Ever do free work? - Paint Talk

dragula · 12-17-2008, 10:16 PM

Say an elderly couple that doesn't have all the much money.

I have, on several occasions, performed work for free in certain situations.

Last week, I had an elderly woman call me and ask me to come give her a bid on painting her kitchen. Some drunk had previously charged her $400 to do a slap-job (this was in a small home), and he apparently used watered down VA, because you could see right through it.

I used some Duration I had left over from another job, spent about 3hrs, and charged her $0.

I do this maybe 8 times/year. It pays off not only with nice referrals (usually their kids), but I just feel good about it.

Usually with these "customers", they become your friend, and the life stories are priceless. I met an older man who was best friends with Reagan, but had lost all his $$$ to pay for his wifes cancer treatment, and unfortunately she passed.

I am currently in the process of doing a 3,000sq.ft rec room floor for the YMCA, using Sonneborn Deck Top single component Aliphatic Urethane, all in the name of charity. I'm also painting American flags in the cafeteria of my stepkids elementary school, again for free.

The most profitable upside is that I will have TWO articles ran in the local paper, and I was told one will appear on the front page. Talk about good advertising.

I am considering doing 1 charity job per month to incur all the supposed benefits, with the biggest being to the community's benefit.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Or in todays world, am I wasting my time (even though I benefit emotionally)

JNLP · 12-17-2008, 10:24 PM

I haven't done free work for people I didn't know, but also wouldn't turn it down if asked & was a good cause. Nothing wrong with offering your services to a good cause. Just don't let people get confused of you doing it for a good cause & you giving out free paint jobs.

vermontpainter · 12-17-2008, 10:32 PM

Thats awesome. Good for you. It will come back to you tenfold.

Jay123 · 12-17-2008, 10:33 PM

I've done free work on occasion (carpentry), but always went into it just feeling good about helping someone.

Sometimes it turned into other stuff, sometimes not, but always felt good to help someone who really needed it....

If you're on this world long enough, you're probably going to count the kindness of others at some point...be happy when you can provide it.

J

P.S...and always be thankful for good beer (or bad)

NEPS.US · 12-17-2008, 11:00 PM

I try to donate work at least once a year.

Last year I donated the painting work for a new home for Homes for Our Troops. A young soldier from Boston lost his legs in a IED exposion in Iraq. I saw a article in a local magazine, made a few calls, got interviewed and approved and was put on the schedule. Sherwin Williams stepped up to the plate and donated all of the material.

There are some politics around projects like this that I dont really approve of. Alot of mugging for pics or attention. I wouldnt even put a lawn sign in front of the house. I was just happy I was in a financial position last winter to give.

Homes for Our Troops is a good organization that is doing good work all over the country for wounded vetrans. Check out their site and If you can donate you time in any way I am sure they would appreciate it.

Homes For Our Troops: Specially Adapted Homes for Wounded Soldiers

JNLP · 12-17-2008, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEPS.US

I try to donate work at least once a year.

Last year I donated the painting work for a new home for Homes for Our Troops. A young soldier from Boston lost his legs in a IED exposion in Iraq. I saw a article in a local magazine, made a few calls, got interviewed and approved and was put on the schedule. Sherwin Williams stepped up to the plate and donated all of the material.

There are some politics around projects like this that I dont really approve of. Alot of mugging for pics or attention. I wouldnt even put a lawn sign in front of the house. I was just happy I was in a financial position last winter to give.

Homes for Our Troops is a good organization that is doing good work all over the country for wounded vetrans. Check out their site and If you can donate you time in any way I am sure they would appreciate it.

Homes For Our Troops: Specially Adapted Homes for Wounded Soldiers

That's what I'm talking about right there NEPS. Good stuff. Somebody who needs it & not wanting anything back in return for yourself or company.

dragula · 12-17-2008, 11:21 PM

I'm probably the last guy who can afford to do so, as I'm a full-time college student as well (pre-med). But it does not COST me money, and hell, it makes me feel good.

NEPS, that is a cool gig you did there. Mucho respect for not marking out to yourself as well, very dignified move...

DeanV · 12-17-2008, 11:22 PM

I worked on a home that was being built for a paralyzed youth pastor in our area. They tried to get on extreme makeover but did not make it so a local group built them a home.

NEPS.US · 12-17-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragula

I'm probably the last guy who can afford to do so, as I'm a full-time college student as well (pre-med). But it does not COST me money, and hell, it makes me feel good.

NEPS, that is a cool gig you did there. Mucho respect for not marking out to yourself as well, very dignified move...

Sorry Drag ....I forgot to compliment you on your post. This is a great time of the year to remind people to donate time and money to those less fortunate. Keep up the good work. Giving back to the community is a great thing and more should participate. Thanks!

