Bribing Employees

Many shops and outfits (or the Employees) have resources you may need to use. Typically this is something they would grant as a favor, but wouldn't do for just anyone. For example:

• Sometimes you need to briefly use a specialized piece of equipment(like a shearing machine to cut some PrintedCircuitBoards?)

• You may need a quick favor from an operator of said equipment ("Could you spot weld this case I made here, here, and here?")

• You may need a quick demo of some trade skill ("Could you show me how to wire my own network cable?")

• Or many other examples..

There are all things that could be granted as favors, but are ususual requests coming from strangers. Talk directly to the person you need the favor from (ie the technician, the installer, the machine operator, etc).

In some cases, it's helpful to help them make up their mind. Or if they were helpful, you may want to show your appreciation (which may also help secure future favors).

Food items are best - things everyone likes.

Some of the best are (in order of convincingness - usually applied in proportion to magnitude of favor asked):

1. Donuts (an assortment)
2. Coffee and Donuts
3. Beer

PS. Pizza is not as good as it sounds since there are too many individual preferences for toppings.

Note on Beer: a six pack is usually sufficient for the person thinking: "I probably shouldn't... but it'll only take a couple minutes, I guess."

You probably only need 12 or 24 packs if you're trying to induce selective amnesia or other memory numbness.

-- DonPapp - 30 Mar 2002