annoying neighbor

[Chartreuse]

I see it as very simple.  She doesn't want the service you provide (cleared sidewalk, using a snow blower), you aren't offering another service.  Since she doesn't want what you're selling, and you're not selling something else, no problem, you're not doing business.   

When I was your age, I used to babysit for the neighbors.  One family kept stiffing me at the end of the evening.  Okay, "kept" meaning they got away with it twice.  After that, I wouldn't babysit with them, and I found out that nobody else would for the same reason.  People like this have a tendency to dig themselves into a hole, and they really do deserve it.  Just smile when you've got most of the neighborhood all cleared off and get to witness Ms. Gawd-Offel out there having to clear her own walk.

[AndreaBeth105]

Since I'm sure you hate to turn down business (as tempting as it is), here's what I'd do.  This winter, when she requests your services, I'd say, "Certainly.  I'd love to help you out.  Now this winter, in an effort to protect my business a bit, I'm asking all of my customers to sign this agreement before I begin working for them.  If you'll just sign that, I'll get started."  Then, provide her with a copy of the following:

I __(print name)___ request the snow removal services of KoKo.  I will be billed at a rate of $10/hour for KoKo's services, to be paid immediately upon the completion of service.  I understand that KoKo will use whatever snow removal method that she deems appropriate in clearing my drive.  Likewise, I understand that, while KoKo will take the utmost care of my property, KoKo is not liable for any damage to my property done in the normal course of her business.

Signed: _____________
Dated:  _____________

[Lisbeth]

I posted this here because this neighbor was also my boss for a short time. I earn some extra money by babysitting, raking leaves, and shoveling snow for some neighbors. Unfortunately, one of my neighbors, "Ms. Gawd-Offel," has done her best to give me trouble. Last winter, she hired me to shovel snow for her. I bought a snow thrower to make the work go faster. She told me I was taking the easy way out, and that she always did it by hand. She told me that if I used the snow thrower she would not pay me. So, I did the job with a shovel and obviously ended up charging her more for the work. She promptly blew up at me, because the job couldn't possibly have taken that long. Nevermind the fact that it was her own fault.

I must be crazy, because this past fall I went to rake her leaves. I accidentally called her Mrs. rather than Ms. Instead of reminding me politely, she decided to rip my head off again. She threatened not to pay me, because in her words, "All teenagers like you are lazy and do not deserve any of my hard earned money. besides I don't know what kinds of innapropriate things you will spend it on." (Implying that I would buy drugs or something. How rude! I wouldn't even talk this way to my own mother, yet she thinks she can talk to me this way? She did pay me, but she was definitely reluctant to do so. Oh well, when it eventually snows, she is on her own. I shouldn't feel too bad, after all she can go buy a snow thrower and get rid of the snow herself since it is so easy. Thanks for reading.

Ko-Ko

I'd give her Miss Manners' Icy Glare and tell her, "If you have a problem with the way I work such that you don't think I earned the money you promised to pay me, you are welcome to do it yourself."

And if you're still a minor, I'd ask your parents for help on this one.  Being a teenager is no excuse whatsoever for not being paid the money you were promised for doing the job, let alone the snarky comments.