Jay123 · 12-17-2008, 11:31 PM

yup, good stuff.

vermontpainter · 12-17-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEPS.US

Sorry Drag ....I forgot to compliment you on your post. This is a great time of the year to remind people to donate time and money to those less fortunate. Keep up the good work. Giving back to the community is a great thing and more should participate. Thanks!

Hell just froze offer. NEPS has a heart after all.

NEPS.US · 12-17-2008, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeanV

I worked on a home that was being built for a paralyzed youth pastor in our area. They tried to get on extreme makeover but did not make it so a local group built them a home.

Good stuff Dean

DeanV · 12-17-2008, 11:49 PM

I checked out your military home link and there is one going up not too far from me. If nothing shapes up here to get me back on track for work load, I may look into that one and see what the schedule is looking like. Good stuff guys.

johnpaint · 12-18-2008, 12:18 AM

I did a free job the other day. I just asked the lady after I gave her some free work if she would log on to a web page I advertise on and give me a review and believe me I got one good recommedation for it.So I guess I got paid for it, and I felt good also, so I guess we both made out pretty good.

Danahy · 12-18-2008, 01:34 AM

I'm not a fan of painting for free, but I do help out people in other ways alot. I enjoy being a second set of hands with a bud who's laying down some new flooring or drywalling etc... but when it comes to painting for free I draw the line. Not sure why I think that way, but ...

**daArch** · 12-18-2008, 01:39 AM

Good for all you that have donated your time and (left over) materials. This is the time of year (and with the economy) to pay back. Time and talent are easy to donate. It don't cost us and it sure makes a difference to those who need a helping hand.

Chapters of the NGPP are constantly doing "Charity Hangs". The most common recipients are "McDonald Houses" . A chapter will coordinate free wallcoverings, wall prep, and paste from our associate members. The hangers gather to install and have fun doing it .

On a more personal note, I once did a small bath for a woman who through her recommendations generated a LOT of work for me. I didn't realize I was going to give her the "present" until about an hour into the job. Funny thing is, I haven't heard from her since or any of her friends - but I didn't give with any expectations of "return on the investment"

NEPS, if you hear of any more of these Homes for Our Troops in the area that may like wallcoverings installed, let me know, the Boston Chapter is always looking for suitable Charity Hangs.

Merry Christmas to all !

Michigan11 · 12-18-2008, 03:01 AM

Why not paint for nothing? If you paint for free, why charge ever? And who do you decide should be charged? Are you sure the individuals you paint for free for have no ability to pay for your services? Why would a 'said' individual have called for your services, without the ability to pay?

Who pays for your free services....there is never a free lunch...

Please enlighten the rest of this forum, on how we can reap the benefits of free painting services....

Has the 'value' of your services gone up, because of your 'free' services?

Are free services good business? Is the business of business free service? Wouldn't it be great to get free services and products?

fcsoldier · 12-18-2008, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEPS.US

I try to donate work at least once a year.

Last year I donated the painting work for a new home for Homes for Our Troops. A young soldier from Boston lost his legs in a IED exposion in Iraq. I saw a article in a local magazine, made a few calls, got interviewed and approved and was put on the schedule. Sherwin Williams stepped up to the plate and donated all of the material.

There are some politics around projects like this that I dont really approve of. Alot of mugging for pics or attention. I wouldnt even put a lawn sign in front of the house. I was just happy I was in a financial position last winter to give.

Homes for Our Troops is a good organization that is doing good work all over the country for wounded vetrans. Check out their site and If you can donate you time in any way I am sure they would appreciate it.

Homes For Our Troops: Specially Adapted Homes for Wounded Soldiers

I just signed up with them. I hope they give us a call so we can get the chance to help someone out.

hawaiipainter · 12-18-2008, 05:53 AM

We all belong to a community and it's our responsibilty to participate in it. It's like a "barn raising" or "it takes a village to raise a child". It feels great to give, and people will respect you who recieve it or even hear about it. I'd rather do that then paid work if I could aford it.
I'm paiting a church for free, and SW is donating Duration paint for it. It's on the beach so I can swim or play beach volleyball on my breaks.

Wolfgang · 12-18-2008, 06:26 AM

I do at least 2 Habitat for Humanity houses each year. I dont mind doing a free job for the elderly or handicapped. I myself have an 80% VA disability so I know what its like not to be able to do certain things.

The Habitat houses have "paid off" in numerous contacts and referrals. Doing the other free work just feels like an obligation of sorts. Lets face it, there are alot of "painters" out there with less than stellar reputations. If I can help to make out trade a little more respected, I will.

Granted, we all need to make a living, but there came a point in my life when chasing the almighty dollar just didnt seem to be so important. I turn down jobs when I dont have a good feeling about the customer, when the job seems to be more than I can physically handle, etc.. Some of them I refer to friends who I know will do a quality job.

I think doing free work boils down to where we are in our lives. I remember when I was an employee that a simple thank you or good job meant alot to me. It still does.