There are 2 mistakes that occured in this scenerio.
The gentleman should have had cash. He blamed it on an ATM. Whatever. He needs to learn to get the cash in advance. (I accumulate it from my pocket money over days.)
The lady should have a business phone. Come on, they're cheap enough! Clients should not have / don't need your personal number. You may need to contact them (for directions, an emergency) or they might need to contact you.
OK, I had to read this one over a couple of times before I (think I) understand. The client gave $40 cash and a check either for the balance or the full amount. I'm really unclear as what you're supposed to do with the check?
In any event, he covered your travel expenses. You earned that cash, it's yours.
The check is not yours. You should not be taking money that you haven't earned. You should have a policy "I don't take checks." It protects you as well (no paper trail). I would contact him and tell him you will destroy the check & do so. If he wants to book your time in the future, he should have cash. I know it's hard to walk away from that much money... You have to decide what kind of person you want to be. He sounds like a newbie trying to make it right, but he just confused things more.
just my thoughts
skb
-- Modified on 4/28/2008 5:49:59 AM
I had this crazy adventure the other night-- I ended up putting 90 miles on the Janey-mobile. My appointment was way out in the boonies, but he'd screened fine. OMG, I finally arrive, after getting lost twice, 10 minutes late, and he comes out the door to meet me. I think, "Oh how sweet." He begins apologizing and tells me that he couldn't get his money out of the ATM. He hands me $40 for "gas money" and a CHECK. He tells me the check is for next time (Like a down payment?) and that he'd still like to get together. WTF? Of course I was polite to him even though I was disappointed. I didn't give him my phone number, so he couldn't have called.
So, what do I do with the check? He left the name blank. But if I put my name in, he'll get the cancelled check and know my real name.
Also, has anyone had this happen before? He seemed sincerely sorry, but I've been trying to think if there could be another reason-- maybe he got scared and figured this would be an easy way to get rid of me?
Chalk it up to a lost appt and don't cash the check. I've never been fond of 'paper trails'. Tear it up and toss it out.
and you should try to keep the relationship. A bad experience would have been much worse, from him trying to push you into providing right then for the check to something very unsafe. He gave you a check - which means that you have, along with his name and address (which you already had), his bank account number, the name of his bank, and proof that you saw him. That is a leap of trust and faith on his part that should not only put you at ease, but give you encouragement for future sessions.
Think about it from his perspective, he couldn't call you because you didn't give him a number (you should correct that in the future, if only to be warned off if the wife shows up or LE), it was his first time meeting you, he couldn't fulfill his end of the bargain, he waited for you to arrive, and then he not only gives you $40 for your trouble, but a check with all of his information. Combine that with the fact that he screened well, and I would say you lucked out on a nice guy.
Just my humble opinion, and I'll be the first to admit that there is no way for us guys to truly appreciate the crazy-brave thing you providers by going to these appointments not knowing what's on the other side of the door, but I think he handled it about as well as could be expected.
I must admit when I first read this, I thought she had been taken also. Your view point was very insightful and I believe the correct one. If I were the young lady, I would also take another chance on the guy and I bet he would be VERY generous with her the next time she saw him.
There are 2 mistakes that occured in this scenerio.
The gentleman should have had cash. He blamed it on an ATM. Whatever. He needs to learn to get the cash in advance. (I accumulate it from my pocket money over days.)
The lady should have a business phone. Come on, they're cheap enough! Clients should not have / don't need your personal number. You may need to contact them (for directions, an emergency) or they might need to contact you.
OK, I had to read this one over a couple of times before I (think I) understand. The client gave $40 cash and a check either for the balance or the full amount. I'm really unclear as what you're supposed to do with the check?
In any event, he covered your travel expenses. You earned that cash, it's yours.
The check is not yours. You should not be taking money that you haven't earned. You should have a policy "I don't take checks." It protects you as well (no paper trail). I would contact him and tell him you will destroy the check & do so. If he wants to book your time in the future, he should have cash. I know it's hard to walk away from that much money... You have to decide what kind of person you want to be. He sounds like a newbie trying to make it right, but he just confused things more.
just my thoughts
skb
-- Modified on 4/28/2008 5:49:59 AM
I don't follow through with dates (after the initial screening) if the lady doesn't give me a way to get in touch with her (cell number). With modern technology, it is only common courtesay to keep in touch the day of an appointment. Gettng lost, traffic issues, etc. can cause you to be late and it did.
I agree with Dixie Chicken. Assuming the info on the check matches what you already know, it doesn't sound like the guy was trying to rip you off. If his screening was via reference then it would seem unlikely he got cold feet. Though I'll admit the ATM issue is odd. I've never had a problem in the US.
Exercising caution on putting your name on the check is wise. You may not want to immediately tear the check up however. If the gentleman calls you again, you could give it back and take cash. The reason I suggest this is that he has no way of knowing if you actually tore it up or are instead planning on cashing it in a few months. If you don't hear back from him in a month or so you could then dispose of it.
This might allow you to cultivate a good client and reputation as well.
Best of Luck