With clients like this.....

[canetoad]

I've just finished building and deploying a Filemaker database for a small business in my area. The client was using an Access db built for Win98, updated to work on office 2007.

Shortly into the project I realised I'd seriously underquoted; no password was available to get into the inner workings of the old database - I needed to deconstruct and rebuild from what I could access as a limited user. This included literally days on end of copying and pasting into new Excel tables for import.

I didn't whinge to the client. Her business is a temp/relief agency for kindergarten staff and she is well know for prompt payment and treating her temp staff well.

Imagine my surprise when, on presenting the final invoice, I found the billed amount PLUS an extra thousand dollars deposited into my account.

You only need to meet one or two people like this in your working life to make up for all the cheap bastards you have to deal with.

Deb - you'll never read this, but a great big thumbs up for you and Relay Kindergarten Staff Agency.

PS. If anyone knows a kindergarten teacher looking for work in Oz, send me a message. I know a great agency....:)

[hobbit709]

1. It feels good doesn't it?

I had someone bring in their laptop that was acting up. took me 5 minutes to find and change the setting they accidentally altered.
Charged them $30 and he insisted on paying me $75.

[canetoad]

2. My word it does hobbit

Glad your client saw the value of your work.

[steve2470]

3. I'm on the other side of the desk

I took my pc into my favorite shop over a month ago, and it has been a nightmare to troubleshoot, etc.

He charged me $99 upfront. When I get it back on Friday, he's getting another $100 from me voluntarily. I know right now he's losing money on me. Small business people appreciate this, whereas *some* non-business owners do not.

Your client rocks.

[canetoad]

6. You're a good man Steve

And I bet your computer shop appreciates your custom and will go the extra mile to help you.

[BlueJazz]

4. That's Great! I told a story (about a year ago??) about helping a client fix...

...his windows 7 installation. (Certain Asus boards have to tweaked for 7 to run well) Anyway..
It was at night and the family was getting to eat when I arrived. They insisted I join them.
They had Porterhouse steak, mash potatoes, veggies and a chocolate malt. (I was in F***ing heaven)

Got the job done in 30 minutes...they handed me an EXTRA 50 bucks and was sweet as hell.
Wonderful night.

Cane: I'm coming to Melbourne on Feb 15. I Promise to look you up. I'll be there for 2 weeks... (Won't be so damn hectic as it was last year.)
:)

[canetoad]

7. Excellent news Jazz

Will be great to meet you. Hope you like dogs :)

[JBoy]

5. Great story, I'm sure that made your day.

A couple months ago I helped my 80 year old neighbour replace his boat anchor PC with a new laptop and a wireless network. Took me a couple hours work, but it was pretty straightforward and I had fun helping him buy what he needed and showing him how to use it. He's a super nice guy, so I expected the profuse thanks when I was done. My surprise came though when he then asks me if I like Scotch. "Sure, I love Scotch", thinking he's offering me a drink. He then brings me two unopened superb single malts, says he's had these for years, and will never drink them. He hopes they're still OK.

Best neighbour I've ever had.

[canetoad]

8. LOL! Were they OK?

Guess you had to sample to find out.

[JBoy]

9. Yes, they're both still great, and I made sure to let him know.

Just in case he wants to send anything else my way...