working close friends of family and the likes

[i=p/u]

dont you just hate when working for close friends of family, then you bill them and then makes you fee un comfortable after all hard work..... example; pat tested 60 items, changed 5 socket fronts and added new double socket beside cu. charged the guy £151.50 , have me mother and all ringing me now... wtf..

whats your views on this

 

[Swicade]

Working for close friends is a pain in the butt....working for family friends is the same and working for family is a nightmare.

They all expect 'mates rates' which often equate to next to naff all and family seem to expect it for nothing. I hate working for them but know whats expected....my normal customers (if that's the right thing to call them) always get priority which tends to cause afew arguements.

 

[malcolmsanford]

family and close friends ...............always been gratis and is affectionately known as "family rates"

Friends of a friend will get as everyone outside of the family rates, a good job reasonably priced. Just my way I guess

 

[Octopus]

The problem is where do you draw the line. I don't discount working for friends and relatives - simples!

 

[i=p/u]

on thrir head

 

[Megavolt]

Never managed to come away happy doing work for friends and family even when the job cost you they still think you have over charged them. I now do not do any work for them as a rule. just say am to busy and recommend someone.

 

[Thefailsafe2012]

Mates rates? Pffft there's no mates in business :devilish:

 

[RyanCheetham]

There is no right answer to this just comes down to each individuals point of view. I hate myself for charging friends and family but if the job takes a substantial amount of time i think its justifiable to charge something, for me its usually half my normal price

 

[Dan23584]

I always give materials at cost price to friends an family but my labour rate stays the same. That way I can still offer them a dedicate service a I know it's worth my while. If its a small job and doesn't eat into your normal working hours thn maybe give a little discount. Just make sure you are up front about it all before you do any work, if you manage there expectations well then there should be little upset.

 

[drew35]

Where do you find "normal customers" by the way??? I wish I had some/ one!!!

 

[trev]

I don't charge family and close friends anything except for materials but they get their work done as and when I can slot it in. The system has worked fine for many a year

 

[cogsey133]

I wouldn't feel right charging my dear old mother for doing work so i too don't charge my family except for materials

 

[trev]

There's a painter I know who still lives with his mother and charges her for work in their home. I was disgusted when I heard about it but the guy has always been a prat

 

[cogsey133]

The way i see it Trev is my mum means the world to me and i would do anything she asked me to. I was certainly no angel growing up and in all honesty was a right toe-rag but mum was always there for me so how can i charge her for the work she wants done.....quite simply i can't. However each to their own i suppose

 

[ExArmy]

parents, free labour, cost materials. everybody else, full price or get somebody else! was asked to do a consumer unit for a cousin, i gave him my normal price and he ummed and ahhed and then i never heard back. and he has a good job, earns far more than me, yet they still expect it for nothing..