Toggle sidebar

Begging posts - who is the mug?

Sort by date Sort by votes
M

Matt1959

Free Member
Sep 8, 2006
6,325
1,225
If theres one thing on these kind of forums that winds me up, its threads/ posts begging for favours .

Like lots on here, I run a small business and if I want something done, I budget for it and pay my way - what other way is there to run a business?

Just today, I had a problem with my PC and I needed it sorted so I put an email out to someone who I hoped could help, told them the problem and asked how much. Got a price, I agreed with it, work got done within one hour and I've just paid them via BACS - job done - everyone happy:)

It would be great if I could get stuff done for next to nothing but I appreciate other members run businesses on here for profit and if I want something, I expect to pay for it.

If I had the neck, it seems I could actually save myself £100's by cajoling, begging and asking for favours for work that should be chargable but I don't think thats fair on others so why do others think its ok to work this way??

Like many others, I've got a family with kids, mortgage etc and am the sole breadwinner as a one man band plus havn't worked for 6 weeks with little income due to an injury yet still wouldnt ask for something for nothing.

Maybe the "scroungers" (sorry couldnt think of another description) might like to defend what they do? And, yes I guess you could apply this argument to those that want logos for £30;)

So whos the mug:|:rolleyes:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lasting Designs, matt.chatterley, swbcanning and 1 other person
well i get that feeling sometimes..i don't like it when people go in to a shop and then badger the price for a computer down to something where the shop make no money at all from it..pointless excercise because you will never get good service from them in the future if thats how you work.

i believe in paying a fair price, i shop around but i know that buying from a small computer shop is more expensive yet it supports my local economy and i gain another business ally which i value as more useful than saving myself £50 on a new laptop.
 
Upvote 0
I just got a logo for £50, and I am delighted with it. I offered the job out there, some wanted too much, some were cheaper, but I got the result I was after, I don't call this begging, I just know the value of what I wanted doing.

I won't be buying a Maybach to lug equipment around when a 2nd hand Land Rover will be rugged and cost effective enough, if I was a company who relied on image solely, then my logo budgetting would be of a considerably higher amount. As it turned out the bloke who did my logo spent a couple of hours tops on it, and got £50. Not bad I would say.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0
if people need help on the forum and genuinly ask for it, then i have no issue with helping, if i have nothing on at that moment and it takes only 10 mins i will evan provide a solution

Its people who blatently ask for freestuff or handouts whilst hiding behind promises of lots of work in the future, or you can have so much %% of the sales that annoy me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: maxine
Upvote 0
Agreed.

A lot of what I am seeing on this forum isn't just asking a favour - but asking for something people would normally charge for, for nothing - and giving nothing in return.

Personally, if I see somone asking a favour for something I normally charge for, I will ignore it and let the next person come along. If they can afford to work for nothing, thats great and I want their business formula!

However, sometimes I remember a particularly useful post that a member has made in the past for me, and think - what the heck, why not?

Its members who have only made a few posts and ask for complete website reviews etc that annoy me. They probably won't ever post in any other section of the forum, and after they are satisfied with their review, will vanish forever! until they want another site review :mad: - I can't stand this so much that I just report them anyway. Why should we all have to pay for a web site review when some people get it for nothing?

Rant over! lol.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Kev Jaques
Upvote 0
Yes Matt Im with you

THE COURIER INDUSTRY !!(I MIGHT KNOW A THING OR TWO or maybe not!!)

Its been years of struggle and hardwork building this .Telephone numbers (no thats not phone numbers!!!!)Thats the level of investment I have put in over the years !!

We have had a few bankrurptsies so we have lost a bit on them ..We are constantly chasing money (This week 39K :()..

I work a 18-20 hour day and have not had a holiday for seven years (Im changing all this now we have reached this level though)!!!

My wife is very supportive but Im fully aware that most partners would not tolerate all this.They would have been off probably with the profits spending it on some big label from Italy (women are weird!!) sorry !!

So all this sacrifice !! Im beginning to feel it might have been worth it .There have been so many times when I thought that this could be it but you always manage to pull something off..

So Matts point

I get really wound up when some hole phones to say I have just received a redundancy payment and I want to be a courier !!!

I have no money so can you help me become a self employed courier

I am an HGV driver I know Im good to run a courier business ...What proof do you have of that !!!!!

