Why Supporting a Friend's Business Matters: How to Approach Gaining a Discount

When your friend is running a business and you ask for a discount, the response can sometimes catch you off guard. It’s natural to want to receive a discount, especially if you are close to the business owner. However, it’s crucial to understand the business implications of giving you a freebie or a discount. This article will explore the reasons why a business owner might hesitate to give a discount and offer some practical advice for gaining fair compensation, if you are indeed deserving of a break.

The Business Perspective

From a business standpoint, every sale, whether to a friend or a stranger, needs to contribute to the overall success of the venture. A business owner must project their costs and ensure that they are adequately compensated for their products or services. When a friend is offered a discount, the owner must consider the following:

Cost Management: Materials and production costs are a significant part of running a business. If the owner gives away free stuff, it means these costs might not be covered. This could lead to an unsustainable business model.

Accountability: Business owners track every sale to ensure they are meeting their financial and supply demands. A discount for a friend might not be tracked, leading to overestimation or underestimation of their expenses and orders.

Business Integrity: If a business owner frequently discounts for friends, it might undermine the trust and value of the product or service in the eyes of other customers.

Supporting Your Friend

While it may be tempting to expect discounts from a friend, it’s essential to support the business so it can continue to thrive. Encourage your friend to provide fair compensation for their efforts, similar to what they would offer to any customer. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your support is recognized and appreciated:

1. Be a Regular Customer

Regular buys demonstrate that you are committed to supporting the business. If you become a reliable customer, you might earn the owner’s goodwill and appreciation, making it more likely that you can negotiate a fair discount in the future.

2. Offer Additional Value

Consider what value you can add to the business. For instance, you might promote the business on social media, refer customers to the business, or help with advertising efforts. In return, you may be able to negotiate a more significant discount, as the owner will see your efforts as a valuable contribution to their success.

3. Acknowledge the Business Owner's Effort

Express genuine appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into their business. Acknowledging their efforts can sometimes soften their stance and make them more open to discussing a mutually beneficial agreement.

Conclusion

Supporting a friend’s business is important, but it’s equally crucial to seek fair compensation. Friends play a significant role in each other’s lives, and while discounts can sometimes be negotiated, it’s important to understand the business implications and be respectful of the efforts put into building the venture. By becoming a reliable customer and offering additional value, you can foster a mutually beneficial relationship that supports your friend’s business while also receiving the recognition and benefits you deserve.

Friends who support each other in a balanced and fair manner are the most valuable. By showing your friend that you genuinely value their business, you can create an environment where both of you can thrive.