Should I have offered him to stay ??!

[NoProblem123]

That’s terrible grammar sorry !

I’ve had an issue with my car that a specialist engineer has been sorting remotely. We’ve met once while he fitted it (immobiliser) at a garage near my home town, then he’s been dealing with issues remotely so we’ve had a few conversations and WhatsApp convos over the past few weeks.

He had to come back out to sort it yesterday and because he lives 3 hours away he had to stay over while a part was also delivered the next morning.
Everyone at the garage had left so I’m stood there while he’s fumbling online trying to get a hotel for the night.
I feel like such a twit - I felt like I should have offered but I don’t know him.
He got sorted but had to pay a lot and he’s self employed. To clarify, he was there at my request, not the garages.
Was I a meany or would you have done the same ?

He's self employed, he can write the cost off as expenses. Over the years I have offered overnight accommodation to many waifs and strays (with no bad outcomes), but even I wouldn't go that far!

This is weird. Why were you at the garage when it was closed? Wouldn't you just put the car there and collect when ready?

No you shouldn’t have. No professional person would’ve said yes anyway. It could’ve caused all manor off problems for him, I’m sure you are a lovely trustworthy person, but you don’t know him and he doesn’t know you. Don’t feel guilty.

He should have sorted the hotel in advance or accepted he had to go home for the night. Both are legitimate business expenses so claimable.

@llmk the issue was the immobiliser so nothing to do with them. They didn’t know him, it was something I had fitted.

I’ll stop feeling like a stingey twit - thanks !

I'm not saying it was the garage fault I was asking why you and the guy ended up at the garage when it was closed? What were you doing there? If he was using their premises, still you would only go to collect your car when ready, or at least leave when it was known the part wouldn't arrive that day.

@HirplesWithHaggis

He's self employed, he can write the cost off as expenses. Over the years I have offered overnight accommodation to many waifs and strays (with no bad outcomes), but even I wouldn't go that far!

The cost is still a cost, he can just make it not tax-deductible.

Agree not appropriate for him to stay anyway

Why would you invite a complete stranger to stay in your home?!

@thanksforyourcommentrandomman

Why would you invite a complete stranger to stay in your home?!

Exactly. Why would you even consider this? Where he stays is not your concern.

Hell no. I’d never ask someone to stay in this situation. I’d never accept in his situation either

No I wouldn’t let a stranger stay in my house.

I must be a bit thick.
It’s absolutely nothing to do with me, you’re all right !
I didn’t offer for all these reasons so I have no need to feel mean.