Can you pay me within seven days .....Oh yeh you want to run a business but dont want standard UK payment terms !!!!

The list is so long it really is but my family and me have risked everything for this business,so nobody gets something for nothing ....!!

That said though if you do me a favour I will look after you but thats not something for nothing :D
 
Upvote 0
It's interesting really in that you will always have people who want something for nothing. Of late though, I am amazed at the amount of people (normally one post wonders:D) who are using the forum for a source of information without doing any spadework themselves.

OK, UKBF is the font of all knowledge, but to me, members should do a little research first and then seek council from more experienced members.

Mister B
 
  • Like
Reactions: Calibre Designs, vvaannmmaann, gouldie0 and 1 other person
Upvote 0
Well, I surpose they do it because thats there last option, do remmeber you can always say no lol
Jack

P.S please purchase a advertising city on virtualworld.viebo.co.uk
 
  • Like
Reactions: cmcp
Upvote 0
I am urgently in need of: (Free!!!)

A new logo!!!!!
A new website!!!!!
SEO!!!!!
PR!!!!!!!
Loft Conversion!!!!!!
Laptop!!!!!!
Computer consultancy!!!!!!
A business idea!!!!!!!
A B&M premises!!!!!!!
A spare Mrs Dawg!!!!!!!
A courier to get all this to me!!!!!!!!

As it's Friday the 13th and Red Nose day, I'm sure I've come to the right place!!!!!!!!
TIA. Love and kisses and hugs. :):):D:D:p:rolleyes:
 
Upvote 0
Dawg said:
I am urgently in need of: (Free!!!)

A new logo!!!!!
A new website!!!!!
SEO!!!!!
PR!!!!!!!
Loft Conversion!!!!!!
Laptop!!!!!!
Computer consultancy!!!!!!
A business idea!!!!!!!
A B&M premises!!!!!!!
A spare Mrs Dawg!!!!!!!
A courier to get all this to me!!!!!!!!

As it's Friday the 13th and Red Nose day, I'm sure I've come to the right place!!!!!!!!
TIA. Love and kisses and hugs. :):):D:D:p:rolleyes:
Click to expand...


I take it you dont drive a car then ???

Shame that I was going to offer you one for free :D:D
 
Upvote 0
Dawg said:
I am urgently in need of: (Free!!!)

A new logo!!!!!
A new website!!!!!
SEO!!!!!
PR!!!!!!!
Loft Conversion!!!!!!
Laptop!!!!!!
Computer consultancy!!!!!!
A business idea!!!!!!!
A B&M premises!!!!!!!
A spare Mrs Dawg!!!!!!!
A courier to get all this to me!!!!!!!!

As it's Friday the 13th and Red Nose day, I'm sure I've come to the right place!!!!!!!!
TIA. Love and kisses and hugs. :):):D:D:p:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

My CUMPANY CUN HELP u OUT on that AS we is the wolrds bestest SEOers ever. PM me und I’ll spammU 4ever.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Calibre Designs
Upvote 0
I don't mind people trying their luck if it is just a straightforward request. Bit cheeky to ask for something for nothing but I guess if you don't ask you don't get. People will either respond or they won't.

On the odd occassion it might be that I could use a testimonial from someone in a particular industry or for a particular product and if there is time to take on a freebie then why not.

However, I hate it when this comes across as some form of entitlement or obligation or your-silly-it-you-don't-do-this-for-me kind of attitude or the % of sales as alphanumeric says.

What I also really really hate is when people presume to know your price and start to barter on a insulting level by pm or email ie; "if you do 10 hours worth of free telemarketing I will do 3 hours worth of free SEO on your site".... Hmm, how do I tell them to boil their head nicely? :)
 
Upvote 0
I don't mind people trying their luck if it is just a straightforward request. Bit cheeky to ask for something for nothing but I guess if you don't ask you don't get. People will either respond or they won't.
Click to expand...

Dear Maxine,
please will you mail yourself to me. I will of course give you a testimonial. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: maxine and debbidoo
Upvote 0
An Oasis said:
There are GIVERS and there are TAKERS and there are GIVERTAKERS. Don’t mind the former or the latter, it’s the ones in the middle, that I…
Click to expand...

I agree.

I'm far more likely to do a favour for someone if I've seen them doing favours for, or giving free (and good) advice to, others.

