Jeff,

I would be definitely calling on him and stopping by a little more often to get my money

Russ Thanks.  Its not over, he'll get very tired of seeing me if he doesn't come up with the money soon

I had a similar situation with an electrician! He needed upfront money to buy the materials and pay his room rent... He started the job..., found my last beer in the fridge... HE WAS GONE!

It was my fault for being to vulnerable and compassionate

Jeff - Ultimately, this comes down to the fact that you and your wife seem to be compassionate and trusting people.  I certainly hope that you won't let $160 change that.

When we lived in our previous house, my husband hired a relative of an acquaintance to do some electrical work on our house.  My husband paid him the full amount before the work was finished and guess what?  He never returned to finish the job.  Never pay until the job is finished and approved.

Mott

At least I didn't lose my last beer.  That would have really irritated me. 

Eric,

My wife is at least.  $160 isn't the end of the world it's the principle of the thing. 

Shirley

I will probably do it again despite knowing better

Jeff, LOL, I think he is over here, we had a ton of trees go down with the last storm as well. I'll send him back your way soon that naughty guy. Don't ya love it when peoples words are worthless.

Duane

Duane he has decided to give me back some of the money.  He I going to keep a hundred for gas (round trip 25 miles) and 2 hours of work (my 16 year old could have accomplished more in 30 minutes)  I get $60 though I haven't seen it yet

Jeff,

I pay my vendors immediately when the job is done! Many times the sellers reimburse me. Never make a contractor wait for money. This is my best advice for getting things done.

Margaret I agree but this guy called me up flat broke looking for money and didn't have enough to get started.  I knew better but I thought it would work out.

Jeff, We have all been burned. I remember when some one came,needing money, and  offered to clean our gutters. We paid ... never heard from him again. Good way to learn a lesson.

You try to help people and they take advantage of you which just hurts the good ones down the road

Think of it as good karma put in the world, just somewhat expensive karma!  And we, as realtors, should know better than to pay for work upfront!!

Carol thanks.  we've all known not to pay up front but sometimes you still are a sucker