How do you deal with family and friends who wants discounts? I own a small cookie business. I make about $200-$300 per order for my work so these aren’t cheap cookies. I get family members and friends sometimes messaging me to do custom cookies for them for events for such a small (basically just covering my expenses without making me any money at all) amount or sometimes I feel they even expect it for free and it’s really awkward for me to tell them my actual pricing because I know they won’t spend the money. However, my time is valuable and making these orders is very time consuming - time I can be working on another order that’ll bring me a lot more money.
So, how do you deal and gently tell them “no” or “it’ll cost you XY amount” which would be pretty much the same as any other client? I have done a few free orders for close family and friends and a few really cheap ones but I’m done with this. I’m busting my ass for nothing.
If they are expecting free cookies: “I’m sorry, I have to prioritise my paying customers. I have to focus on the health of my business”.
Or run through ChatGPT: “I appreciate your understanding. As much as I value our relationship, I need to prioritize my paying customers to ensure the health of my business. I hope you can understand that this is a necessary step for me. If there’s anything specific you’re interested in, I’d be happy to discuss rates and services with you. Thank you for your support.”
Or something along the lines of “I appreciate you like my cookies. I also appreciate my friends and family support my business paying a fair (full) price.”