There's an office moocher at my place and he mooches all the time. He never contributes to any of our potlucks yet he is always mooching off our food. It irrates me. What do I do? How do I tactufully tell him to contribute?
2007-10-25 11:50:47 · 24 answers · asked by **El Amo de Gymmy** 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Make a sign up list, numbered 1- 10 or however many folks will be participating, including the moocher... when all have signed up, bring the list to him, and say "I don't see your name on the list, what will you be bringing" ... if he says "nothing" ... ask him to contribute some cash, so someone else can bring a dish for him... ;)
2007-10-25 13:27:56 · answer #1 · answered by Foggy Idea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the problem right there; you're concerned about his feelings and he has none for yours or anyone else's. You need to talk turkey to him; tell him you're having a potluck and if he is unable to bring something he will not be able to attend. Period. Then everyone needs to stop encouraging this moocher by giving in to him. Stop giving him anything and then see how fast he turns around. You've gone so long a;llowing this behavior he thinks it's OK; you need to set him straight.
2007-10-25 19:39:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your question made me chuckle, cause doesn't every one know someone like this? So ignorant. I would just say to him that you are having a potluck and that everyone is bringing something and hope that he can contribute too. If he still shows up with nothing there really not much that you can do. I think people like this will really never learn. Just take the high road and try not to let it bother you. (easier said than done right?) good luck to you
2007-10-25 18:58:08 · answer #3 · answered by corriegirl 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Write out a list of what everyone has said that they are going to bring, and make sure that the moocher has said something too. If they turn up empty handed, ask them where their dish is, and why they haven't got one. Point out that now you are missing whatever, because they failed to contribute.
2007-10-25 18:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by Barb Outhere 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're in charge and organizing the event, why don't you ask him to bring a specific item? Tell him exactly how many to bring and casually let him know that he's the only one bringing that particular item. Do y'all have a sign-up list to avoid duplicate items posted in a public place, as many offices do? Good luck.
2007-10-25 18:57:46 · answer #5 · answered by Linda L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We had one of those at our office too. It is a pisser huh? Send out a memo to EVERYONE and make sure that you follow up with the moocher. If the moocher still doesn't cooperate, then get your manager involved.
2007-10-25 18:54:30 · answer #6 · answered by Edith 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's like the office moocher at my office, you wait until he's at the buffet line, and ask him (make it seem casual), "So, Bob, which one of these delicious dishes did you bring?" Obviously he can't lie, because everyone will know, so he stands there stammering and looking like an @sshole. Worked for me, on more than one occasion!
2007-10-25 22:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I like the idea of specifically asking him in front of everyone else what he's bringing. How about taking it one step further? Make name cards and place them next to everyone's dish describing the food and who brought it. When he (and everyone else) sees an empty spot with his name on it, maybe he'll think twice next time.
And don't try to be tactful. There's nothing tactful about mooching.
2007-10-25 19:06:59 · answer #8 · answered by Freddie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Put his name and a dish on card and hand it to him and tell him thats what he needs to bring.If he is unable to bring what is writen then ask him what can he bring? Then pretend to write it down in front of him and make sure to tell other people in front of him "hey moocher is bringing" so he knows everybody knows he has to bring something
2007-10-25 18:56:24 · answer #9 · answered by Crazy cat lady >^ ^< 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you tell him: "Hey, If you're eating at the pot luck, we are counting on you to bring the potato chips (or sodas or plates or whatever) . everyone is contributing to make it fair"
Do not give him a choice of what, make it simple and buyable. Tell him how many (how much) and about how much it's going to cost. No asking, Tell.
2007-10-25 18:56:05 · answer #10 · answered by Denise M 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