I'm being asked to pay for a chipped coffee table and it doesn't seem right.?

My company shares an office with another business. I dropped a plastic object while giving something to their receptionist and chipped the edge of their precious coffee table. It couldn't be repaired and he wants me to replace it. I offered to glue it, turn it around (it's against a wall), but evidently he's afraid clients will come in and say "Oh my god look at that 1/2" chip on the edge of your coffee table, I won't ever do business with you!!!" How vain. Yes I'm responsible, but I'm just an admin. asst. and he's a wealthy business owner - he could buy a $200 table and not notice the money was gone. To think this man invited me to church once - I won't EVER take him up on his offer now. No religious comments please. Oh yeah, christmas just passed, my kids need braces, their birthdays are coming up next month, and my car starter just went out on me. I do have a good relationship with my boss - should I involve him? How do I handle this? I don't want to ruin the business relationship.

Tell your boss and let him fight the battle. When you work for somebody, you are in essence, covered by the company you work for. Your boss has company insurance??? This other man is trying to bully you and he should be talking to your boss, not to you.

If it was an honest mistake and not some kind of horseplay, you are only obligated BY LAW to repair it, not replace it. Because the value of the table does not warrant replacment.

Look at it this way, if I totaled my car, it's not worth nearly as much in $$ to get one to replace it. The insurance would simply give me the blue book value of the car, not what I paid for it, or pay for the damages if it were a fender bender.

If the business owner still does not feel this is compensation (repairing it) then simply let him know he has a right to seek compensation in court (which it is not even worth!) and as a finishing touch, simply ask him "Is this what Jesus would do?"

You caused damage - You responsible.

Take ownership of the problem with a good attitude or suffer alone.

How do you know that the table is not an antique of exceptional value (sentimental or monetary)?

Which brings us to: Check your home owner's insurance or employer's insurance. You might have coverage.

Good idea - attend Church - Pray for strength equal to your tasks; not tasks equal to your strength.

You big boy now.

Go fix it and get on with your life.

Be happy!

You were at work when this happened, so it should be covered by the company. I would tell the boss, then tell the other person to go run through fire with gasoline draws on!!!