Awkward.

[widler]

I do mates rates for good mates , as i expect them to do it for me , and to be honest , on my extention every one of them have repaid the favour , so its not always bad

 

[WetSaw]

That's the thing, you need mates who can reciprocate!

 

[Andy Allen]

These are the Only 2 mates I got..

And I'll gladly tile there kennel for nowt..

 

[One Day]

Family and friends (of family) should be willing to pay the going rate, not to expect a discount.
After all, as a "friend" they'll be expecting a top job. Why should it be then be cheaper?

The worst offenders in my experience are people with non-jobs like middle managers or the legal profession, by that I mean people who actually make, produce or contribute absolutely NOTHING to society - they just suckle at the corporate teat.
These kinds have no understanding that our TIME as a tradesman is the most valuable thing that we have.

My mate's rate is completely free (when I can find the time - i.e. not very often at all)
Other than that, they can pay like everyone else and get an A1 job with a little bit more sparkle - coz we're friends.

 

[Andy Allen]

Impish......that is an excellent reply and I couldn't agree more...
(And for once I'm not even being sarcastic)

 

[Flintstone]

Always a problem when it's a job for a friend, never goes perfectly.
I don't do mates rates really, only once when a friend had his first house and I was helping him at weekends doing some work on it.
I always explain that doing work for them cheaper is only costing me money as I could be earning full money elsewhere! Like imp said, I can just give them a bit better treatment! And normally discount on tiles and trade price materials.

If your wife's mate carries on like that she's no mate.
I've lost count of the number of jobs for 'mates' I've priced up only for them to not speak to me again

 

[Aston]

i always find that the people who expect favours are the ones that never do anything for anyone.
i have loads of these type of 'friends' at the kids school??.

don't get me wrong, i'll do anything for a genuine person who might be having a hard time but charlatans who think they can use me as a groupon voucher can go and f..ind themselves ;0)

 

[Spare Tool]

Working for friends and family suck, they all expect something for nothing. My mum's after a first floor balcony tiling, the prep, heights and weights are a major issue with this balcony, after much deliberation I contacted Ray Porcelthin and he kindly went out of his way to send me some samples, these tiles are perfect and sort all the issues, so I've priced the whole job up at my trade prices, not added a bean on as its for my mum, there's probably a weeks work in this balcony which i was going to do at a greatly reduced labour rate anyhow but apparently now "I can do the job as a present for her golden wedding anniversary" so if your reading this.. NO mum, block me on fbook if you like but NO!!

 

[WetSaw]

That's a bit different to how I treat my mum but everyone's relationships are different. She may ( will and does) have to wait and obviously has to pay for materials but I do whatever I can because of what she went through to bring me up.

 

[Andy Allen]

Must admit I wouldn't charge my parents for anything...

 

[hmtiling]

Working for friends and family suck, they all expect something for nothing. My mum's after a first floor balcony tiling, the prep, heights and weights are a major issue with this balcony, after much deliberation I contacted Ray Porcelthin and he kindly went out of his way to send me some samples, these tiles are perfect and sort all the issues, so I've priced the whole job up at my trade prices, not added a bean on as its for my mum, there's probably a weeks work in this balcony which i was going to do at a greatly reduced labour rate anyhow but apparently now "I can do the job as a present for her golden wedding anniversary" so if your reading this.. NO mum, block me on fbook if you like but NO!!

hahahaha

 

[Spare Tool]

hahahaha

Was feeling a bit bad then till that...

 

[hmtiling]

Was feeling a bit bad then till that...

I'd charge mine double and make on mats!

 

[Andy Allen]

My mum and dad are a bit old school....buy them a pint of milk on the way home and there trying to shove 2 quid in my pocket for it..
Sorted there bathroom and kitchen out and i wouldn't take a penny for it in the end they bought my kids something instead...
I wouldn't charge family for work..mum dad , brother and sister....but that's where I draw the line..