What is a fair price to pay???

[supersparky]

We are just about to head south for our yearly visit to Victoria. We usually visit the relos and a few mates and stay in various yards and driveways.
Some of my mates are farmers and are doing it bloody hard at the moment and could do with a little hand. They always offer full use of power, water and all facilities with no request for money and I don't want to offend any of them by asking a stupid question like 'How much do you want for that'
I wondered what others do in situations like that? If it was a C/park it would be at least $30 a night. Do you leave money on the fridge or buy them a box of beer or take them out for dinner one night or what. Someone has to pay for the facilities that they provide, so what do others think would be fair?

[norman]

Tuck a few bucks under a place mat or pillow maybe stick it in the fridge. Just before you leave of course.

[Dot]

We took our forum hosts out for a "thank you" meal.

[Shirley]

Maybe they would prefer a few $$s to help pay some bills if they are doing it tough, just leave it with a thank you note.

[Wilbor]

Take them a carton of prawns or fish fillets, that's what we do when we stay on properties out west

[Chuck]

If power & water is offered we will generally pay $10 per day... irrespective of whether we actually use the power or simply utilise our solar system. We would generally top up our water tanks at the very least.

If you think they might be offended by the $$$ offer then simply put it in an envelope with a thankyou card & leave it somewhere the will eventually find it.

[T1 Terry]

It's a hard one, many get offended if you attempt to pay them for their hospitality, but a bottle of wine or carton of good beer never offends as it is a return gift and when things are that tight it's the little luxuries that can't be afforded. The offer of work they would have to pay someone else to do is a good method of repayment as well, you aren't giving them money, just a helping hand and that goes well with the country spirit of mates helping mates

[supersparky]

Thanks all for your replies. It looks like it isn't just me that feels obliged to pay a little one way or the other. Every reply is different but they all say the same thing.

[BernieQ2]

Don't give um nuffin Dave just drink their beer eat their food dump in tha dunny and then do a runna.
Unless your talking about Taggerty's then yo have a big problem....we know where ya live hahaha.
"A" mate do what you think is right you'll think of some thing?
Bernie.

[jon_d]

Interesting question Dave,

A monetary amount should cover the cost plus a little extra. It's not just the power, water, but rates, insurance and everything else that goes along to keep the place. Personally, $10 would undervaluing it. $15 -$20 for a single night would be about right. Any more would be to much in my eyes....

I like to drop it in an envelop with a little "Thank-you". Giving the cash visibility can create an awkward situation too.

I do like Terry's idea of a bottle of nice wine which could be a reverse gift. A gift is always very neutral.

The Japanese are very good at it. They gift little things like high quality biscuits, tea, coffee in a little gift bag.