Should I Offer a Fake Discount to Save My Friendship?

A 27-year-old graphic designer is stuck between keeping a friendship and protecting her business. Her friend Sarah keeps asking for discounts, and this time the request landed after the fifth "friend discount" conversation.

The designer says Sarah has supported her work and sent clients her way, but repeated favors are starting to feel less like friendship and more like pressure. Now she is wondering whether a fake discount would smooth things over, or just make the whole situation messier.

One Reddit thread quickly turned into a debate about boundaries, money, and what friends should really expect from each other. Read on.

So I'm (27F), and I run a small graphic design business where I create custom logos and branding for clients. My friend, let's call her Sarah, has always supported my business and even referred a few clients my way, which I appreciate.

For background, Sarah has asked me multiple times to do work for free or at a heavily discounted rate because 'we're friends.' I've tried to kindly explain that my time and expertise have value, and I can't afford to constantly give discounts. The other day, Sarah reached out again, asking for a custom logo for her new side hustle.

When she requested a 'friend discount' for the fifth time, I felt frustrated. I want to support her, but I can't keep devaluing my work for friends.

I'm considering giving her a fake discount to keep our friendship intact while still getting paid fairly. But I'm torn between standing my ground on pricing and preserving our relationship.

So WIBTA if I gave her a fake discount to maintain our friendship?

That is where the tension really starts to show.

In the delicate balance of friendship and business, the designer faces a significant challenge in addressing her friend's repeated requests for discounts. The emotional toll of such requests can quietly build resentment, undermining both the professional relationship and the personal bond. By engaging in an honest dialogue, the designer can articulate the true value of her work while also expressing appreciation for their friendship. This conversation is crucial not only for reinforcing her professional worth but also for preserving the integrity of their relationship.

Comment from u/potato_lover78

Honestly, as someone in a creative field, your talent deserves fair compensation. You're not a charity. If Sarah values your work, she should respect your prices.

One commenter keeps it blunt.

Comment from u/starrynight_23

Friendship should go both ways. It's great to support friends, but not at the expense of your livelihood. It's okay to set boundaries and stick to them.

Comment from u/gaming_guru99

NTA. Your work has value, and you shouldn't have to give in to constant requests for discounts. It's tough, but standing up for yourself is important.

This is similar to the friend who refused to promote her struggling friend’s business after ignored advice.

Another commenter says the friendship should not come with a price cut.

Comment from u/coffeeholic22

I feel you. It's tricky navigating business and friendship. Maybe have an honest conversation with Sarah about the importance of fair compensation for your work. Genuine friends should understand and respect that.

Comment from u/hiking_queen24

She's putting you in a tough spot, but don't compromise your worth for the sake of preserving a friendship. It's okay to prioritize your business and your boundaries.

The comments keep leaning the same way.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

The situation faced by the graphic designer with her friend Sarah highlights how easily friends can take each other for granted, creating an imbalance that can jeopardize both personal and professional ties. By addressing the implications of offering discounts directly, the designer can tackle potential feelings of obligation that might arise, ensuring that the friendship does not become transactional.

Utilizing personal expressions to convey feelings is essential in this context. For instance, stating “I value our friendship, but I also have to consider my business expenses” can open up a constructive dialogue. This approach not only fosters mutual respect but also clarifies the importance of both friendship and professional integrity in their interactions.

That kind of conversation would probably be the real test.

This one is really about whether friendship should ever come with a discount code.

Want more friendship boundary drama? Read how she charged her struggling friend and kept the agreed price even after offering a discount.