How to avoid doing free work for neighbors and friends?

Question

My husband is a painting/remodeling contractor. He has an advertisement on the side of his van which sits in our driveway. He does not have an office since most of his work is done out on jobs. Lately, everyone seems to be asking my husband to do things and not offering any sort of payment. The problem is, the people asking are our neighbors and friends. They have started knocking on our door at random times (ie. dinnertime) asking for "help" with home remodeling projects. We don't want to be rude or lose friends but, for one, this is our livelihood and, two, we have 3 children. I don't want my husband spending anymore time away from home than he already has to. How can he politely tell people that his time and skills are worth something so they should stop asking him to be their handyman? It has gotten to the point that my husband wants to move out into the country away from everyone.

Answer 1

Give them an estimate and tell them it includes a special discount for friends.

Answer 2

I'm a freelance copywriter, and this is what I say when I have friends/neighbors ask me to "write something up for their business, look over this presentation, etc.":

"I would be more than happy to. Why don't you give me a call tomorrow during business hours and we'll discuss the particulars of your project."

If they say, it'll only take a minute, I say, "I'm sorry, but my office hours are x*x. I'll be happy to discuss it with you then."

When/if they call, discuss the project with them just like you would a regular client and give them a quote just as you would a regular client. If you choose, you can let them know that you will apply a one-time "family and friends" discount.

Above all, if you decide to give them a discount (and always specify upfront that the discount is on labor only), always quote the full price on the quote/estimate forms and on the invoice and then apply the discount to that.

And if you decide you don't want to work with any neighbors and friends, say something along the lines of "I'm sorry, I have an overflow of business right now, and there is no way I can possibly fit in another project anytime soon." Repeat as needed.

Always stay polite and professional.

Answer 3

I had the same problem. I'm a computer consultant and I would have family & friends bring computers over for me to "take a look at" - Phone calls at all hours and it got to be way too much. I don't mind helping but it became too much too often. So my solution was I started sending them bills. :0) - They were still getting a good deal as I was only charging a fraction of what I normally charge but now they take a little more time to figure and do things for themselves. It cut this problem down by about 75%.

Answer 4

When asked, simply say, "I'll be glad to look at your project and give you an estimate, or I can work on a time and materials basis.  I generally charge $x per hour.  When would be a good time for you?"