What’s A Fair Price

[sherrardk]

Someone is kindly giving me a lift involving a round journey of around 100 miles. Small car, probably 1.4 engine maximum, no motorway driving but probably sitting in traffic a bit. I want to pay a generous amount without it being offensive (I might need to ask for another lift in the future). Any one got any ideas of what would be good amount? Thank you

[Buenchico]

At 40 mpg and petrol at about £8.50 per gallon, that takes the cost of the fuel up towards £22. If you spend some time in traffic though, the cost of the fuel could be heading up past £25. To definitely cover it all, but without adding on anything much for the help you've been given, £30 would be fine. It's then up to you if you want to go beyond that figure.

[sherrardk]

Thank you, I’d hope you’d see this. I’ll give him £30 for the petrol and I’ll chuck him a bit for his time - he’s being super helpful given that the bloody trains are on strike.

[elliemay1]

I was also thinking that £30 would be ok

[THECORBYLOON]

I'd give him four, ten-pound notes so he has the choice to hand back one of them if he wants to.

[Canary42]

Corby's suggestion is brilliant - but in that case I think I might make it 5 notes so there's enough room for give and take to satisfy both parties without compromising your desire to be generous. Up to you in the end.

[sherrardk]

I was thinking £50 all in. He’s adamant that he doesn’t want anything but that’s not fair and I wouldn’t dream of it. Just got to find a way to get him to take the money but I’ll come up with something. Thanks for all of your help :)

[bobbinwales]

Yes Offer£40 maybe £50. Petrol of £25 is only part of it. Every 100 miles on the clock knocks a few quid off of the value. Then there's tyres , brake wear, oil. 20 years ago my employer paid me 48p a mile to cover all extra costs . And there's his time aswell. a taxi driver would charger alot more than £50

[bobbinwales]

Money cam be embarrassing for some to accept so if there adamant then give them a voucher for there local restraunt or a couple of bottles of expensive wine and some flowers

[murraymints]

I'd go with £50 especially if you may need such kind help again...

[murraymints]

put it in an envelope so he/she cannot see until you have left..it avoids the rebuff type remarks and gestures etc..and I am sure your kind driver will be very pleased

[Gizmonster]

When I first read this, I initially thought that your friend was making this journey anyway and you were "tagging along" ..... but I'm assuming by the answers, that this isn't the case and he's going out of his way and making this journey specially for you??
In which case, I'd say £30 - £40 sounds fair to me :)

[Redhelen72]

If he won't take money - why not purchase tesco clubcard or other supermarket vouchers so that he can use it to purchase fuel later?

[Maydup]

It’s always difficult to strike a balance when you are friends.

I would pop £30 in an envelope for petrol and buy a small gift. That shows appreciation of the cost of fuel and gratitude for the time but doesn’t come across as payment for services as it were, which is never a nice feeling. If I want to help a friend I really don’t want paying for my time but I would appreciate a tomato plant or a cake to take home. Something small but a kind thought.

[Atheist]

You should ask beforehand. A good two hours driving is worth a bit. If it's a close friend then they might do that for love, but anyone else should be recompensed properly.