Using the services of a Freemason

daves (28/09/2009)

This topic sort of follows on from Mark Perrot's comments in the thread on declaring, or not, your being a Freemason in your CV.

We are thinking about having a "Make Over" (I detest that awful phrase) of our kitchen. A small company advertised in our GL Masonic quarterly magazine, they are Freemasons (I have sat with one of them in Lodge and at the South), they are round the corner to where we live and they are reasonably priced. We have decided that it would be wrong to expect a discount because I am a Freemason, but if one is offered, then fine.

I can't see a problem here, but I'd like to hear your views.

S&F

And if the work is not up to scratch? Apart from the reminder of poor workmanship every time you use your kitchen, and the subsequent discussion you will hear from other persons closer to home, what recourse will you have to sort out the problem?

And what would be the fallout from within your masonic district if you have to persue the matter through the courts?

I am not implying by any stretch of the imagination that the work will be substandard, or that the workman are shonky, but you have to consider all possibilites. Including your continued happy relationship with your other half. ;)

But, you just knew I was going to say that, didn't you? :D:D

Author	Message
daves	Posted 28/09/2009 00:47:28
Fellow Group: Forum Member Last Active: 19/02/2011 04:33:16 Posts: 268, Visits: 480 689	This topic sort of follows on from Mark Perrot's comments in the thread on declaring, or not, your being a Freemason in your CV. We are thinking about having a "Make Over" (I detest that awful phrase) of our kitchen. A small company advertised in our GL Masonic quarterly magazine, they are Freemasons (I have sat with one of them in Lodge and at the South), they are round the corner to where we live and they are reasonably priced. We have decided that it would be wrong to expect a discount because I am a Freemason, but if one is offered, then fine. I can't see a problem here, but I'd like to hear your views. S&F Daves The Carrington Lodge (WAC 363) Western Australian Lodge of Research (WAC 277) Bassendean RA Chapter (WAC 20) 18^o Sharon SRCC (No 140 AASR, Australia) [url=http://thecarringtonlodge.blogspot.com][/url]
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Vintagemalt	Posted 28/09/2009 00:53:07
Master Group: Forum Member Last Active: 19/01/2012 12:21:24 Posts: 771, Visits: 2,399 1,869	daves (28/09/2009) This topic sort of follows on from Mark Perrot's comments in the thread on declaring, or not, your being a Freemason in your CV. We are thinking about having a "Make Over" (I detest that awful phrase) of our kitchen. A small company advertised in our GL Masonic quarterly magazine, they are Freemasons (I have sat with one of them in Lodge and at the South), they are round the corner to where we live and they are reasonably priced. We have decided that it would be wrong to expect a discount because I am a Freemason, but if one is offered, then fine. I can't see a problem here, but I'd like to hear your views. S&F Likewise Dave, If there is a local person who is available and wants the business why not deal with them. It makes sense. I do it regularly. I never expect a discount but I do expect the mans word to be his bond and for him to do the best job possible for the price quoted. I have yet to be dissappointed or let down by anyone on the square. Stephen Stephen
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M Perrott	Posted 28/09/2009 00:54:53
Fellow Group: Forum Member Last Active: 11/04/2012 00:58:18 Posts: 339, Visits: 2,534 873	daves (28/09/2009) This topic sort of follows on from Mark Perrot's comments in the thread on declaring, or not, your being a Freemason in your CV. We are thinking about having a "Make Over" (I detest that awful phrase) of our kitchen. A small company advertised in our GL Masonic quarterly magazine, they are Freemasons (I have sat with one of them in Lodge and at the South), they are round the corner to where we live and they are reasonably priced. We have decided that it would be wrong to expect a discount because I am a Freemason, but if one is offered, then fine. I can't see a problem here, but I'd like to hear your views. S&F And if the work is not up to scratch? Apart from the reminder of poor workmanship every time you use your kitchen, and the subsequent discussion you will hear from other persons closer to home, what recourse will you have to sort out the problem? And what would be the fallout from within your masonic district if you have to persue the matter through the courts? I am not implying by any stretch of the imagination that the work will be substandard, or that the workman are shonky, but you have to consider all possibilites. Including your continued happy relationship with your other half. ;) But, you just knew I was going to say that, didn't you? :D:D
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Mike Lawrence	Posted 28/09/2009 07:51:48
Excellent Master Group: Forum Member Last Active: 2 hours ago Posts: 778, Visits: 1,150 11,069	Sadly it is not always the case that a brother would be the best or safest tradesman to ask to do a job. I would research your local trades directory, get quotes, ask for references from former customers, even ask to see work previously carried out, then make your decision. All TV shows on cowboy builders these days are full of similar advice, so take it! Being a Freemason should not come into it.
