AIBU to think she shouldn't charge me...

[Namechange543210]

Now, I am well prepared to be told I'm wrong I just want an outside opinion.

Backstory: Friend of a friend and their partner, I do a lot for these two - much much less than I did these days but still more than most would. I've lent them money which is rarely paid back, bought essentials when they have no cash and given them lifts cross country. The last time I told them I wouldn't go without the money first. This was done but begrudingly so.

She has recently started doing beauty treatments from home and I've asked how much for something specific, its small and to be fair I could do it myself I'd just rather not. She has quoted me an amount.

honestly, i was slightly surprised. I know I asked for a price but I was expecting that it would be a case of her saying not to be silly. AIBU?

Is she a beauty therapist? Is this a legitimate home business? If so she'll make a loss doing it for you for free as its product cost and time she could be treating a paying customer. So I don't think constant freebies would be fair. But a freebie to say thank you for things you've done! Now that makes sense or to give you a discount.

tbh you shouldn't have asked for a price if you didn't want to pay. The problem with her giving you a freebie is that if word gets round then everyone thinks they deserve a freebie and then her she has gone from having a business to having something that costs her money.
I know it seems unfair but so many people with their own businesses struggle to get friends and family to take their business seriously and to pay for their services.

It might be that she thinks you are offering her your custom to help her get her business off the ground.

But if I had been her, I would have done it for nowt, bearing in mind how much help had been given in the past.

Pay someone else to do it. Stop helping this 'friend' out.

Do yourself a massive favor and either do it yourself or get it done with someone you don't know. She sounds like a flake. Why do you need the hassle. I'm amazed she has the blooming cheek to ask you for a penny. But that's friends for ya.

OP I think you know you are being taken for a mug.

I also think you sadly won't have time for this treatment now. You also won't have any spare cash to 'lend' them in the future and you'll unfortunately have plans already when they ask for a trip across the country.