Thursday, January 25, 2007

"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.

17 comments:

The Lone Beader® said...

Yikes!!! I'm with you on this. A person's word SHOULD be good as gold....but there are a lot of scumbags out there, so you can't believe anyone anymore...=:(

Bardouble29 said...

LB - I tought I could believe this person, I worked with him....sad, sad, sad!!!

Jay said...

I accept everyone's "word" as good. But, it can't take the place of money or threaten my business or work.

I think if they get mad then oh well. They may say I'm not trusting, but to me they are taking advantage of me or our friendship.

Bardouble29 said...

Jay - Good way to look at it, lesson learned for me.... the hard way.

Joshua said...

Oh damn.

(yup 2 big words from me)

Bardouble29 said...

Chucky- Thank you for leaving me with a thought provoking comment...LOL

MrRyanO said...

That sucks!

Because of the same type of situation we've had to implement 50% up front...50% upon installation.

You want to believe people and think that they are good...it's the few bad apples that ruin it all...

captain corky said...

"I am one that believes that a persons word and a handshake should be as good as a contract".

I agree with Jay, this is a good personal philosophy, but as far as business is concerned that's another story. It sucks that it has to be that way.

Cinnamon Girl said...

NEVER mix business with friendship. I am totally hesitant to even recommend people for a job after that last couple of time. Now I keep a firm line drawn.

whimsical brainpan said...

No you are not to old school, I expect the same thing. Unfortunately most people these days don't hold themselves to their promises.

Anonymous said...

My first inclination is too trust people at face value. Sadly I've had to learn to "trust, but verify"

Anonymous said...

Oh man that sucks! I try my hardest not to mix money and friendship but sometimes you think you know someone. Good story though. I hope this ass (yes, I filled in the blank) doesn't at all ruin your rep with your co-workers though. That's the last thing you need.

Unknown said...

That's not old fashioned. This is just about somebody being dishonest.

In some states, by the way, handshakes are contracts.

Sorry you had to deal with that.

Em said...

Barb, you are totally right....a person's word should be worth something. If you can't trust what a person tells you, then that person really has given up their own integrity. Sadly, I think too many people in our society don't value their word in that manner. But if you are 'old school' in your beliefs, then I'm right there with ya.

skinnylittleblonde said...

Ugh....well if folks are as good as their words, then he's meaningless. It is situations like this that make me hope that the old verbage 'What comes around, goes around' is true.

Kati said...

Nope, you're right. Uncontrollable circumstances aside, a person should hold to their word. But, the fact that so many don't gets right into that problem of the lack of respect for others that seems so frequent in our society. Evidently a LOT of people didn't grow up with parents treaching "your word is your bond" type lessons to them. It's something I'm trying to drill into DD's head. She's not seeming to get it, either, unfortunately. *sigh*

Sorry to hear this jerk left you looking like a jerk as well. What a scuz!

Baron Ectar said...

BarDouble -
I hate that you learned this lesson the hard way. I am the same - if I give someone my word it stands - no you are not wrong on the principle of the meaning - sad thing is in this world people do not place any value on themselves let alone their word. I know its tough so sorry you are dealing with this type of "friend".