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dp	Posted 28/09/2009 10:31:15
Journeyman Group: Forum Member Last Active: 01/05/2012 09:46:34 Posts: 1,079, Visits: 3,071 2,553	If a brother was known to me as both a good tradesman and a good brother then I would not hesitate to use his services. If I knew someone to be a Freemason but did not know the quality of his work then I would not dismiss them but I would check a lot more carefully into the quality of their work than I would someone else. For the reasons Mark stated. I am an employer and would be doubly careful about employing a Freemason as if they turn out to be rubbish, what then? Sack them and have my Masonry ruined by upsets in Lodge or keep them on to the detriment of my business? Now, if someone is a good Freemason then they have qualities I want in abundance so theoretically I would like everyone I employ to be Masons. And to boot we could have LOI's in my warehouse, great. Although the potential benefits of employing the services of a Brother Mason are clear, so are the potential negatives. I would use the services of a Freemason and I would employ one. However if he were not known to me I would be very, very cautious.
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lauderdale	Posted 28/09/2009 11:06:20
Past Master Group: Forum Member Last Active: 10/07/2011 06:43:06 Posts: 2,122, Visits: 4,278 5,026	In my personal (non work) life, subject only to the Law of the Land and ordinary human decencies, I do what I like at least as far as my income will permit. Thus I will engage the services or purchase goods from whom I wish. I will put my business in the hands of Brother Freemasons if I know the business owner or manager to be On the Square and have done so with satisfaction in the past. Now perhaps I have been lucky that the work I have had done by my Brethren has been "Fair work and Square". I have not requested any discount etc but if given it has been thankfully received and faithfully applied. Likewise although my own skills are not in much demand by the man in the street, I will assist a Brother Mason if within my capabilities. In the end we all have our own take on what we should do as Masons. To my mind helping a Brother in time of need and remembering that peculiar moment you were received into Freemasonry.... are not to be forgotten.
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Cora B	Posted 28/09/2009 12:21:04
Master Group: On Warning Last Active: 22/03/2011 14:46:10 Posts: 418, Visits: 1,071 1,043	I'd say it's a commercial decision -- masonic affiliation doesn't come into that. S&F, Cora -- International Order of Co-Freemasonry "Le Droit Humain", British Federation Lodge Light of Amen-Ra No. 717, Orient of Surbiton Lodge St Francis No. 817, Orient of Camberley Mark Lodge Nephthys No. 32, Quarries of Surbiton HRA Triangle The Hidden Glory, Vault of Surbiton
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*Tom Cherup*	Posted 28/09/2009 16:53:52
Forum Moderator Group: Moderator Last Active: 6 hours ago Posts: 1,549, Visits: 4,947 5,107	At time being a Mason having a ring on my finger with the S&C isn't always a good for all. I am a product and service photographer owning my own studio. A number of years ago I sent out post cards advertising my services and products to business in South eastern Michigan. One of the business called me to come in. The owner and I have never met. When I showed up at his office he saw my ring and before the meeting and informed me that since I was a Mason like him. He told me I had to supply all photos and products to for FREE! When I refused he told me I wasn't acting as a Mason and told me to get out. I've also had the same problem working in retail for another company, when customers have asked for 75% discounts. Tom Cherup 32° Olive Branch Lodge #542 Dearborn, Michigan Scottish Rite - Valley of Detroit Detroit Masonic Temple - It''s bigger than yours!
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Cora B	Posted 29/09/2009 12:43:41
Master Group: On Warning Last Active: 22/03/2011 14:46:10 Posts: 418, Visits: 1,071 1,043	That's just inappropriate. Yes, we are charged to relieve each other's necessities, but I think there's a line to be drawn between profitable endeavours and basic necessities. And if we're dealing with profitable endeavours, then it is, I feel, a commercial matter, and my being a mason doesn't come into it. I wouldn't expect preferential treatment, nor would I give it unless there is a business proposition to match it; not on account of masonic affiliations anyway. S&F, Cora -- International Order of Co-Freemasonry "Le Droit Humain", British Federation Lodge Light of Amen-Ra No. 717, Orient of Surbiton Lodge St Francis No. 817, Orient of Camberley Mark Lodge Nephthys No. 32, Quarries of Surbiton HRA Triangle The Hidden Glory, Vault of Surbiton
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julesthebit	Posted 29/09/2009 13:39:05
Fellow Group: Forum Member Last Active: 11/05/2012 17:31:53 Posts: 207, Visits: 1,127 676	If I want some work done I will consider people I know above total strangers with no references. I use Yellow Pages and the net as a last resort. I would consider masonic aquaintances to do work for me in exactly the same way as I would consider neighbours, family and friends. My building work is done by a member of one of my Lodges because he's the best builder I know. I pay his usual rate, wouldn't have it any other way. JS
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