Page 7 | Raffle prize win - what would you do

ihaircut101 · 2024-06-27T11:30:45+00:00

Writing this without saying which side I am, would be interested in knowing who you think is 'right'. Jill won a raffle prize of a cut and blow dry at a new salon owned by Mary. When Jill attended to claim her prize she also booked in for a root tint, which she expected to pay for. During their session Mary mentioned business was not so good and she thought it partly due to her website content. Jill told her that her business was website marketing and offered to take a look at Mary's website, which she did. Jill made a lot of suggestions, she rewrote some of the content and suggested mary implement an online booking facility. Mary was very happy with the changes and as a thank you waived the cost of the colour. About a month later, Mary contacted Jill and asked her to set up the online booking system, Jill was agreeable to take this on and explained her fees. Mary was taken aback at being asked to pay as felt as she had waived the cost of the hair dye treatment, that should cover the cost of the website work. What do you think? Should Jill charge for this extra work? If yes, would it be ok for Mary to ask Jill to now pay for the colour treatment she had?

horseyhorsey17 · 27/06/2024 15:28

LittleLittleRex · 27/06/2024 15:09

If Jill only gave advice during the time she was sitting having her hair done anyway, then she can hardly claim to have been put out in any way.

Mary is not a CF, she donated a prize already, the whole conversation took place during time she would normally expect to be paid and Jill had scheduled as down time, so Jill lost nothing at all to a few hours of Mary's time.

Jill isn't obligated but has got a much better deal so far.

I doubt she wanted to spend her downtime talking about work and giving her professional services for free, though. It's not what I'd want from a trip to the hairdresser. She won a prize - she wasn't obligated to Mary in any way.

TemuSpecialBuy · 27/06/2024 15:28

FunLurker · 27/06/2024 12:32

Jill should charge for the work and Mary shouldn't ask for the tint money. If Mary asks for tint money I'd be inclined to charge for the advice.

This.

It is 2 separate "deals"
The tint and the content was the first deal and was "completed".
The Online booking system is a new add and a new deal.

If Mary was half smart she'd have offered a free cut and colour in exchange for the sorting out the online booking.

Original poster

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

OP posts:

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 27/06/2024 15:29

Mary is a CF

OchonAgusOchonOh · 27/06/2024 15:30

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 27/06/2024 14:34

Am I the only one who thinks the OP’s username might be a clue as to which one she is? 🤔

She hasn’t called herself iwebdesign101!

Well spotted!

I never look at user names.

EmeraldRoulette · 27/06/2024 15:30

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 14:27

Regardless of raffle prize, Jill still got a hair dye, cut and bow dry for no charge.

Mary feels that Jill got the better of the deal and setting up the booking system would make them more even. It's not as if Jill had to start from scratch, as Mary had already paid someone to set up the initial website.

Mary is either bonkers or extremely dense. Or a total CF I guess.

The fact that it is a raffle prize is extremely relevant. Jill didn't walk in and say "gimme free hairdressing".

This post is an excellent demonstration of why I wouldn't do free work, reduced work or work in exchange for a favour.

autienotnaughty · 27/06/2024 15:30

Cut and blow = raffle prize
Advice and alterations to web site = tint

Anything above charge for

TeeBee · 27/06/2024 15:30

I think the whole thing smacks of Mary having no clue whatsoever how much coding/IT consultancy costs. I wonder how much a root tint costs (the cut and blow dry is a different thing altogether as that was a won prize). I suspect less than one-hour's worth of IT consultation. Mary has already had way more than the cost of a root tint I'm guessing. Mary is either a CF or completely naiive. Either way, Jill should pull back on all support now.

Arlanymor · 27/06/2024 15:33

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

Is she really a friend if she wants to milk your expertise for free? I know it can be tricky moving to a new area, but there are lots of ways to meet new people, new people who won’t take advantage of you.

Testina · 27/06/2024 15:33

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

Was the haircut the first time you’d met her?

diddl · 27/06/2024 15:35

Mary doesn't seem to be particularly business savvy.

Perhaps the website isn't the problem?

PossumintheHouse · 27/06/2024 15:35

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

Has Mary really come back to you pissed off because you won't work for free, and has suggested you pay for the tint if you don't do the work? If so, she is no friend in any way. Friends support each other's businesses and pay for each other's services.
I can see why you want to maintain the "friendship" but if you do this for her as a favour, she'll expect more and more. You'll become her website manager. For free.

FOJN · 27/06/2024 15:35

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

That being the case I would say to Mary that you are sorry she feels she got a bad deal and you would like to pay her for the tint so that any future business relationship isn't soured with resentment before it begins.

