The correct way to get trailers inspected

[unit13]

How do I ask a member of the forum to inspect a trailer. I know the procedure; I just don't know the correct way to show by thanks for someone sacrificing their time and money (they will drive some) to help me out. What is expected of me?

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by a gossett

How do I ask a member of the forum to inspect a trailer. I know the procedure; I just don't know the correct way to show by thanks for someone sacrificing their time and money (they will drive some) to help me out. What is expected of me?

I would insist on picking up their gas and offering money for their time.

[Condoluminum]

As potential inspector, Id urge application of "Golden Rule", or do unto others what you'd have them do unto you, and perhaps modify slightly by knowing many of us are Airstream nuts.. Some inspectors are real experts, and others are just trying to be helpful, and provide a remote set of eyes...

If it is long drive, and a lot of time, and an extensive inspection with digital photos, etc an offer of a small check to cover gas and travel costs might be reasonable.. If it is pretty local, and a quick visit, walk-around and verification that it looks pretty much like the ad, without scraping carpet for soft flooring and running all appliances, etc, then just a sincere thanks might be adequate...

Many of us have volunteered (with constraints at times on availabilty..) because we care about Airstreams and want others to feel the same. Preventing a mistake or de-frocking a misrepresentation is something we all feel good about, within reason...

Speaking for myself, I'd reach any formal agreement on cost reimbursement before I headed out on voyage of discovery, so there wouldn't be any hard feelings later.. If I was going to drive an hour or two and spend an hour or two poking, testing, and running stuff, I'd let prospective buyer know ahead if I expected anything in return...

[garry]

I have looked at 2 for others one MH and another a trailer both were fairly close so I expected no reimbursement but surprising non was offered.

[Gene]

This could be an uncomfortable situation as the inspector doesn't say anything and neither do you. You may feel he (or she) will be insulted by an offer of money or a bottle of wine. The inspector may feel insulted if you do or don't. I'm sure some do it out of kindness and if they have any expectation, it's that you help someone else sometime in some way. Uncomfortable situations are caused by no one speaking up, or saying something that comes out the wrong way (like "How much do you charge?").

Perhaps when asking someone to inspect, you could say "I really appreciate you doing this and will be glad to pick up your expenses and take you out to dinner (or lunch)." Of course, some people say "no, it's not necessary" and want you to insist, so I would say "I know it's not necessary, but I want to show my appreciation". If they say no again, fine. Anything an inspector can tell you may save you thousands, so it's a very good investment.

Gene