Gramps,

I’m a member of the Mormon Church and do general home improvement, such as repair of damage from water, rust etc. as well as new work. We also do roofing and general carpentry.

I would like to know if I should lower my labor charge for the members of the Mormon Church or not. I feel it is in the best interest to treat all the same, as do I not need to be fair with all and if the charge is fair for one it must be fair for all?

This comes after my wife and I talked and it was my take that she wished me to cut the bid for the members of the Mormon Church. I do think of the individual when I bid, but I feel if I were to adjust too low I would not make enough to pay everyone in my emloy as well as myself, as I do wish to pay a fair wage.

Rick & Belle, from Georgia

Dear Rick and Belle,

I agree with you, Rick.. We may be generous to the Church by paying an honest tithing and a generous fast offering. It would seem only fair to charge the same price for both members and non-members for any professional or trade services rendered. If you cut your prices for church members and they comprise most of your clientele, you probably wouldn’t be able to stay in business very long. There is a scripture that applies to this subject, found in the Book of Mormon, in Jacob 2:17—

Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.

The key thought here is that they may be rich like unto you, not that you “may be poor like unto them.” In other words, do your business in a business-like manner and teach and help others to do the same. If there are really needy people in the Ward, you may extend charitable services toward them, but this would be on an as-needed basis, within the abilities of your own activities and in accordance with instructions from their bishop.

Gramps