How to say NO to Family and Friends when they request for Free Products / Services

Qeturah.com
Sep 3, 2018 · 4 min read

When you start a business, it’s only normal for you to think or assume that your friends and families become part of your first ‘Customer base’ right?

Wrong. You’ll soon find out that sometimes, you find friends and families to start making unthinkable demands of you like purchasing on credit (which they never pay for), asking for ridiculous discounts or even asking for free sample products.

You hear things like, ‘But it’s your cousin’s wedding, can’t you bake her a Four Tier cake as your own contribution? Quite presumptuous you’d agree. This is one of the occupational hazards for entrepreneurs. They assume that if you have a skill, and they know you, they’re entitled to get served for free.

Part of the challenge is that many of us can’t say no to them — you feel guilty…. You wouldn’t want to offend your aunt, would you?

So, what do you do when those who are meant to champion the course of your business growth and expansion, turn out to be the ones who place you at the risk of ‘closing shop’ ? Let’s have a chat about it!

Be Explicit about what you do

Sometimes those that ask you for unreasonable favours have no clear understanding of what you do, so they may be asking from a place of ignorance.

If this turns out to be the case, it is important that you explain the costs involved in running your company, including salaries, production, logistics, rent and other variables.

That way, they would learn not to undervalue your service or overestimate your profit.

In the words of Bryan Clayton, CEO of Green Pal; “When you do some back-of-the-envelope math with your friend or family member and explain what it costs to deliver that service or product, they back off quickly.”

Offer a specific discount or deal

Before you begin, it is important that, having weighed the cost implications and everything, you decide on what kind of discount or freebies you can give and stick to that consistently and unapologetically. So, when friends and families hit you with their freebies plea, you hit them back with your company policy on discounts and show them what you have in place. Do not compromise on this.

Another twist is, you can decide to give out a free product per month to a family member. Be sure to document that, stick with it and clearly communicate this with the people involved in order to manage expectations without causing any rifts in personal relationships.

Clearly define your relationships

‘Who are the people closest to me?’ What can I offer them? Where do I draw the line?, What value can they further bring?’

Asking such questions, will help you know who falls within your discount and freebies category.

Your best friend may get a discount but her friend (who was previously introduced to you) may not enjoy this because you do not have the same relationship with them.

Establish firm boundaries and share them with everyone that needs to know.

Learn to say No!

This is very difficult to say, but sometimes, you must do what you must do!

It is reasonable to expect to get paid for your time and work especially if it’s at the expense of other things, so you shouldn’t feel pressured or be guilt tripped into providing discounts or gifts your business cannot afford.

Sometimes, offering freebies and discounts not only costs you money, but also reduces the buyer’ appreciation for your product / service.

As a result, you are in no way obligated to take on every project or fulfill every demand. Learn to say no and insisting on getting paid for your work beforehand, when necessary! Let them know your worth.

Trade services

This is a win-win situation that benefits you and the friend/relative involved.

If you are a website designer and you have a social media savvy friend, you can very well exchange services that will be of use to both of your businesses and you won’t end up feeling used.

You will discover that it may seem bad not giving in to ridiculous freebies requests at first but in the end, respecting your business and yourself is the best strategy. Have you had any episode with friends and family? What did you do about it?

Share with us in the comment section below!

Qeturah.com

Written by

We make it easy to discover, sell, & shop for quality handmade & Made in Nigeria lifestyle brands: fashion, beauty & home decor. Get in touch: info@qeturah.com

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