Offered to help, now they are being rude?

[Moongolf]

Hello!
I usually turn to mumsnet for any pregnancy questions but now I’m just stumped about this and don’t know who to talk to for advice 😂

I saw a friend post on social media how they needed design help with a project for their small business in return of an item they sell.
I have some spare time and what they are asking I do as a professional job anyway so I thought why not support a small business in a way I can.

I sent them a message and they quickly asked for my portfolio. I sent them my work and they haven’t got back to me for a couple of days (even though I can see they have been active and posting)

I feel that they have been very rude, not even a thank you for considering doing something I get paid for for free. Aibu? Should I give them time or just upfront say never mind?
What do I do 😭

• edit

If they don’t like my work or think I’m not a match for them I’d rather they just tell me not ignore me

It seems like they've found someone else to use so aren't bothering to get back to you

It's rude not to reply and thank you, regardless of whether they wish to proceed or not.. Delete them from your Christmas card list is my advice.

If you no longer want to do it I would just drop them a quick message to say you have now taken on other work so are no longer available.

Did you clarify that you would do it for free?

Could it be that it’s not top of their agenda so they’re waiting for a few people to contact them before making a decision?

Or they need to discuss ideas at a team meeting which hasn’t happened yet?

@TheYearOfSmallThings

If you no longer want to do it I would just drop them a quick message to say you have now taken on other work so are no longer available.

Do this. They should have bitten your hand off.

If they knew you did this for your job then sorry op, if they didn't ask I think they preferred not to use you.

Perhaps they’re reviewing all of the portfolios and then making a decision?

Thank you everyone!

It’s only 2 people in this small business and I stated I am happy to do the work in exchange for an item of theirs as they posted.

I haven’t spoke to this person for a while and publicly I haven’t posted I do this for a job so they didn’t know I am professional in it (went to a course with this person but not relivent to the job I do)

I didn’t want to snap anything rude to them as I am very aware how pregnant and hormonal I am at the moment so getting advice before I say anything is very appreciated 😂

Can you not just get in touch and ask them for an update as you will need to plan time for it if they want you to do it?

@Dutchesss

Did you clarify that you would do it for free?

They were asking online for design help in exchange for one of their products. So it's quite possible they got several responses and are negotiating with the preferred one, before they refuse the other offers.

 No point  OPmaking a big deal of her  offer being free.  The friends  are using a tried and tested market strategy;  getting their product out there  and known in exchange for free expertise.

I'd send a message and ask if they're still interested in your services as you have some projects lined up. Make it sound like you're wanted elsewhere and they'll either jump at the chance to get you or let you know they're time-wasting knobs!

If they are rude in their response though, you could maybe say 'It's a good thing really, I don't usually work for such small businesses as yours' and then flip the bird or something.

2 days is not long. I'd leave it a week at least

Well for a start they are not asking for a free service, as they are a small business one of their items is a cost to them, even if it is not to the level you’d normally receive.

Design styles are very subjective. They may have had a few people respond, your style may not be what they are looking for and they are trying to work out what to say. Whatever the reason, 2 days is not long at all. I don’t think they have been rude (yet).