Family member frustration

[jeffcoffman]

I have a nephew (my wife's side of the family) who constantly needs computer help. He somehow keeps getting viruses and other bad things on his machine, but he doesn't know how... He has Limewire and BearShare installed.

So last month I asked him to come mow my lawn and trim my trees - he has a landscaping business. He had the nerve to send me a bill via registered mail! I sent him bills for the last five times I cleaned up his computer, which obviously came out to far more than what I owed him.

He still hasn't paid me.

[hardtoremember]

Oh wow! I must say that it takes a lot of nerve to sell you his services and expect yours for free. Via registered mail at that!

Well I would just tell him to take it to Geek Squad next time. Don't offer any further computer support ever again. No advice no nothing. It is that simple. I wouldn't follow up with the bill or send any kind of notice just take it as my lesson learned and move on.

That takes a lot of nerve! It is really hard for me to understand how a family member can treat another like that!

[itmike]

This is why you never do business with family...

[Hercomputers]

Originally Posted by itmike

This is why you never do business with family...

In some instances, when it comes to money issues, often this is what you have to do. If he gives you hard time, just polietly but firmly remind him of the computer repair work you've done for him. If he refuses to pay, you may have to cut your losses, BUT he will need you again becasue he will not want to pay anyone else to do it, because he knows he may get it done for less - but that's when you turn him down!

Hopefully no other family member will pull this on you again. Hang in there.

[reesk92]

im gonna be a bit dumb here

how old is this nephew

from the post i though he was like 10

[Holzster]

Create a new invoice listing all the old invoices he owes you & total it out - then subtract his invoice to you and put the balance at the bottom. That way he see's a balance where he owes you. Also send it registered mail so he see's how silly that is.

[Skyhooker]

In the immortal words of Rodney Dangerfield, "Now I know why tigers eat their young."

[jeffcoffman]

I've decided to never work on his computer again. He also has quite a bit of pirated software/movies/music/porn on his machine and I just don't feel comfortable doing "business" with him anymore.

10 is his mental age. He's 26.

Thanks for the input!

[IAMPC]

-NEVER EVER do business for family or friends. I learned that lesson long time ego. They will never appreciate it and they will blame everything that goes wrong on you. Because they are clueless about computers.

- I sometimes help my mom and grandpa with their PC but that is about it.

[Appleby]

This has to be one of the most amazing posts I've read. I understand the whole family issue, but not paying your bill but sending you his bill via registered mail?! Wow. That's low.