"My Word"

When I say I give "my word" on something, it should be considered as good as a contract.

Am I a little to old school, old fashioned that a persons word and a handshake are a major thing of the past and should no longer be honored?

Let me tell you the story that prompts this blog.

Several months ago, while at the same job I am at, I received a call on my personal cell phone from a former work acquaintance (previous job). He (we will call him "Antonio") asked me about the place I worked and said he was interested in having the service done in his own personal home.

At that point I set "Antonio" up with a free (notice it is a free) consultation appointment with one of our desingers. (This signifies no obligation, consultation...no contract....FREE!!!!) "Antonio could have said never mind at anytime. I set him up with our best designer, one who would do a great job, and give him a great design.

(During this time I moved away from California to Kansas and had no intention of moving back.)

Several months later due to particular circumstances, I ended up back in Ca.

Back to the same job I had before.

The designer I had assigned to "Antonio" before I left called me and stated that "Antonio" was being a "pain the the _ _ _" (fill in the blank). The designer asked me to call "Antonio" and find out if he wanted our services or not. Not that our designer didn't want to do his job, but he was tired of messing with the guy. I called and left a message saying "if you want our services, you need to call _____ at this number and let him know.....Thank you"

A few days later the designer called me and booked an installation date for "Antonio". A week later, the designer called me and said he could not get ahold of "Antonio" for the deposite and to confirm designs. I left another message saying "let me know what is really going on, because we are going to cancel your installation and move on if we don't hear from you" about an hour later I got a call from "Antonio" saying he wanted the install, but could he pay the full amount at the time of the install versus two seperate payments, I stated that was not my decision, but the decision of the designer. "Antonio" stated "Barb, you know I am good for the money, I you my word... "

Needless to say based on this mans word, we went out and did the installation.

When he sent in the full payment, I breathed a sigh of relief and went about forgetting he even existed. About a week later, one of the accountants asked me if I was a friend of the guy... I asked why???

Dumb question......his entire $6000 check bounced.....

So there for my question, am I too old school? I am one that believes that a persons word and a handshake should be as good as a contract.