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i have a business aside from my regular day job as an account manager for an hvac/r distributor.my side business does installation and service of hvac/r systems.i tend to get alot of family and friends asking to come over and service there systems and at times do new installations.i normally dont charge for servicing them,always do it as a favor.they tend to buy a part as needed or they will pay for equipement if needed.
but this past summer it seems everyone needed something.it took alot of my time the past couple of month and lost alot of money...all i would get was a pat on the back and a thanks...i even had some people get mad at me because it took me a day or two to get to them..when i finnaly didnt get anything....this weekend i need to replenish some of my supplies and its going to cost me and i didnt make anything...i just feel akward asking for money from friends and family...

2007-07-28 04:04:44 · 10 answers · asked by chi_latin_daddy 1 in Family & Relationships Friends

10 answers

I sometimes call family/friends when I am in need of a specialty service. I do this to give them the business, and because I trust them. When I do this, I insist upon paying them. However, I'm not sure that that is the situation in your case.

You should not be in worse financial shape because you are doing business for friends and family. For some, you may wish to give a discount. My family had a very, very close friend who owned a popular florist. He was a very well-liked and popular man. He had many friends. He would tell anyone whom he considered as a friend or member of the family who asked for his service for weddings, funerals, or other big events that he gave a standard 10% reduction in price and he stuck to it. On smaller jobs, he charged the regular rate, ie. single arrangements for birthdays, valentine's day, etc.

You may wish to do something like our florist friend. Also, you may wish to just say something like, "I would be more than happy to help you with this service call, but I need to tell you right up front that I won't accept what I normally charge. I have a special rate for friends and family. You will be getting that family discounted rate." Then, charge them the going rate minus whatever you've decided to discount.

Hope this helps.

2007-07-28 04:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by answerseeker 4 · 0 0

Hi CLD.....Tough decision I know but it sounds to me that they are taking you for granted and sometimes good friends as well as family have a problem with this issue. I would tell them that you have to purchase your supplies from your own expense account and you just can't afford doing favors anymore, you are losing money for your business. If they are true friends then they will understand, offer them a nice discount they might not frown on that or hate you since you need to charge them. Family also. Tell them that you will give them a nice discount but doing favors isn't going to happen anymore. You have to think about yourself and your business. Good luck on your decision! Have a wonderful day!

2007-07-28 11:14:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

u have to be pretty tactful here -- charge them -- thats for sure -- but dont tell them that its ur cost of work done -- tell them this the amt for the equipment -- tell them the price of equipment by adding ur service charges. this way u will not even have any problems in ur relations and at the same time get what is ur right

2007-07-28 11:22:04 · answer #3 · answered by pearl 2 · 0 0

I think you are being taken advantage of. It's hard with friends and family and you will have to find a very nice way to do it but you are going to have to stop doing gratis work if you are going to make anything doing your side job. Just tell people that...except, of course, for your mom.

2007-07-28 11:11:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

ok i know what you mean iv had the same thing happen to me just say im not gonna do anymore favors everyone including friends and family have to pay full price like every one else =) hoped that helped

2007-07-28 11:10:15 · answer #5 · answered by golfcart123456 2 · 1 0

it's difficult, but im sure if you explain your situation they might understand. you could perhaps charge them 1/2 for labour and then they get the equipment etc.

it's your business and they shouldn't expect freebies. it's not unreasonable to ask..i'm sure they'd feel awful if they knew your situation.

good luck..hope it all works out

2007-07-28 11:12:50 · answer #6 · answered by rach 3 · 0 0

Yes if not ur not gonna make n e sales or gain n e respect

2007-07-28 11:20:02 · answer #7 · answered by OMOTAYO.A. A 3 · 0 0

yes charge them tell them its a business, or give them a discount, i had a family member do my wedding photography and she charged me full price, just tell them you cant afford to do it for free, do it for a discount and then tell them next year youll have to charge them full price, just make sure what you charge is cheaper then any where else.

2007-07-28 11:10:36 · answer #8 · answered by Mrs ACO 3 · 1 0

Of COURSE, you should CHARGE THEM DOUBLE!

2007-07-28 11:06:46 · answer #9 · answered by ~ANGEL~EYES~ 3 · 1 0

All they can say is "no"

2013-11-30 08:14:10 · answer #10 · answered by Ann 7 · 0 0

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