A while ago a friend and I took care of the nursery during a wedding that I would say wasn't more than 45 minutes long. The bride and groom paid us $25 each. Recently the same friend and I watched the nursery again for a gathering that was two hours long and we were paid $5 each. (The person paying was different than the one that paid us at the wedding.) The man that paid us the $5 is now "requesting" that we do the nursery for his wedding. Would it be improper of me to ask how much we were getting paid? I'm not sure if I even want to watch the nursery for this guy now. It sounds a bit greedy, I know, but tell me what you think.
2007-05-02 16:48:39 · 19 answers · asked by Smeather 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
it is never improper to inquire about the money you're getting paid for your time."charging" is'nt always the important thing, but you can always offer to "baby-sit" for them when they start a family. now is now though. in today's world, money is still king. and time is money! did they invite you to be a "guest" at the wedding? what does that say.!! It's a "wedding" for god's sake. Surely they have added that to the budget! Did they"request" that the caterer provide the food, or that the minister provide the ceremony or that the landlord or owner provide the place??? yes , they should pay you!!!!
2007-05-02 17:11:43 · answer #1 · answered by quartertil2am 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that it would be improper at all. Pay should always be one of the first things mentioned and you should ask for a fair amount. $2.50 an hour is very improper and very inconsiderate. Let him know in a nice way, what you expect up front. If it upsets him, tell him your sorry to upset him but you wanted to let him know up front this time since the last time it wasn't mentioned. This was both parties fault for not discussing the pay beforehand, so don't take the blame all yourself or blame him either. If it still upsets him, don't worry about it. You gave him a good opportunity, theres also others out there that he can find.
2007-05-03 00:06:07 · answer #2 · answered by chrisajt123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, it would be improper of this man to "request" anything of you if such a request were made in a demanding, insistent manner. If he asked you to do it, that is a different matter. There is no harm in asking a favor of someone, but a request can be too pushy.
Next, your time is worth something. You are entitled to fair compensation for your time regardless of any other circumstances. After all, you could just as well be doing something else with your time. Remember, there is an old saying, "Time is money." Your time is yours to use as you see fit. Don't let anyone push you into doing something you don't want to do. Make it worth your time.
2007-05-03 00:04:19 · answer #3 · answered by Ronald M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not greedy at all in my opinion. Your getting paid $5 to watch a nursery. It's not really 'improper' to ask to know your income in advents, either. I say ask if hes, 'requesting'. Fairs fairs, right?
2007-05-02 23:59:09 · answer #4 · answered by Twili 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not!
Your time is worth something to you and you shouldn't have to work for $5 for an evenings worth. A good way to handle it would be to say:
"I would love to work the nursery for you, Mr. Smith. But I just want to let you know that we (I) charge $10 an hour per worker. We've asked around and determined that was a fair rate."
He may balk and say, "I'm sorry, but that's outrageous/ridiculous," or, "you're crazy!"
But whatever-it's your night that will be ruined and unless your life depends on his happiness with you (which it probably doesn't) then you don't owe him a thing-except a polite refusal.
Don't be afraid of him saying, "no, thanks."
2007-05-02 23:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
asking the guy how much isnt rude. with this guy you should negotiate a price and time limit for the nursery. after all you could flat out say no and i doubt he has anyone else lined up. tell him a fair price per hour or charge for a certain amount of time but defintely negotiate with mr cheaps before the big day.
2007-05-03 00:07:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have a fixed rate already set in mind and tell him up front. Just be polite and say something along the lines of "I would love to, but I have a specific rate of (insert price)". This way he knows in advance that you are expecting a certain payment. You can also charge by the hour. it's like babysitting. The parents have some control but you can also enforce certain rules of your own. Much love!!!!
2007-05-02 23:52:53 · answer #7 · answered by Becca Boo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the man that paid you $5 was the improper person. Shame on him, its called, "taking advantage of someone." It doesn't sound greedy at all, on your part. He sounds just plain cheap. I wouldn't do it.... on till a price was set that is fair to you.
2007-05-02 23:54:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be perfectly proper to ask. You should never take a job without knowing how much you are going to get paid. It is the right thing to do and to watch kids is a difficult job. Good luck.
2007-05-02 23:53:29 · answer #9 · answered by Snuffy Smith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound like it would be greedy at all. Your time is valuable and it only seems proper that he should pay you for it. If the man is upset by you asking this he shouldn't have "requested" that you provide a service.
2007-05-02 23:52:53 · answer #10 · answered by whiskemus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