... and if they don't ask for help in a way that makes them sound like they think they're entitled to it.

Steve
 
Upvote 0
SteveGibson said:
I agree.

I'm far more likely to do a favour for someone if I've seen them doing favours for, or giving free (and good) advice to, others.

... and if they don't ask for help in a way that makes them sound like they think they're entitled to it.

Steve
Click to expand...

Agree absolutely.

Essentially, no business owner worth his salt should/would ask for something done that benefits his business, for FREE.

Asking for advice for a business problem is a different matter. And if there is anyone on the forum that wishes to give advice is entirely upto them. Unfortunately a lot of people don't even appreciate free advice.and are reluctant to act on it.

What winds me up is those posters that jump in and try and sound knowledgeable when they know very little or nothing about the subject.
.. and those that "i want to start a busines. what business should I start.. have no capital/budget..etc....

Time lost is money lost:)
 
Upvote 0
I think most members of this forum have an area of expertise where they offer help, and in return (rightly or wrongly) want a bit of help, for free, with something they're not so hot on. Isn't that the main purposes of forums like this?

E.g. I like to think I have helped out a fair few ppl on the accounting forum, and have asked several questions (begging for free help I guess?) and got useful advice predominantly on the SEO forum.

Perhaps when considering helping someone, look at how many posts they've made and how many thanks they've received. It's not perfect, but is a basic indicator as to whether they've helped others previously on the forum or not. Or you can just rest safe in the knowledge that Jesus will love you that little bit more for all your good deeds. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: jackchafer
Upvote 0
A phrase I've heard several times recently. Business is the new Rock'n'Roll. Seems to sum it up nicely. Not that I'm quite old enough to remember when Rock'n'Roll was the latest trend. :-)

Everyone and their dog wants to be in business or has some hair-brained idea that they think is a world leading product that'll sell millions.

The vast majority will never make it past the first few months, some are dreamers, and many haven't got the faintest idea how to go about starting a profitable business and just don't have what it takes. Sure everything has to be learnt, but I'm finding more and more that too many just don't have the right aptitude or basic skills to ever make it work.

I and many others are more than willing to help people starting out that come up against a particular problem or even those that have been around a while. I've always been a believer in what goes around comes around and you scratch my back i'll scratch yours and always found it works very well.

However, the one thing that really gets on my wick is those who are clearly clueless and have done zero work for themselves wanting everything on a plate. It doesn't work that way, business is tough, more so now than in many years. You need to have a very thick skin too, no good being upset by some remark on a message board, no use saying things are not fair, no point taking offense because someone tell you to f off and stop wasting there time, etc. Welcome to the real world it's tough out there.

The rewards however for those prepared to stick at it can be fantastic and not always in a financial sense. I work harder now than I ever did working for someone else and put in a damn sight more hours too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: maxine and Tej
Upvote 0
Matt1959 said:
If theres one thing on these kind of forums that winds me up, its threads/ posts begging for favours .

Like lots on here, I run a small business and if I want something done, I budget for it and pay my way - what other way is there to run a business?

Just today, I had a problem with my PC and I needed it sorted so I put an email out to someone who I hoped could help, told them the problem and asked how much. Got a price, I agreed with it, work got done within one hour and I've just paid them via BACS - job done - everyone happy:)

It would be great if I could get stuff done for next to nothing but I appreciate other members run businesses on here for profit and if I want something, I expect to pay for it.

If I had the neck, it seems I could actually save myself £100's by cajoling, begging and asking for favours for work that should be chargable but I don't think thats fair on others so why do others think its ok to work this way??

Like many others, I've got a family with kids, mortgage etc and am the sole breadwinner as a one man band plus havn't worked for 6 weeks with little income due to an injury yet still wouldnt ask for something for nothing.

Maybe the "scroungers" (sorry couldnt think of another description) might like to defend what they do? And, yes I guess you could apply this argument to those that want logos for £30;)

So whos the mug:|:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I can not tell you how much I hate people who assume that just because you work in IT or have an IT background - that you actually give a "s h i t" about the problems their laptop\printer\PC is having.

Sorry - I don't mean people who have problems and are genuinely interested in fixing them & ask in a way that indicates they aren't taking the proverbial, but the "I think it'd take you next to no time to fix it\or when can I drop it off\when can you pop round" brigade.

