We have a person coming to wash the cars and to do some small odd jobs on weekends.
On the first day of his work when he finished all his work, like any other person he would have had some amount in his mind that he will get so much for his work. When he counted the money what we paid him for his job his face lightened up, he got it more than he had expected, he said Namaskara so many times before he left. When he came next weekend we got little extra work done but paid the same money as it was small work and also we had given him food. We thought there is no need to pay for that extra work, but somewhere it was killing me, I was wondering whether I should pay or not to pay, but finally I ended up paying. He was again very happy. Such small amounts may not matter to us but to them its a huge amount or they may even adjust that amount for one meal. I felt very nice after paying his dues. I always want to reach out to people with this message, that please stop bargaining with people who do real hard work, instead at the end of the day pay him extra, as a tip. He will really feel happy, it will make him come back to you to do any kind of job you want to get done and not only for that, it is also to see that wonderful grin on his face, as he knows that he will never get under paid for his work, he will do that work with more accuracy and with interest.
I also want to say that please do not bargain with the roadside vendors and cart fellows, they do lot of hard work to make both ends meet. They walk and walk miles together to earn that little money. Instead if you like some stuff please pay him little extra as tips or for his craftsmanship, try to appreciate their work. Try doing that it will make lot of difference not only to him but to you also. You will feel very happy within.
Usha Agarwal