I’ve been asked by a friend to build a solid oak bookcase 3′ x 5′ very straightforward. I know what I would charge one of my regular customers, but what I don’t know is how much to discount it for him. If I go too low, all of his friends will think they can come to me on the cheap. Then there’s the not discounting far enough. So please let me know what you would do, or even what you would expect if someone were building this for you as a friend. Thanks
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Replies
All of his friends are not your friends.
I have a friends and family option for 15% off. Clearly labeled with original price line, discount line, total. Keep it transparent and there can be no question down the line if they do refer you.
I guess it depends -- how good a friend? Donate a kidney friend, or wave to on the street friend?
My experience in these situations is that friends can't even imagine how much custom furniture costs. Quoting just material and hardware, with zero labor cost, they think it's too expensive.
I agree with John_c2 here. Just wood and hardware is "How much?!!"
I did a top,60 x 30, out of ambrosia maple for our neighbor. They bought the wood, about $135. There was some leftover, I am making a table; top, shelf, and apron out of the figured maple, legs out of clear soft maple. I do it as a hobby. Cost will be zero.
My experience is that once I quote just the cost of the materials, they lose interest. If they dont flinch, then estimate the hours and ask them what's reasonable, in money or favors.
Customers can become good friends. Friends by and large are terrible customers! Do you do this for a living ? If so then its your living! What does your friend do for a living? Is there some way he can reciprocate? Will he? I never give breaks to my friends. I will feel cheated and they will feel ripped off! I have for customers who do repeat business with me. I have low balled when it's something that I would really like to do or i think that its going to open a door for something else . I have on occasion done some deeply discounted work for my wife's friends, but there is a payoff there that is worth more than money! A favor for a friend is helping them get their boat in the water, then you both go out fishing! Like was said,if this is someone that you would donate a kidney to then the answer is -"no charge" -everyone else pays full freight!
When I have friends do work for me that is their primary business I do not expect and will not accept a discount. This is how you make your living and I think your friend should understand this and not expect a discount. If he is in a business and you could use his services then maybe a barter arrangement. But, then again, how close and good a friend? But, then again, time is money. Good luck. Would be interested to hear what you decide.
Bottle of good scotch + materials and a good story to tell. Also agree his friends are not your friends.
Why should your friend expect a discount?
I don't give discounts to friends for surgery or medical consultations - it's how I make my living and friends are expected to pay the same as non-friends. I have to do the same work, take the same care, do the same due diligence and it costs me the same to provide the service.
The only reason for offering a discount is that you are getting the work without having to advertise, so that cost could be removed. On the flip side though you have to account for the increased probability that a friend will be more critical of your output.
If like me you have more than enough to do, then reducing the price makes no economic or moral sense.
Tell your friend your usual price and let them know that is 'mates rates' - if they ask what the full price is, then you can refer them to my answer given above and blame me for it.
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They say, "A really good friend will help you move. A best friend will help you move a body." Those guys deserve deep discounts.
Something else you could do with a friend is swap labor. Charge him for the materials and that every hour you work, s/he does an hour of work around your home such as clean gutters, mow lawn, clean the windows. Would likely make your wife happy, save him some money, and save you some future time.
If it’s a good friend, I would have him come with when purchasing material and then have him assist with the build. Good bonding time and it will clearly delineate that this was done for a friend. If other people want to commission, they won’t be offered the same service.