Don't get me wrong - for a couple of people that I have known for a very long time - I wouldn't dream of charging them anything, but it's usually a case of "drop it off & when it's done, I'll give you a shout" & they know it could be a couple of weeks before I get around to it. But that's mates (real ones) for you.

The ones that get my goat are acquaintances at best - and they think they're entitled to it free. To be honest - I've lumped some of these people into a single call group on the mobile, with it's own plain vanilla ringtone. i.e. goes to answer machine & I'll ring you back when I really have nothing to do & am proper bored.

Actually the forum posts don't really bother me, more of a case of the piss-takers in real life.
 
Upvote 0
Dibs_h said:
I can not tell you how much I hate people who assume that just because you work in IT or have an IT background - that you actually give a "s h i t" about the problems their laptop\printer\PC is having.

Sorry - I don't mean people who have problems and are genuinely interested in fixing them & ask in a way that indicates they aren't taking the proverbial, but the "I think it'd take you next to no time to fix it\or when can I drop it off\when can you pop round" brigade.

Don't get me wrong - for a couple of people that I have known for a very long time - I wouldn't dream of charging them anything, but it's usually a case of "drop it off & when it's done, I'll give you a shout" & they know it could be a couple of weeks before I get around to it. But that's mates (real ones) for you.

The ones that get my goat are acquaintances at best - and they think they're entitled to it free. To be honest - I've lumped some of these people into a single call group on the mobile, with it's own plain vanilla ringtone. i.e. goes to answer machine & I'll ring you back when I really have nothing to do & am proper bored.

Actually the forum posts don't really bother me, more of a case of the piss-takers in real life.
Click to expand...

although said in an angry tone...i do agree with this! i have great experience of people saying 'oh its alright mate, you can do a website for a fiver and have it up by tea time can't ya' erm..NO! its on a conveyor belt, i have paying customers, i refuse to just 'bang up' a website to be slipped a tenner and i don't like it when people seem to think that coding a database is a '2 minute jobby'.
 
Upvote 0
Matt sorry but i disagree I have saved hundreds if not thousands of pounds asking for money off or better deals and i remember when i started in business i used to do bags very very cheap to get a sale make a couple of quid knowing when the customer comes back 6 month later that is when i will start to make my profit.

If i ask someone do do something cheap and they do i will keep using that person. (as long as the service/quality is good)

Craig
 
Upvote 0
The Printed Bag Shop said:
Matt sorry but i disagree I have saved hundreds if not thousands of pounds asking for money off or better deals and i remember when i started in business i used to do bags very very cheap to get a sale make a couple of quid knowing when the customer comes back 6 month later that is when i will start to make my profit.

If i ask someone do do something cheap and they do i will keep using that person. (as long as the service/quality is good)

Craig
Click to expand...


Yes, you do ask for a better deal, but you don't ask for it free. Everyone has to be a winner in order for it to work.

How many of those people have really come back for more bags so far? Do you need two hands to count them, or can you name any?

People value what they have paid for. If they pay a fair price they also have the right to set a timescale for delivery.

n't or if it is rubbish work.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Lasting Designs
Upvote 0
SillyJokes said:
Yes, you do ask for a better deal, but you don't ask for it free. Everyone has to be a winner in order for it to work.

How many of those people have really come back for more bags so far? Do you need two hands to count them, or can you name any?

People value what they have paid for. If they pay a fair price they also have the right to set a timescale for delivery.

n't or if it is rubbish work.
Click to expand...

That's what I think also Silly Jokes, discounting isn't the same as whoring yourself for a testimonal. In my book the value of a few nice words from the person who in a business sense, has mugged you aren't worth the time taken to write them. Am I harsh in saying this? perhaps. But they care for you all the time there's something in it for them.

I care about people who run businesses that respect the people they deal with, not what they can weedle out of 'em. Professional people pay the rate, they charge the rate also, in many cases making a good living from doing things in the "right" way (cue who are you to say what's right for me...blah, blah blah)

It seems that some are doomed to fail right from the beginning, you can see them coming a mile off (well you do in the design industry) they will be the one's saying in a year or so, that the taxman has said...., my accountant won't do my books until I pay.... and its never their fault. :rolleyes:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kev Jaques
Upvote 0
Jeremy - have you thought about factoring for your invoices - I know they charge a percentage, but I would rather pay a percentage of the invoice amount than have someone go bust on me and I lose 100%....39k is not an inconsiderable sum to have to chase - it would give me nightmares!

