Money Moral Dilemma: Should I charge for countersigning my friends' passport photos?

colins5286

No. No you shouldn't charge.

I have signed a number of passports over the years. As another poster says - you have to KNOW these people, a passport generally lasts 10 years too. How many are you going to be signing?

Why is everyone out to make a quick buck these days. Just do something nice and selfless for your friends.

HelenREMfan

MSE_Sarah wrote: »

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I recently became a police officer and was asked by a friend to countersign her passport photos, as I fall under their list of 'professionals' who can do this. Now other friends are asking the same, as their GPs charge up to £40 to do it. At first, I just thought of it as doing my friend a favour, but if it's something lots of people will ask, should I be paid for the time it takes to dig out my passport and fill out the form?

As a teacher/Head of Year and long serving at the school, I had lots of ex pupils returning to school to request this. I always had to make sure that I had my passport number handy - recorded on my phone. The whole idea of charging for this is ridiculous. To get a doctor to sign would probably involve a visit to a surgery so I would suggest that is why a GP has charged.

Angri

The policeman that asked the question would appear to be rather socially naive.


That, for me, is rather worrying - - why does our law enforcement operation employ people who aren't capable of making such a simple and straightforward decision themselves?


Should I ever need help or guidance from the police - I do hope it's not this policeman that advises me.

mammyroo

I was a police officer for 30 years and was asked to sign passports by friends and neighbours several times. Charge!? It never even crossed my mind. Why is everyone so money obsessed. A big fat NO

seven-day-weekend

My husband as a retired teacher has signed many passports. (He refuses if he does not know the person, or has not known them long enough). He would not dream of charging.

minislim

no. they're meant to be your friends?
unless you don't want to be friends with people anymore.
its a favour maybe in the future they may return it.

i've signed plenty and done it for free.
favours in return have included a pint, a carpet fitted and help on removal day.
much more value in friendship than monetary value!

JDN5

You're asking this question AND you've still got friends? I don't think so.

Wyndham

Turning it around - if I was asking someone to do this then I'd buy them a drink/take a small gift/whatever was appropriate. If someone does me a favour, it's nice to say thank you somehow - but I know not everyone feels the same way.

Of course, if the 'friend' just expects it, it could be a problem, but seriously how many are you going to be asked to do?

Tibbsy

Ism s retired police officer and sign 4 or 5 month not a problem never thought of charging but would not anyway just the spirit of it makes you feel good

eastcott5

As a teacher I signed many of my students passports over the years. particularly ones I taught for many years. I wouldn't have dreamed of charging. I was also number one choice on neighbours and cubs lists. I got my children's teacher to sign theirs as I couldn't do it! Charge them - NEVER occurred to me.