For all of the people with a trade

Whether your an electrician, plumber, mechanic, baker or tailor, anyone who has knowledge if a service that others pay you to do.... How so you approach charging friends and family.

I have an in home sewing studio and am a stay at home mom. The sewing jobs I get are such a great bonus to our family financially, however I feel that people take advantage and are ways looking for free labor. These days materials are getting expensive and I always feel like I give more than I get. Sometimes projects are even costing me money. It's so hard for me to charge a friend or family member but I can't keep working for free.

Any advice or tips greatly appreciated!!

Re: For all of the people with a trade

The only time DH does work for family, it's for family that provide us a service in turn (i.e. ILs watch DS four days a week; his sister does our taxes).

Most of the time, they are also buying the materials for him.

(He is in construction).

I would just tell them you have too many orders at this time. DH has done this before.
Especially with friends that he suspects are looking for a freebie.

He also does not get involved in any kind of "handyman" work since this is where he loses money. He will recommend someone he knows.

That's another idea of what you can do.

Re: For all of the people with a trade

DH is a mechanic and if someone needs a favor, he obviously has them buy the parts. Then he has them get an estimate on paper and charges them half. Mechanics overcharge A LOT so he's giving them an awesome deal. He very seldom does this as he hates doing this work in his free time but for friends and family, he does it.