What would you do...?

[Madbengalmum]

So I provide a treatment service, too outing to say exactly what it is. One of my friends has asked me to treat her and I am very happy to do so. She is having the treatment next week, but my dilema is whether or not I charge her? I don't want her to feel awkward by asking her for money, and I also don't want her to feel bad if she wants to pay me and I let her have the serivce for free. I thought about half price if she asks to pay, but how would you feel. She is a fairly close friend.

Tricky. I assume she expects to pay you. Perhaps give her 25% off. As in when she hands you the money say, oh, I’ll just take x amount from you. Would you feel annoyed if she left assuming it was free?

Hmmm, thanks for your reply, I wouldn't feel annoyed cause she is fairly close, but she asked for a formal appointment and I just wondered what everyone would deem as fair/would expect to pay/or not pay. And it isn't worth upsetting anyone either way, don't want to look greedy or make her feell uncomfortable for asking for a treatment either.

When I asked a friend forca treatment, I asked straight away how much she charges and she told me for me it would be X price so I knew she was doing it cheaper and I never expected it for free. I'd message her now and say oh btw, that treatment will be X amount for you as I obviously won't charge you full price. Go into it assuming you think she's paying full price.

Yeah. What whyamisocold says. Have friends who are hairdressers beauticians etc and would never ask ghem to do stuff for free. Its their time/products & skills i am paying for but i go to them as i would prefer to pay them than a randomer plus we get to catch up.
Friends usually give some kind of discount but i wouldnt expect it or even ask. A few have tried to refuse money and ive clearly stated if they dont accept payment i wouldnt be back as you cant expect that off anyone.

Friends should not expect what you do for work for free.

I think I would just breezily say ‘yes that’s absolutely fine, I can offer you mates rates at a 20% discount to the normal price so that will be £xx, I usually take payment before treatment’ (or whatever your usual payment procedure is).

She should most definitely offer to pay, in full- you can offer a discount if you feel necessary and so as to still cover your own costs.

For reference, a friend of mine does my eyebrows and lashes- I pay 10% less than usual price.

Well, my friend came today, I did the treatment and she asked me how much she owed me so I told her how much it is normally and said I will do it for a bit less as you are my friend, everybody happy. Thanks for your help peeps.