an employee, i was moving to california last summer and we had a bit of a party for me goin away, the day before i left he rang me and asked to meet up i said yeah no problem went for a beer with him and as we talked over all the work and good times we had he thanked me for everything i had ever done for him sayin he never had to question anything i ever did, and the work was always top notch, he reached me an envelope saying that if things didnt work out in california i could alwayus walk back into a job with him in the morning, when i got home i looked at the envelope it had 5g in 100 dollar bills. I never had anything make me feel more apreiciated in my life made me feel really good but sad i was leaving a good boss.




and now you're back in new york?
 
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