I work for a home improvements company so I am often working "behind the garage" of the customer. You know, where everyone stashes their old bikes, lawnmowers, lumber, canoes.

It is heartbreaking sometime to see the state of disrepair that some of these have been allowed to attain. I saw an old Dolphin that was almost dust from sitting in the sun unprotected. Another indeterminate brand that not only had the gunnels rotted away but the saw horses it was sitting on were almost cut in half from rot. I saw what I think was a Ram-X floating upside down in a back yard pond. You could tell by the scum lines on it that it had been there for quite some time.

I also see a lot of nice looking canoes that are hung in the garage or stored under a shed roof for protection. A lot of pleasant conversations (or as I tell my supervisor, positive customer relations)have resulted.

I blew an opportunity one day because of my honesty. A nice little 16' aluminum canoe was hanging in a garage. It looked almost brand new. While engaged in positive customer relations, the owner said he should sell it because his wife's health issues precluded using it anymore. I asked what he was thinking of asking for it. His reply, $150. Instead of telling him that I would be back that evening with my van and tie-downs, I blurted out; "Oh, it's worth more than that."

Unas,
Would you have made the same reply if it was a nice Wenonah/Bell/Souris River?

You probably would. I know I would probably do what your first inclination was - "SOLD"!

At least the canoe would now have a loving home and do what canoes are made to do.

I salute your honesty.

Sometimes it seems as if almost every house has at least one un-tended canoe sitting out behind the shed.

honesty is the best. noone likes being taken advantage of and i'm sure he was thankful you suggested it. you could call him to see if he still has it.

i feel the same way when i see antlers laying outside people's garages or sheds....and ask, "so, what you have planned for those antlers?" most of the time i go home with some antlers :)

Golden Rule is best.

Reverse is, my dear old dad has a conniption every time I tell him what I really paid for a canoe. Almost feel like telling him "$300." That's his take on what ANY canoe is worth.

You did the right thing.


T

Karma is both a positive and negative force. I am pretty sure you will be paid back for your good actions.

Karma...shmarma. 100 years from now no one will even mow your grave. Do unto others before they stick it to you - which will eventually happen. That's my motto.

Just teasin', besides, I got no use for a metal boat.

Morals are really just a means to social order. Good for that, not much else. Like religion, a necessary evil I suppose. I might play along with a metal boat, becoming a road warrior had it been a Bell Magic.