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Original poster

Is it cheeky to ask our carpenter friend for referral discount?

62 replies

outlanderish · 06/07/2025 11:45

We've passed our carpenters details to quite a few people and we are the first people to really use him and spend lots of money with him (9k) since he's gone off on his own. He's a long term friend of mine... and I'm wondering if it would be cheeky to ask if we can get a referral discount if we keep recommending him to other people... he also doesn't really ever say thank you when I say I've passed his details on to other people, which annoys me.

OP posts:
Murdoch1949 · 06/07/2025 15:20

Ask him. If I recommend you to others will you give me a discount?

Tryingtokeepgoing · 06/07/2025 15:17

If I found out that someone recommending a person/business to me had received a backhander for doing so I’d think a lot less of both the person recommending and the business itself. I wouldn’t use them again, wouldn’t recommend them to anyone else and would take anything else the ‘friend’ said with a large pinch of salt and be constantly questioning their motives.

Ooodelally · 06/07/2025 14:46

Good grief, what is wrong with you? That’s awful!

lovemycbf · 06/07/2025 14:17

fgs yes it would be unreasonable expecting a referral discount.
Trades people get new business through word of mouth and always have without expectation of payment or discounts.
ridiculous idea

PennywisePoundFoolish · 06/07/2025 14:16

I think it's the least he could do. In fact, I think he should give you backpay on all your referrals to date, and present them to you in a musical-style production. At your tradesman entrance obviously, riff-raff shouldn't knock at your front door!

He would be nothing without you, don't let him forget that.

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 06/07/2025 14:13

So grabby.

whackamole666 · 06/07/2025 14:09

OMG ! Have you lost your mind?

Word of mouth is how most trades operate.

Please don't ask for a cut of your friends earnings unless you already have a referral agreement in place.

Viviennemary · 06/07/2025 14:09

He is meant to be your friend. It would be very grabby.

DoYouReally · 06/07/2025 14:06

The cheekiness of some people and how the define friendship never ceased to amaze me, especially on this site.

Bloody hell. Do you want to start charging the people who used him too - like a fee for your good recommendation?

IveGotAnUnusuallyLargePelvisISwear · 06/07/2025 13:27

Would you be willing to take a pay cut in your job because someone you know told someone they know that you’re very good at your job? I know how I’d feel about that.

EdwinaIronside · 06/07/2025 13:27

Yes, it would be.

If he’s a skilled tradesman, he deserves to get paid fair market rate for his work.

unbelieveable22 · 06/07/2025 13:24

Sounds very entitled and cheeky. I would be happy to recommend a good tradesperson.

EggnogNoggin · 06/07/2025 13:23

Has he asked you to refer him?

I always refer the best people (free!) because it benefits everyone. My friends get a reliable person - why wouldn't I want that for them??

Dbank · 06/07/2025 13:22

Yes it would, don't be a cock.

TheGrimSmile · 06/07/2025 13:22

Yes it is.

NotAntisocialJustSelectivelySocial · 06/07/2025 13:20

If i’ve recommended trades it’s because I was pleased with their work and found them trustworthy and want my friends/colleagues to be able to use a decent workman, not risk shoddy work or getting ripped off. I don’t expect a ‘thank you’ or a kickback!
Totally CF territory.

Pancakeflipper · 06/07/2025 13:19

Yes it would be cheeky to ask.
If it's bugging you so much, then don't refer them.

McSpoot · 06/07/2025 13:17

If there was a referral discount it wouldn’t be until someone actually used him, after you suggested him. And that’s still a big if.

RedRec · 06/07/2025 13:15

Not just 'cheeky'. Crass.

Northerngirl821 · 06/07/2025 13:14

That would be CF behaviour.

Twelftytwo · 06/07/2025 13:13

Ugh this leaves a horrible taste in my mouth and does not paint you in a good light OP.

Swiftie1878 · 06/07/2025 12:32

Yes. Very cheeky. Fgs.

Livpool · 06/07/2025 12:30

I think most good tradespeople get work from
word of mouth so you don’t get a discount. If it annoys you then just stop referring him

taxguru · 06/07/2025 12:28

Your "benefit" will be that he'll be more likely to do further work for you as and when you need it and may be more accommodating if you ever need urgent smaller jobs doing. Asking for money is just grabby!

FutureCatMum · 06/07/2025 12:26

It’s embarrassing that you’d even consider this. If he’s good he deserves to earn a decent living. And not have people sponging off him.
I refer plenty of people to friends in the trades. Because I know their work is good quality and promotion via word of mouth is normal. Never once thought I’d want someone back. That’s a very selfish way to live your life.