If It’s Free They’re Not Free To Choose

I work as an onsite IT technician for small industries and privates.

Client: “Yes, you remember my PC? You came one month ago to install my printer and some other stuff.”

I remember very well. In fact, I remember even the second time, when she wasn’t at home and I drove ten kilometres — forty-five minutes each way in the Italian traffic — for nothing.

Client: “See, the store formatted it for some problems it had, but now I need you to redo the work of the other time.”

Me: “Yes, I can be at your house on…”

Client: “No, I can’t pay for you, so I’m asking if you can make it free.”

Me: “If it’s only for the printer, I probably can, but you have to wait until I’m called by someone near you. Let me see… Tomorrow no, maybe the day after tomorrow, but I’m not sure.”

Client: “No, tomorrow is too late. You can’t come here tonight?”

Me: “Gratis?”

Client: “Yes.”

Me: “No.”

I didn’t hear from her anymore, thank God!