Something for nothing - I don't know - don't we all do that really - we ask for and receive advice - FOC - we offer advice - FOC.

We have an informal arrangement with our next door business neighbour - there are things he needs us to do for his business and things that he does for my business - money never changes hands, we just accept it as helping each other out - its never mentioned, we just do whatever is within our power to help if we can; sometimes its our time/knowledge or technology that our neghbour needs, sometimes its materials - the same with us - sometimes we need their expertise on something, sometimes material - last year I was left without a hire van for a large 2 day competition - the company we had booked it with called at 7am on the day of the hire to tell us that they had double booked and there was no vehicle - our next door neighbour handed me the keys to his £18,000 new, top of the range transit - put the deisel in it he said.....:)
I love my business neighbour!
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
I suppose if its not 1-3 post wonders coming on wanting advice, but never returning the favour, its the crazies signing up and generating their own cult followings.

Not sure which is worse.
 
Upvote 0
KateCB said:
Something for nothing - I don't know - don't we all do that really - we ask for and receive advice - FOC - we offer advice - FOC.

!
Click to expand...

I'd be surprised if anyone had an issue with people on here asking for advice, after all thats what forums are all about:| I certainly don't have an issue with that and would offer advice to most people if it were a subject I could contribute on. and lending a vehicle etc is a really nice gesture and is something I'd do myself unless the lender kept asking in order to save themselves buying one! I think it all boils down to how much time is involved in helping. No one minds 5 or 10 minutes but its a damn cheek to expect a 3 hour freebie or semi freebie.
 
Upvote 0
This topic really annoys me also.
"Can someone suggest a good taxi firm in Basingstoke?" "My bank have sent me a nasty letter,what shall I do?" "My business is failing,will someone give me £20,000?"
What do people think the UKBF is? Their own private search engine?

I'm going to take the dog out now,and calm down.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Im off to, just received a copy of PCW from 1982.

Going to read myself to sleep.... (been up all night). Problem is the mag will be that interesting, it may take some time!
 
Upvote 0
Take it case-by-case.

PR was an example, a lot of PR people I know on and offline will have a quick look over something. Same with spreadsheets, if it isn't working, many people will have a quick look. Accounts as well, a legal letter.

If you have the time and want to do it as part of an online community then fine. It is true as well that those with a few posts that ask for advice free will often not come back.

I don't mind someone asking. For instance I have often lent a small coffee machine to groups (non profit) for them to give or sell coffee at their events. I don't charge for the loan or even the coffee. But as for giving someone a machine to keep for ever, that is silly.

That has cost me hard cash. Spending 20 minutes helping someone else hasn't cost me actual cash if I do it in my spare time.
 
Upvote 0
Would it make me a scrounger..

If i was to ask the other memebers in the room if they where aware of anywhere you could find google adwords promotional codes for £25 / £50 or £75??, Wanted by a first time adwords user..

If you know of where these can be found please let us all know.
 
Upvote 0
Nepat said:
Would it make me a scrounger..

If i was to ask the other memebers in the room if they where aware of anywhere you could find google adwords promotional codes for £25 / £50 or £75??, Wanted by a first time adwords user..

If you know of where these can be found please let us all know.
Click to expand...
I have a £30 one valid until 31/03/2009, PM me if you want the code.
 
Upvote 0
Esk247 said:
although said in an angry tone...i do agree with this! i have great experience of people saying 'oh its alright mate, you can do a website for a fiver and have it up by tea time can't ya' erm..NO! its on a conveyor belt, i have paying customers, i refuse to just 'bang up' a website to be slipped a tenner and i don't like it when people seem to think that coding a database is a '2 minute jobby'.
Click to expand...

It's just that these same people, by doing this to lots of people, seem to live a life that the rest of us work damn hard to try and achieve. I suppose the word parasite springs to mind.

Along the lines of what one poster recently posted - I'm more than happy to offer advice, i.e. if 30 secs of my time can save you a lot of hassle\headache, then I'm more than happy to do so & it's free.

Asking me to come around and fix\do it is something else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eagle
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Articles

Top Bottom
Back