I feel terrible. My best friend has started a small business which is right up her alley and has now asked if she can come over and potentially pitch some of her products to me. However I'm really not interested in the product at all, plus its quite expensive ($50-$400) and I'm very strapped for cash atm (recently became single mumma, still trying to find my feet financially). The clincher is, i have also had a small business over the last few years, and she was always super supportive and bought a couple items a year off me (around the $40-$80 mark). How do i say I'm not interested in making a purchase (mainly due to cost) but not come across as unsupportive??
How to say no to best friend
How to say no to best friend
Posted in:
Life Lessons, Relationships & Marriage, Health & Wellbeing, Behaviour
8 Replies
Ahh that's tough. I would definitely show interest, while being honest and saying it's not your thing at all BUT you should know what it is so you can be a good friend, and if you know it's a good quality and details about it you can recommend on to people.
I would think of her and make a few purchases when you can, when you need gifts etc
Edit to add, this is if its her own product. If its a scheme like juiceplus, Arbonne etc just say no thanks and be firm. You give them any interest and they spam the shit out of you.
Why not invite a couple of friends around who might be interested then let her come around? She is probably wanting to start with friends and family to practice her pitch. Let her know you are not in a position to buy anything right now but you would love to support her business in other ways eg. word of mouth.
Host a party for her with some friends - be encouraging and take part in the demos :)
Ahhh... Good old 'home business'. Guilting family and friends into spending money on things they don't want so you get a crappy amount of 'income' from the sale. Unfortunately, having put her in this situation you're kind of obliged. Buy the cheapest thing you can. Perhaps you ask for her to practice her pitch on you and say you'll host a party once you are on your feet.
Tell her to do “basket” parties. Pop some items in the basket, leave it at your place and if visitors come over they’ll have a look in the basket. That way they can leave the money in the basket, or place an order through your friend/online/order form.
If she has more friends she can trust, leave them all a basket - more opportunities to find clients without direct pushy sales.
Tell your friend your super strapt for cash, but will happily purchase when your more financial. Offering to display some products at your home or work place will show you support the new business and her.
If you gave some friends or family that may be potentially interested in what shes selling, maybe try get them involved.
I would be honest and tell her as much as you want to support her, during to circumstances (g I'll financially, splitting up etc.) You just cant afford it at the moment, but would be willing to help (if you can) when you become a bit more financially stable.
Euuuugggghhh is it like tupperware?
I guess, you put her in that position once, perhaps she didn't have the income at the time either and she also felt guilty and strapped for cash but felt like she needed to support your small business.
I'd buy the cheapest thing possible and keep in mind this feeling when trying to encourage others to support your small business.
Agree, I think that’s why OP feels obligated!