I just bought my first flatbed truck and already people are asking me to help them move things?

Question

How do you say 'no' to people without them thinking you are being selfish? It costs me $80 to fill it up and not only do I expect people to pay for gas if I help them, but the simple matter is that I don't want to help a ton of people move things and/or borrow my truck?

How do / would you handle this?

Answer 1

There's a bumper sticker I've seen many times that says: "Yes, this is my truck. No, I wont help you move"

Get one!

Answer 2

check with your insurance carrier,  pretty good chance you

are not allowed to haul for money and you for sure cannot

afford to haul for free.   same goes for letting someone

borrow your truck.  

there will be many who will be mad at you but they can just

get glad again,   you have responsibilities that must be

honored.  to yourself,  to the laws,  to the insurance carrier.

don't let them do a number on you,   remember they are the

ones wanting something for nothing.

Answer 3

Make it clear to everyone that this is a business venture, and the truck costs money to run. You have a right to be paid for your time and expenses, such as gas, insurance, and maintenance. NEVER let anyone borrow your truck. Your insurance company may not cover uninsured drivers. If your friends take offense at this, then they're not really true friends. I've had 5 trucks since 1974, and I got rid of the moochers early !

Answer 4

"Friends help you move, REAL friends help you move a body"

Just say "It cost me nearly a hundred bucks to fill up that tank!" then look at them, expectantly, waiting for a reply.

Most people will quickly back out of the question on their own, with no hurt feelings at all. The few idiots who can't take a hint, be more blunt and just say no.