To refuse business to a close friend due to her financial issues

[pavlovapippa]

So as a few of you may know from around this forum, I run a successful business specialising in events and parties and my friend recently contacted me about wanting a Frozen themed birthday party for her daughter at the end of the month but she asked if there was any way I could cut costs as she is struggling financially. I said yes, that I can perform as Princess Anna (I have a background in dance and theatre) so that she wouldn't have to pay for another one of my employees' wage. All good.

However today she has messaged me asking if I can do the party for her daughter, but receive payment AFTER the party has happened as she is unable to pay me before. Now this is completely against my company policy and will set me back a bit. What should I do? My gut instinct is to refuse to do this and say "you can pay me or walk out the door". This is my business and livelihood after all and we all have to make a living.

AIBU?

Gemma's done well for herself.

I don't know why but this popped into my head

Who is "Gemma"?

Oh gosh look at that, since she last mentioned it, you've got a booking in that weekend, and just can't do it, such a shame. However you can recommend XXXX who also does Frozen themed parties/is a children's party entertainer who could do a good party and they can just make everything else 'Frozen'...

Alfie, Gemma is a friend/colleague/employee of the OP and a subject of another thread started by the OP.

As another poster said 'cut according to your cloth'
Why have a big fancy party when you can't afford it.
We are not doing our children any favours if they get every thing they want when young.
Do you do 'mate's rates' ?

In regards to Frozen, it's still very popular with young girls and boys alike so of course I am capitalising on that whilst offering a premier party experience. We do offer all the classic princesses on top of this, so we do keep up to date.

Okay, this is sounding like a thread that was invented purely to craftily drum up a bit of attention to your business now.

If its a case of your friend being an unwise spender to the point where she does not pay her bills, then say no.

If otherwise careful and trustworthy but having cashflow problems, I'd ask for a deposit and a post dated cheque for the remainder. But then I'm a soft touch.

Could OP be Pippa Middleton?

Premier party experience. Squeeeeeeee!

So you need money up front to get the Frozen paper plates and cake from Tesco and plastic Frozen themed stuff from Poundland?

YANBU, a serious sophisticated entrepreneur needs to rationalise their friends and weed out the ones that are sucking your positive energy. It's tough at the top.

Alright Pips, I hope it isn't a party for Princess Charlotte and our royals have been burning through all our money.

Sadly i cant divulge who i am but im actually very important in the world of business and a teensie bit special or at least my mam thinks so
Based on my knowledge of entrepreneurship, i can tell you with absolute authority that Mumsnet ain't the place to make business decisions. Make them yourself. That way, your business success or lack thereof, is all your own. And you can take pride in doing it yourself.

Plus noone can accuse you of stealth boasting then. that would be horrible.

If she can't at upfront, I'd say no.

Oh pootle! I'd forgotten how much this site makes me howl! (Been away for a while)

Some are being so mean..grow up!

Make us!

Not being paid afterwards on time may erode your friendship more than refusing to do the party now. Her message indicates she had an inkling payment was due in advance so does she know she may be putting you in a bind with a late cancellation which you could have used for another booking if you reject her offer

Meryl! haaaaaaa! Rolling!

In my opinion OP - I wouldn't go ahead. Something seems a bit off here. Like, what's going to change for her financially before and after the party - is she planning to pay you with her childs birthday money??!

I think perhaps once she has had the party, promises will constantly be made about next week, next week, and perhaps can I just give you £20 today and the rest next Thursday that sort of thing, until you are never paid and give up.

Either way this will be embarrassing for both of you.

How awkward.

God no, you'll be doing it for free as she's got more brass neck than a marching band.

And then she'll complain about it on Fakebook to avoid paying you

I hope the "close friend" you are talking about isn't on MN, and nor are any of the (parents of) people invited to the party.

It all seems a bit revealing/embarrassing to me.

I think I'm really missing something here. Either it's in jokes with other posters or some posters are being horrible and poking fun at someone for reasons I can't fathom

Is the friend Kerry Katona?

cruikshank It's a Frozen party, not Iceland! ;)

Thanks for all the advice everyone, taking it on board and making sure she knows what is what