BOONE LIFE: Salesman works alternative payment agreement with customer

While cleaning a rental property, Enrique Mendez moves a stove to a dumpster while Michael Gamble follows behind with a refrigerator. Gamble, the owner of the rental property, worked out a commission job for Mendez to help him make his car payment.   ¦  Samantha Clemens

SAPP — After 32 years in the automotive business, Michael Gamble said this is the worst he has seen the economy trickle down to affect buyers.

Gamble, owner of Mizzou Motors in Sapp, has received calls from former buyers explaining they will be late making their car payments. One of Gamble’s repeat customers, Enrique Mendez, has worked out a deal that covers both his car payments and helps put a little extra cash in his pocket. Mendez, a prep cook who recently had his hours cut back, is working with Gamble to refurbish a rental property Gamble owns in lieu of making his car payment. Mendez will also make a partial commission on the weeklong side job.

“He’s been out of work, so I’ve been paying him the first three days, and we will alternate every other day,” Gamble said. “He has to have money to live on, too.”