Im an Electrician by trade so I get this all the time. Honestly, I hate it. In fact I find it pretty insulting when people offer me pizza and beer. If it's a small thing sure I can help out but anything above 4 hours I do expect payment. I have a wife and kids... my time is worth at least what I make during the week.
Someone above mentioned some beers and picking up the tab on a round of golf. That seems great to me that's a good way to bridge the gap. My personal favourite is trading of services. I'm happy to help my carpenter friend out if he in return helps me out with a deck project etc...
I did get burnt once so I do look pretty sour on the whole thing. I once wired an entire basement for a neighbor of mine essentially for free. He was an accountant and I asked him for some help with some tax related issues a few months later. This guy actually sent me a bill? Still can't get over this one....
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