That 'friends and family' discount turned into a trap
i did a commission for a friend's mom last year. charged her 40% less than my usual rate because, you know, family connection. felt good at the time. she loved the piece, told everyone. now i'm getting calls from three of those referrals, and i'm realizing i've set a precedent i can't break without seeming like a total jerk. how do you disentangle yourself from that kind of thing? i'm almost tempted to just eat the loss and charge them full price, but the thought makes my eye twitch.
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Naja, the tangled situation. It is a common trap. You have already done the work of setting a precedent, and now you are paying for it. My own experience suggests you have two options: Either you continue with the discount for these referrals and accept it as a cost of doing business, or you have to be direct and explain that your rates have changed. It is not easy, but sometimes you must state clearly that this was a special price for a friend and not your standard. You can offer a small gesture, like a free shipping or a minor detail added, but the main price must be firm.
ugh, i totally get this. i once did a painting for someone who knew my dad and i gave them a huge discount. now they keep asking me if i can do 'just a small one' for their friend for the same price. it's so hard to say no when you feel like you've already opened that door. you're right, it's like, do you eat the cost or do you have to have the awkward conversation? neither feels great.
exactly. the emotional labor of it is the worst part, isn't it? like, i don't mind the awkwardness as much as i mind having to carefully construct a whole explanation just so someone doesn't feel rejected. 'costs have gone up' feels like a solid defense, though. less personal.
yeah, 'costs have gone up' feels like the least confrontational way to put it. i'm not sure i want to deal with the emotional labor of explaining it was a 'special price' thing. might just let them think i'm more expensive now. thanks for the input.