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