And then stick to your guns re: charging for work. If Mary doesn't like it she can pay the going rate to someone else.

OchonAgusOchonOh · 27/06/2024 15:36

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

Why would you want to be friend's with someone who is such a CF? You'll be tiling her bathroom next.

piningforautumn · 27/06/2024 15:36

After seeing the update, I suppose I'd base my decision on how much of a financial hit you'd be taking if you don't charge Mary, and is it worth that much to avoid rocking the boat. Clearly you don't owe her any more work, and I think I'd resent it too much to be happy going along to get along, in this case.

How would she take it if you countered with a barter? It would cost her less, yet you wouldn't be working for free.

pinkyredrose · 27/06/2024 15:37

LittleLittleRex · 27/06/2024 15:09

If Jill only gave advice during the time she was sitting having her hair done anyway, then she can hardly claim to have been put out in any way.

Mary is not a CF, she donated a prize already, the whole conversation took place during time she would normally expect to be paid and Jill had scheduled as down time, so Jill lost nothing at all to a few hours of Mary's time.

Jill isn't obligated but has got a much better deal so far.

Bloody hell. Do you have any idea what web designers earn and how much the advice that Jill gave would have cost?

I can see why Mary's business isn't doing well, she's clueless!

Greatmate · 27/06/2024 15:37

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

Why would you work for free and where will you draw the line?

Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/06/2024 15:37

If Jill only gave advice during the time she was sitting having her hair done anyway, then she can hardly claim to have been put out in any way

I very much doubt Jill rewrote the content sitting in a hairdresser's chair, but even if she did professional advice and expertise cost money which is what the original deal was about with no need to expect further favours

Now that we know you're Jill I see what you mean about keeping a friend in a new area, @ihaircut101, but I'd be careful here unless she's prepared to make you her permanent website manager with ongoing hairdressing for free

Jaxhog · 27/06/2024 15:37

TeeBee · 27/06/2024 15:30

I think the whole thing smacks of Mary having no clue whatsoever how much coding/IT consultancy costs. I wonder how much a root tint costs (the cut and blow dry is a different thing altogether as that was a won prize). I suspect less than one-hour's worth of IT consultation. Mary has already had way more than the cost of a root tint I'm guessing. Mary is either a CF or completely naiive. Either way, Jill should pull back on all support now.

My thought too. As an ex-IT person, I often get asked for 'free' IT advice. Too many people think that this is 'trivial', while what they offer is not. Mary clearly has no idea what is involved in setting up a booking system, and thinks what she offers is of much greater value than some IT stuff. It isn't.

armyofants · 27/06/2024 15:37

Whataweirdsituation · 27/06/2024 12:33

Jill should absolutely charge for further work. Mary is being a CF. As PP said, if Mary does try and charge, Jill can ask for payment for the advice she gave!

Absolutely this.

Roselilly36 · 27/06/2024 15:38

Be careful or M & the friendship group might all expect website updates FOC! The advice is if you are an expert don’t give that expertise away for free! It’s a business not a hobby.

purplecorkheart · 27/06/2024 15:38

ihaircut101 · 27/06/2024 15:29

I have seen so many of these types of posts and it's almost always obvious which person the OP is, so I'm pleased that ive created a bit of confusion as to which one I am. I have tried to be even handed.

I am Jill.

but the reason I asked MN for an opinion is I have moved to a new area after divorce and set up my own business. I want to get involved in the local community.

When I met Mary we really hit it off, she has lived here for quite a while and I thought we could be good friends (and also she'd help me build up a wider friendship group).

So I'm torn on wanting to keep a new friend against earning money for work I do. I agree she is a bit of a CF but also I don't want to upset her by refusing to do the work for free as she really was miffed when I mentioned my pricing structure.

Honestly I would be distancing myself from Mary as much as possible. I suspect she is a user rather than a friend.

Binman · 27/06/2024 15:38

The haircut is irrelevant as it was a raffle prize.

Jill offered to help Mary without the expectation or mention of payment, a few suggestions including setting up an online booking system and a couple of rewrites. Mary was grateful and waived the cost of the tint, so that was a bonus for Jill.

How long will it take Jill to set up that system for Mary, and what is the price for doing that?

Mary may have thought that the cost of the tint was worth it if she got the system set up. I think Jill is OP.

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 27/06/2024 15:39

Mary happily swapped the tint for advice. Should Jill now work for nothing forever? Mary is a twat and I really hope op is Jill.

Its2024happynewyear · 27/06/2024 15:40

If Mary wants continued website work then Jill can continue getting free hair cuts forever more.