Supporting Your Friends’ Businesses Means Respecting Their Prices
When someone you know starts a business, it's exciting.
You want to cheer them on, celebrate their courage, and maybe even become one of their first customers.
But there’s an uncomfortable reality that many small business owners face — and it often comes from the people closest to them.
It’s the expectation of discounts.
The subtle — or sometimes not-so-subtle — pressure to lower prices "just because" someone is a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance.
At first glance, it may seem harmless. But here’s the truth:
Asking for discounts or favors from a small business owner isn’t support — it’s disrespect.
When Support Turns into Undervaluing
Running a business is not a hobby.
Behind every product or service are hours of labor, investment, education, experience, and risk.
When someone asks for a discount, what they’re really saying (even if unintentionally) is:
"Your work isn’t worth what you’re charging."
"You should take a loss because of our relationship."
"Your skills, time, and overhead costs don’t matter as much as my convenience."
Imagine walking into a grocery store or a major retailer and asking the cashier to give you a better price — it would feel absurd.
Small business owners deserve the same level of respect, if not more.
They are often juggling everything themselves: creation, marketing, sales, customer service, accounting, and fulfillment.
Their prices are not arbitrary. They are set carefully to reflect real costs and to build a sustainable business — not just for profit, but for survival.
What True Support Looks Like
If you want to support a small business owner in your life, here’s how you can truly make an impact:
Pay full price. No negotiations, no hints at discounts, no comparisons to mass-produced alternatives.
Share their business with others. A recommendation to your network is incredibly valuable.
Leave positive reviews. Testimonials build trust and help businesses grow.
Show excitement and encouragement. Cheer them on genuinely without asking for special treatment.
Respect is the foundation of real support.
It says, "I believe in you. I believe in what you're building. And I value it enough to pay for it."
Respect Is Support
Small business owners aren’t looking for handouts — they’re looking for recognition of the time, skill, and heart they put into their work.
When you pay full price, when you honor their worth, you’re doing more than buying a product or service.
You’re investing in someone's dream.
You’re helping someone put food on the table, pay the rent, and continue doing what they love.
Support your friends’ businesses the way you would want yours to be supported — with respect, integrity, and enthusiasm.
If you're a small business owner yourself and need help growing your brand, setting your prices confidently, or building a marketing strategy that works, that's exactly what I help with. Feel free to reach out — because your business deserves to be valued, too.
