Not Helpful At All
November 24, 2025
Every once in a great while, I get a call to repair something that is not a stereo. Maybe half the time I get such a request, I tell the caller I will give it a shot if they’re willing to pay the very reasonable $25 deposit for my bench time. But there’s a higher than normal risk that I won’t be able to remedy the problem and I will tell you so, and when it’s something I know I can’t help you with, I’m going to tell you that too. I don’t want to take your money for something I know I can’t fix. Usually when I tell someone I can’t help them, they reply with some variation of “thanks anyway.” People in my experience are generally cordial and understanding.
Once in a great while I get a caller who argues with me about it. Won’t take no for an answer. Once I’ve said “Sorry I can’t help you” there’s no point in reminding me that I’ve been “not helpful at all.” I know that. I said I’m sorry. My time is valuable, so before long our conversation is going to end without a different outcome.
