AIBU to think she's being a CF

[Winterwonderland10]

Have been friends with this person since I was in 1st school. So a quite a long time. I wouldn't say she's an extremely close friend probably more of an acquaintance I see now and then.
Anyway I've begun a hobby making things and have now set it up to sell things. She asked if I could make herself one of my products. I said yea sure as it was only 1 thing. I saw her a week ago and then she asks for some thing for her DD so I say yes. It's quite small so not a problem. Then she gets home and asks if I can make her other DD and DS something she says she would pay but I know she wouldn't if I didn't press her. So I say ok I'll charge you cost price for the extra 2 things she wants. I have given her my bank details. She says she will pay me. However not been paid. It's not a huge amount but more the principal! Then she says a few days later I might ask you to make something else for one of her children!! And yesterday I put a pic up of a new product and she messaged say I want one of those! AIBU to think she's now just being a CF. I'm not a charity and these products take time and money to make. Just because I know her doesn't mean she can take advantage of me. So what shall I do as she hasn't paid me? I haven't begun them yet as I haven't received the money. Should I say some thing?

Tell her you will start to make the items as soon as the money is received.

Say sure when you pay me for the others .
Lesson learnt don't make anything until she pays again . Just say to her is cash up front now .

Send her a message advising her that you'll be able to make her purchases as soon as she's paid for them. Or send her a pay pal invoice!

Why would you charge an acquaintance cost price? Surely they’re your target market to sell at full price? Anyway, three items at cost is plenty, full price from now on.

Well unless you want to keep making her things for free everyone you design a new product, of course you need to say something! For me it would be something along the lines of "listen X, I was happy to make you a couple of my items as a good friend, but this is my business and I can't go on unless you pay me. Happy if you've changed your mind, but if you still want them I'll need you to pay first".

And moving forwards don't just charge her cost price either. Fair enough knock off a little for mates rates (5-10% say depending on profit margins), but otherwise you'll be spending all your time making stuff for her for fuck all and have to turn away proper paying customers.

So calling it your hobby too. It's your business. That might make her take you more seriously. It's only your hobby when you're doing it for you, for fun.

Is it not obvious that you need a discussion with your friend (freeloading scab) op?

Actually on reading the OP properly, what @AnathemaPulsifer said. She's an acquaintance. Forget my advice about mates rates! I'd probably even forget doing hey the promised items at cost price. "x I've made you a couple of items for free, you'll need to pay full price for any more items from now I'm afraid, I'm too busy with making items for paying customers to be able to make more for you at cost. Totally understand if that makes you change your mind"

Yea I agree I just don't know how to approach it. When she sent me the message saying omg I want one. Then I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing! I said cost for 2 items I didn't think she would ask for more stuff!! My other friend on the other hand has not asked for anything but she doesn't have much money and I've freely said to her I'll make you and your daughter some thing as a gift. She's grateful and would never behave like this other woman demanding more products.

The next time she says she wants more say "no problem that's x amount (selling price). If you can send the money over they'll be made and ready by x date."

Is it that you have some issues with boundaries 9 no one would think YABU would they, of course you don't need to keep on giving your work away.

Say yeah not problem you'll be one of my best customers at this rate, that's £10 or whatever it costs I'll make a start once you've transferred me the money in, I sent you the details for the other two, let me know once it's gone in.

I used to get this a lot before I changed careers. Friends would expect freebies or big discounts on high value services. I didn't mind giving a discount but I'd only do discounted work in my free time. Paying customers always came first because they paid my bills, no matter how desperate the friend was. Of course, friends were welcome to pay normal rates & become a priority. Just tell her you've got a lot of pre-paid orders so you'll only be able to do hers once you've got through all of those. She'll either pay you or keep waiting for your order list to end (which should be never).

I agree with pp, tell her you'll make them once she's paid you the money she owes you.
If you don't value yourself and your talents, why should anyone else?

The correct answer to 'OMG I want one' is 'That's great, they are £x each. If you want to go ahead let me know when you've pinged the money across and I'll get cracking'.

It’s simple OP. No payment (in advance) no item.

Do not give her anything without payment.

Something I learnt a while ago never do mates rates!
Tell her yes course she can have the other items (full price) as soon as the other items have been paid for.
Or send out a general fb post saying a few invoices haven't been paid and can they be paid ASAP

It's important that she puts value on what you are doing. If she thinks because she knows you that you are going to give her freebies and do things at cost price, she is obviously not putting value on who you are as a person and your time OR the products you are creating because she is not paying for them. It's hard sometimes when you are starting out in business to know what to do for the best as I found out to my own detriment BUT instill your boundaries from the get go and make sure you are putting value on YOURSELF and your new business by charging accordingly and not letting anyone take advantage of your good nature. I learned that VERY fast and have never looked back.

On a side note, the fact she is so gung ho on getting her mitts on the pieces you make is evident of how good they are. The very best of luck in your new venture.

Also people will do what YOU let them get away with!

Pay up front or no item

A friend I have had an issue with this, she started to say to the CF in question that of course she will make X for them, and as soon as they send the money over she can go out and buy XYZ to make them.

Unsure what you're making so this might not work, but if it's something that needs specific things that you don't typically have lying around the house, it could!

Just say " of course, when you ve paid me for the others". If she does then tell her you now make orders when they've been paid for upfront. You need to charge her full price. Mates rates are only for real friends and family, not just some one you know.

If you want to run a business you need to wise up a bit. A real friend supports a new business venture and buys things out of loyalty. I assume you're making jewellery or something similar.
I have a friend who makes jewellery and I've always paid for everything that I wanted. I realise it takes time and her time is valuable. I wouldn't dream of asking for freebies.

At this stage I don’t think she is a CF. She has asked you to make something, you have said yes. That’s fine. You need to tell her to pay upfront - if she refuses to pay, you don’t make it.

“Hi - As I’m sure you can imagine, starting a business costs money. Can you let me know when you’ve transferred over £x for thingy and whatsitcalled, so I can the materials in and get making it for you! So excited, you’ll love it! Love Winter x”