friends as customers...

[bullwhacker]

I charge most of my friends the same as I would charge anyone else. I will at times barter with a few of them and trade my work for theirs or a product they sell.

I have my two closest friends, the ones that are there on moving day, when the kid is born, to roof the house, and so on, that do get a considerable discount. I have found that it comes full circle though.

One of them used to be a pencil pusher, made a load of money, and hated it. He now owns his own construction business. He has been finishing my basement for the cost of materials, which is what I have done for him for years. I did the same for him on 2 elk, lifesize bear, bear rug, mule deer, two antelope, and a few deer. I am still going to be on the better end of all of this when it is done. I will have about $9k in a basement that he would get over $30k for.

The other owns a carpet business after years of working his way up the ladder. He will be providing the flooring materials at cost and installing them for nothing. It wasn't planned when I mounted a few deer for him, but I figured there would be a day when I could use his service as well.

So yes my customers are my friends and pay full price, but I think we all have our real buddies that get a break.

[Wolfwoman]

Tis very easy if you have no friends Remember the enemy of your enemy is your friend!

[Curt]

I agree with bullwhacker. That is the way I have done it for years.

[buckslayer]

i have friends that are my best friends that i have known for a long time and my family also i give them a discount, and usually i tell them i will do it for cost because i dont take that many animals in and i have the time. they always give me more money or i will make a deal with them like they pay me for the cost to do my own stuff as well. i did three heads for my cousins and they bought all my tools and everything and i did there mounts for nothing

[Auggie]

Full price except your close, close friends. Even my close friends understand I have a business to run. I charge my closest friends wholesale price. They send me alot of work and are there when you really need a friend. In return I do not ask for a discount from family or friends that run businesses of their own. Electricians, mechanics, insurance etc.

[Old Fart]

You can usually tell your real "friends" from the others. They DON'T ask for a deal.

[JohnBOhio]

i have lots of freinds who bring in work for me and they always want a deal. i give them a 10% discount. however i found my real freinds want to pay full price, its more important for them to see me grow and pay my bills than it is to save 10%.

[chongo]

Well, whenever I really get started, I will be part time for many years;  friends will be my main customers, and through them they will refer other customers.  So yes, the "inner circle" will get a discount.

[Kenny]

Running only part time, it's easier to know going in that friends are friends and business is business.  My closest and truest friends will get a 10% discount.  They will also get a referral fee.

[Rebel]

You can usually tell your real "friends" from the others. They DON'T ask for a deal.

very true