When People You Know Want Freebies (and How I Handle It Without Losing My Mind)

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 Let’s talk about one of the sneakiest stressors of running a small business:

People you know asking for free stuff.
Or deep discounts.
Or that classic: “Can you just make me one real quick?”

Yeah. That. 😐

🎁 “You Should Just Make Me One!”

This sentence right here?
It’s the uninvited guest at every crafter’s cookout.

Don’t get me wrong—I love when people support my business. I really love when people buy from my business. But I’ve learned that support doesn’t mean expecting a hookup. Making a tumbler isn’t like waving a wand and poof! a glittery glass appears.

It takes:
🕒 time
💸 materials
🧼 prep
🙃 and patience I sometimes don’t even have for myself

So when someone slides into my DMs with “Can you just make me one?”
What they’re really saying (without meaning to) is:
“Your time, talent, and tools should cost me nothing.”

💬 What I Say Now (Versus What I Used to Say)

Past me: “Oh sure! Just cover the cost of materials.”
😬 (Cue me quietly eating the shipping cost, labor, packaging, AND my own energy.)

Current me:
“Thanks so much for your interest! You can absolutely order one through my shop.”
OR
“I’d love to! Here’s my current pricing and turnaround time.” (with a smile and a link to Etsy.)

It’s not rude.
It’s not awkward.
It’s business.

💡 The Guilt Is Real… But So Is the Growth

I used to feel bad.
Like if I said no, I’d be selfish.
Like I owed it to people I loved because they supported me in other ways.

But then I realized:
➡️ If I give it away for free, I’m telling myself it’s not worth charging for.
➡️ If I keep discounting everything, I’m running a charity, not a business.
➡️ If I’m not valuing my own work, why should anyone else?

Now?
I honor my time.
I respect my craft.
And I’ve found that the people who really support me?
They don’t ask for a discount.
They say: “Here’s full price—because I believe in you.”

✨ Kind Boundaries Are Still Boundaries

So here’s the deal:
If you’re a fellow maker, it’s okay to say no.
You don’t owe anyone freebies just because you know them.
You can protect your peace and be polite.
It’s called: professionalism with sparkle. 💁🏽‍♀️✨

📌 Wanna see what I actually have time and materials to make?
🛒 https://riseupdesignboutique.etsy.com

Until next time,
Jecca

Location: San Antonio, TX 78261, USA

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