There’s a few characters in this:
Cameron – the owner of Success Bodyworks
Tara – Works for Cameron, runs Success Bodyworks
My dad was a business owner who ran an automotive repair shop. He died some time ago and I was tasked with selling his business/property. His business was literally across the street from Success Bodyworks. My dad knew everyone at Success as they were both in business for decades beside each other. When my dad died Cameron was the first person to offer help, for which I accepted in a few ways. Cameron and his workers helped me take a few loads of junk from my dad’s business to the dump, they helped my mom with sending emails (she doesn’t internet), gave her rides when she needed to mail me things, Cameron always answered the phone when I had questions about selling a business, etc.
Very shortly after my dad died he also told me he wanted to buy a piece of heavy machinery that my dad owned. I said sure and we agreed to work out a price when things had calmed down. I had other things to worry about like funeral homes, estate lawyers, cleaning up a business, etc. and Cameron drove the equipment back to his shop.
After quite a long time the property got sold. Cameron called me shortly after. I told him all about how it was finally done and I was happy to have this part over with. After we had hung up I remembered that we never squared up for the machinery so I called him back and asked to finalize that. I even said "What’s it worth to you?" and would have just went with whatever he wanted to pay, but he put the ball back in my court and said to pick a number which I did based on a similar piece of machinery that I had sold earlier. I asked for half of that so I figured it was pretty fair. Cameron agreed and we hung up.
A couple of days later Tara called my mom to Success to pick up the money. I couldn’t do it as I do not live in the same city. So she went and she told me that Tara sat her down and told her that she was shocked that I had asked to be paid for the machinery. My mom said there was an air of disappointment, the meeting seemed tense and that the relationship between us and them seemed damaged.
I fully understand that I did accept help from these people. However Cameron said he’d pay me for the equipment. There was no agreement that Cameron would help me in exchange for anything. I thought he was genuinely there to help, not expect to get something in return. I thought they were being kind? Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate their help but the help they did provide wasn’t worth the value of the machinery imo. On one hand I feel guilty, not only for what my mom had to go through but that maybe I shouldn’t have asked to be paid. On the other hand, we didn’t agree to anything and Cameron told me he’d buy the machinery from me. So AITA for asking to be paid or should I have let it go free of charge in exchange for the help?
NTA.
Sounds like they’re trying to guilt you into giving them free stuff.
NTA. If they OFFERED to help out, and he OFFERED to pay for it, and you’re only charging HALF what the equipment was worth based on selling another similar item to someone, sounds like Tara needs to shut her big damn mouth, or you can just take it and sell it for full price to someone else, and explain to Cameron how and why Tara “helped” you arrive at the decision that selling to them at a severe discount just didn’t feel right anymore.
If it’s all accurate then NTA. People offering unconditional compassionate help do not expect any form of material reciprocity. People who do are not good people and you shouldn’t care about them at all.
NTA: Did you talk to Cameron? Sounds like Tara is the one with the issue. All that really matters is what Cameron says. You are hearing this second-hand through your mom as well so you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Also you gave him 50% off. I think that’s more than fair.
Yeah, I’ve worked in and around some small businesses like this, and sometimes office managers like to think they are the owners and wrap up their own egos with the business… everything is a personal insult instead of just a professional deal.
OP, unless Cameron says something, don’t worry about it. Stinks she made your mother feel that way, though.
Also i believe that Tara could be acting in her own self interest and is trying to get the machinery for free and just pocket the money that was meant to be used for the purchase but im cynical so idk.
I haven’t spoken to him yet. I just heard of all of this happening less than 24h ago and I’m just trying to figure out how to handle it.
“Hi Cameron, look, mum thinks there is some kind of issue around the price for the machinery, at least, that’s the impression Tara gave.”
Either he goes “no idea what you’re talking about” and then goes of to talk to Tara. Or he goes “well, we did do a lot for you”, at which point you go “yes, that’s why I initially asked what you wanted to pay, and when you pushed it back to me, I sold it for half the price the other one was”.
NTA.
– They offered help out of friendship.
– Cameron offered to purchase the machinery.
– Cameron agreed to the price.
– A 50% discount is a good enough deal to show appreciation for the assistance given.
NTA – I would call Cameron and confirm he was aware of what Tara did. Specifically that there was a business agreement on the sale of an item and instead she made your mom feel uncomfortable knowing there was a verbal agreement in place. While you were open to selling this item at a significantly discounted rate in consideration for all the help this seemed not only underhanded but showing a significant disrespect to you and your mom. Should he had felt the price was unfair the conversation should have been with you instead of making your mom feel uncomfortable.
This is not your fault but theirs. Frankly while you accepted their assistance you also considered it as part of your price offer. If Cameron was aware and had Tara do this I would say don’t sell them the equipment and tell them that while you had no issues with them – putting your mom in the middle of this made you uncomfortable in dealing with them.
NTA he offered to buy it. And then had buyers remorse. Tell him helping doesnt mean he gets an expensive machines for free. You are already discounting it greatly
The unasked question is was Tara trying to pocket the money …
NTA, I’d recommend reaching out to Cameron, as you don’t know if he has the same sentiment as Tara.
Approach the conversation with curiosity, not an accusation. Explain to him what Tara said to your mom and how she was treated. Ask if the expectation was for the machine to be payment for their help, and if it was, you would have been open to a conversation. Explain that you are hurt that Tara would try and guilt a grieving widow like that, and you would prefer Tara or him had brought it up with you.
Right now, you are assuming his intent from Tara’s actions. You should give him the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to explain himself. How he responds will tell you if the relationship is worth salvaging.
You offered it at half market rate, That in itself can be seen as compensation for the assistance they gave. NTA.