How do you tell people who keep asking you to do things for free that you are not interested?

Question

I don't care if I'm the most qualified, (SHOW ME THE MONEY) compliments don't pay my bills.

Answer 1

Well hint to them that economically you wouldn't be able to do it for them.

Answer 2

just keep saying no, they will eventually get the hint and quit asking you.

Answer 3

Tell them that they need to pay you.  I'm a freelance graphic designer and constantly have to tell people that I'd be happy to make them business cards and a website, but, I do charge $xx amount of money.  No, I dont do favors, I do a job. And, if you're good enough, and the most qualified, they're being rude by asking you to work pro bono.

Tell them straight--I actually say the "I'd be happy to..." part word for word.  And if they argue, I reason out the last "...they're being rude" part.

Answer 4

"No thank you, I'm not interested."

Keep practicing it, with a SMILE... and you'll do fine.

Have a polite day.

Answer 5

Don't be so qualifying?

Answer 6

Say to them! ( in a kindness tone of voice).That I have another job to get done. Hey : you know how it is ; if you don't get it done you don't get paid. And your bills get to stacking up. Add a nervous little giggle.  

   They more than likely will offer to pay you to do it." No matter: get paid what your work is worth."

Answer 7

My husband deals with the same situation.  He is a "Jack of all trades" so he's often asked to help out his friends and our neighbors.  Although chances are if any of them offered to truly pay him he'd turn them down anyway, but I know he'd at least like the offer.  However, the way he looks at it is, when he needs a returned favor....EVERYONE owes him.  Whenever his friends see him working on something or he's talking about a project they ALL jump to offer their help because of all that he's done for them.  So, although he isn't making money by helping out...he's saving money in the long run because of all the favors he's owed now.  All that being said, there is no law that says you HAVE to be available every time your friends ask for help.  Simply say your busy but offer them a phone # or name of someone else who might be able to help. (a professional that they'll have to pay)

Answer 8

Just tell them you are too busy, but if they'd like to hire you to let you know.

Answer 9

"No.  I can't do that for free."  That's what you say next time they ask you.

Answer 10

I agree. I have a friend that drives, but her car is broken down just as much as it's running. She constantly ask or calls get a ride somewhere. She will offer gas money, but I sometimes just can't spare the time. I've said sorry I can't enough times that you'd think she would quit asking. If they are asking for something that others would pay for, I'd say something like. "I'd be glad to, let's discuss price"