"I know we've had a lot of rain, and I'm sorry you lost a big account. But I've got problems too. You're a thousand dollars behind on the two new mowers you bought, and I need that money."

Tom Turner of Turner Mowers was talking to Jim Lamb of Lamb's Landscaping. Tom didn't hold out much hope that he'd see any money from Jim anytime soon, but trying to collect at least made him feel a little better. He hung up the phone prepared to wait another three months, when a new customer walked into the shop.

This man needed two heavy-duty mowers no later than tomorrow. Used would be okay, as long as they were recent models and in good shape. It would be a cash deal. Could Tom help him? Tom had nothing in the shop and no way of getting an overnight delivery. But suddenly his collection problems with Jim Lamb took on a new--and much more positive--dimension. Tom jumped in his truck and drove into town. Just as he'd expected, the Lamb Landscaping crew was cutting the lawn at the county courthouse. Another 15 minutes and the men would be going around the corner to the diner for lunch. There was provision in his security agreements allowing him to repossess the mowers "peacefully." All he had to do was load the mowers in the truck, and tomorrow morning he'd get paid for them in full without having to spend a dime in legal fees. Is Tom within his rights? Click on "next" below for the decision.


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