The Things We Do For Money
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:15 PM   #1
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The Things We Do For Money

I just got off the phone with a lady who told me that the melting snow has caused a large puddle of water on her sidewalk. She is afraid that the water will migrate into her nearby garage.

"Could you come over with a shopvac and suck up the water for me?"



Not much happening right now, so off I go with my rubber boots and shopvac. I told her I would TRY to fit her in this afternoon.

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Old 03-06-2009, 02:21 PM   #2
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Suck. Isn't that what handymen do anyway?
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:34 PM   #3
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Quote:
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Suck. Isn't that what handymen do anyway?
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:35 PM   #4
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Drag it out to a weeks work.
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:35 PM   #5
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Open the drain on the vac
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:37 PM   #6
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

I'm a licensed, insured professional flooring, carpentry, and masonry contractor in the state of S.C.

Although our great state says I can't legally do any job outside of my licensing skills for any amount over $200.

What will I do for money, if it's turning me a profit?

Anything, within my skill level!

YES, I would willingly suck up some water from someones walkway if they pay me at my rate.
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:37 PM   #7
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Im sure you can find a change order somewhere!
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:38 PM   #8
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

YOu dont know how many times I have been paid to change light bulbs, or flip a breaker.

Never had to clean up a water puddle though!!
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:49 PM   #9
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

At least she didn't get 5 estimates
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:00 PM   #10
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

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At least she didn't get 5 estimates
HA! That's great....
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:41 PM   #11
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Did you get a 10 page signed and notarized contract? Next thing we'll hear is you coming back and asking what you can do to get your money.
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:54 PM   #12
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Quote:
Originally Posted by EricTheHandyman View Post
I just got off the phone with a lady who told me that the melting snow has caused a large puddle of water on her sidewalk. She is afraid that the water will migrate into her nearby garage.

"Could you come over with a shopvac and suck up the water for me?"



Not much happening right now, so off I go with my rubber boots and shopvac. I told her I would TRY to fit her in this afternoon.
I'm thinking service contract! Minnesota is bound to get some rain this spring.........
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:20 PM   #13
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Did you put that water there? C'mon now fess up.
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:33 PM   #14
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

UPDATE

I cheerfully sucked up several vac-fulls of water, scraped some ice off the sidewalk, and petted the dog. Had a nice conversation about replacing that pesky sidewalk come spring

On top of that, got paid my regular service call and hourly rate.
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:36 PM   #15
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike(VA) View Post
Suck. Isn't that what handymen do anyway?
Depends on what she looks like!
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:41 PM   #16
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

Quote:
Originally Posted by EricTheHandyman View Post
UPDATE

I cheerfully sucked up several vac-fulls of water, scraped some ice off the sidewalk, and petted the dog. Had a nice conversation about replacing that pesky sidewalk come spring

On top of that, got paid my regular service call and hourly rate.
No cookies?
What a cheapskate.

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Old 03-06-2009, 05:45 PM   #17
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

I've got a client who called about a puddle too
How much should I charge for that?
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Old 03-06-2009, 07:31 PM   #18
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

If you attach a hose on the discharge you could move the puddle to the neighbors house. Think referals.
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Old 03-06-2009, 08:59 PM   #19
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

I got paid my normal hourly rate to hook up a computer in a clients new desk
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Old 03-06-2009, 09:41 PM   #20
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Re: The Things We Do For Money

We have a very eccentric client that hires us to purchase and deliver her groceries and cigarettes....three different varieties of cigarettes. One time she had us purchase and deliver a pizza.

Yes it is always at our regular rate - from the time the service tech leaves the office until he returns.
Last edited by fez-head; 03-06-2009 at 09:44 PM.
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