So I find myself with a small dilemma.
I recently received a call from one of my wife's good friend. Turns out her computer has been infected with "security tool" rogueware. The virus isnt a problem to remove, but my dilemma comes from feeling obligated to discount my regular price because of the close nature of her friendship with my wife.
In the past, when computer repair was just a hobby, I had fixed her and her families computers for free or for as low price (around $50). Now I feel almost obligated to continue to give her and her family discounts, not only because of our friendship, but also because they have been great for word of mouth. I have gained 3-4 clients simply based on their good word of mouth.
On the other hand though my regular price is already lower than what it would cost to have down elsewhere in my city, and i feel confident that my regular price is both fair and reasonable.
My roommate's computer is also infected with a similar virus and once again because of the nature of the relationship I feel obligated to discount my price or even to do the work as a favor.
I like to make people happy, but I also like to make money. It seems like I'm walking a fine line between either being overly gracious or a cheap tightwad.
What do you all think? Who do you give discounts to? How much of a discount do you give? Where do you draw the line? Do you do work for free? Or would you charge family and friends the same as another client?
I recently received a call from one of my wife's good friend. Turns out her computer has been infected with "security tool" rogueware. The virus isnt a problem to remove, but my dilemma comes from feeling obligated to discount my regular price because of the close nature of her friendship with my wife.
In the past, when computer repair was just a hobby, I had fixed her and her families computers for free or for as low price (around $50). Now I feel almost obligated to continue to give her and her family discounts, not only because of our friendship, but also because they have been great for word of mouth. I have gained 3-4 clients simply based on their good word of mouth.
On the other hand though my regular price is already lower than what it would cost to have down elsewhere in my city, and i feel confident that my regular price is both fair and reasonable.
My roommate's computer is also infected with a similar virus and once again because of the nature of the relationship I feel obligated to discount my price or even to do the work as a favor.
I like to make people happy, but I also like to make money. It seems like I'm walking a fine line between either being overly gracious or a cheap tightwad.
What do you all think? Who do you give discounts to? How much of a discount do you give? Where do you draw the line? Do you do work for free? Or would you charge family and friends the same as another client?
.. although she gets to keep the 'profit' of the jobs.. still need to work on that one hahaha
