...doing reciprocal favors with a provider?  Referring to the follow-on posts to a previously deleted thread claiming a provider didn't repay a loan, there was a lot of advice that this was a business and money should never be lent with providers.  Why not?  I have lent and borrowed money with a provider, as well as many other favors, and we have always fulfilled our mutual obligations to each other's complete satisfaction.  She nor I have ever failed each other.  Maybe it's not an issue of providers as a class, but like anything else the individual with whom you choose to place your trust?

Greetings Krunchie...  and the Atlanta Board. I was out of touch this past weekend so I am only guessing I missed a bit of drama. In regards to loaning providers money: I am with The Krunch Master on this one. I have loaned cash as well as rendered favors to Providers and thus far had only warm friendships as the result. However, I have also been witness to several Male friends who have really been burnt both financially and emotionally from trying to help a provider. I would only comment that the behavior of one provider should not be reflective of all in the business. My suggestion is to use good judgement.
My impression is.... to blanketly state that all providers this or that is like saying all blondes this or that. A better statement would be: "use better judgement", if need be.... bounce an idea off a fellow hobbyist before writing the check! kisses Candace

You are absolutely right.  It all depends on the people involved.
Several years ago a provider and I loaned a mutual friend money to keep his house from being forclosed. I was finally paid back, and am not sure if the provider was or not.  But to generalize about any profession is ridiculous.  

Some of the most dishonest and disingenuous people that I have ever met were so called "professionals" lawyers, doctors and bankers.  While some of the most sincere, genuine people that I have met have been in this industry.

The bottom line is know the individual that you are dealing with, and if you loan someone money do with it with money you can spare and do not expect to ever get back!

Purely personal vibe between two people.

Don't think there is a perfect answer to this question.

Ask three people and you will get 4 opinion. All based on their experience and how importnat one beleives the almight cash is in their personla view. Nothing more and nothing less.

I'd have to say work it out in trade over what ever period makes sense. Now if you are talking a LARGER sum of money then Candace is right, judgement must rule over the little head and the third eye. Think of it this way, if you have it to give, you have to know it can be lost... if God forbide she gets hit by the proverbial bus, kiss your cash goodbye. $hit happpens folks.