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Original poster

Discount for friends

26 replies

Acidburn · 18/01/2021 14:19

Hi everyone

I have recently lauched my own accessories business - handmade bags and wallets. A few of my friends expressed their desire to purchase something, however they hinted that I should give them some sort of friendly discount.

What would you do? The bags are not exactly cheap (£100 to £300), but fairly priced considering the amount of work and materials that goes into making them.

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
pepsicolagirl · 18/01/2021 14:21

Nope. Nope. Nope.

True friends would want to support your new business by refusing mates rates.

CakeRequired · 18/01/2021 14:25

No do not do discounts. Its a business.

baffledcoconut · 18/01/2021 14:26

a true friend will never expect a discount

MedusasBadHairDay · 18/01/2021 14:26

@pepsicolagirl

Nope. Nope. Nope.

True friends would want to support your new business by refusing mates rates.

This.

I used to do commissioned artwork, and a friend asked for a commission so I ordered her mates rates. She told me off and pointed out that friends support their friends businesses, this means not asking for discount.

One of my friends makes beautiful home decor products, really high quality stuff. Way out of my price range, so I'm saving up. In the meantime I support her by recommending her work. I could ask for a discount, and she'd no doubt agree because she's sweet like that, but I won't do that to her. I value her work.

PurpleDaisies · 18/01/2021 14:26

Don’t. This way madness lies

inquietant · 18/01/2021 14:26

I would say no. Just ignore.

If they push, say you can't sell any cheaper without making a loss.

iklboo · 18/01/2021 14:29

No. You've put the same amount of time, money & outlay into the product as you have for one you're selling retail. They shouldn't expect a discount because you're friends.

DH is a driving instructor & BIL2 was expecting him to teach nephew free of charge - then offered a tenner per lesson. He wasn't happy when DH said no. Tough.

MaliceOrgan · 18/01/2021 14:30

Some of them may just be being polite

00100001 · 18/01/2021 14:32

Nah. Don't do it.

Don't rely on "love money" for your business. Of it's good, strangers will pay full price. No need to discount!

McT123 · 18/01/2021 14:32

As you are hand-making your product and so the supply is not limitless, giving a discount to a friend doesn't just reduce your profit on that item, it actually costs you the money that you could have made selling the item at full price.

If you were selling something where there was no restriction on supply then it would be easier to give a discount as you would just be making a smaller profit on the item sold and would not have to turn other customers down.

Don't give a discount on your bags and wallets unless you are struggling to shift them and need cash.

ZoeTurtle · 18/01/2021 14:34

No way.

If I want something from a friend's business the first thing I always say is that I want to pay full price. If they refuse I send it anyway.

The only perk I've taken is a friend in the US sent the item via a cheaper shipping method for me, because I said I'd take the blame if it was damaged and she knew I would keep my word.

MissConductUS · 18/01/2021 14:35

Tell them they'll be the first to know when you introduce discount codes.

welliguessitwouldbenice · 18/01/2021 14:41

As long as you’re not marketing the goods to friends then you shouldn’t give a discount. If you are, as a pp said they may not want to purchase but trying to support you.

missmarplesapprentice · 18/01/2021 14:43

@pepsicolagirl

Nope. Nope. Nope.

True friends would want to support your new business by refusing mates rates.

100% agree with this.

If you wish to offer a discount after they have placed an order at full price then it's up to you.

I had a friend who opened a restaurant, 6 of us went there for a social gathering and to support her business. She knocked 30% off the bill...we paid the full bill and told her that if she didn't take the 30% directly then to put it in the tip jar as we won't accept it back.

cleanasawhistle · 18/01/2021 14:47

My husband and I run a business.
We have had people who think they are friends expecting a discount and others actually wanting us to lend out our tools so they can have a go themselves.
I always say sorry no discount because that would mean a cut on our wages.
Sorry we dont lend out anything that we use for our work.

SmudgeButt · 18/01/2021 14:47

Practice this: "I wish I could but I do have to ensure I cover all my costs and build the business properly. And, you know, with the recommendations I'm getting from my friends I'm starting to get so busy I wouldn't have time to do something for you cheaply."

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 18/01/2021 14:50

I wouldn't do a price discount for friends, but as a token gesture, I might let them, say, choose the stitching colour, or have an initial imprinted (if it wasn't much extra work for you.)

HollyBollyBooBoo · 18/01/2021 14:54

Nope, you're a business, value your time accurately.

JustAnotherUserinParadise · 18/01/2021 15:14

How about if they buy one item at full price, they get 10% off the next one?
That should sort out the chancers!

ginswinger · 18/01/2021 15:21

I do offer discounts to certain people but I ask for things in return like positive feedback on social media, photos of the item in use etc... I take 25% off the price and this works well for me. I often get mentions on Instagram and it helps build my brand.

TreacleTarte · 18/01/2021 15:27

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the request of the OP.

INVUURAQT · 18/01/2021 15:35

Don't do it. You're making a rod for your own back if you do as it will always be expected in future.

If they don't want to support you at full price, they can support you in other ways like posting about you on social media, recommending you to others and so on.

Fleurchamp · 18/01/2021 15:53

As others have said - if they are a friend and want to support you then they should be happy to pay the full price. Maybe you could throw in a little extra if hand made - personalisation or bespoke lining etc

My friend makes cakes and I asked her to make my DS's first birthday cake - she did and wouldn't be paid for it. Now I feel I can't ask her again even though I would like to as she is very talented. I would prefer to pay full price.

I am on the receiving end of this - I am a Wills and Probate solicitor but I work for a firm. I am contractually not able to do work outside of my company or for "mates rates". However, the senior partner is forever sending me their "friends" (acquaintances who come out of the woodwork when they want a freebie) and asking me to do work for discounted rates - that's fine, I get paid regardless- but they are often the most difficult clients (eg refuse to provide ID "because they know the senior partner" which puts me in a difficult spot for money laundering purposes) and end up taking months to pay their heavily discounted fees. I end up spending ages longer on their matters and then get asked why I haven't billed enough that month.... plus they are quick to take their business elsewhere if it suits them.

livingthegoodlife · 18/01/2021 16:15

I agree with what you say @fleurchamp!

SpaceRaiders · 18/01/2021 16:21

Op when running a business you never give family or friends discounts. Once you start it’ll never end. And then to make matters worse, they’ll tell their friends that they got a discount and their friends will expect the same.