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Supporting a friend’s new business is supposed to feel good, not turn into an awkward standoff over pricing.
A woman brought a friend along to get their nails done at another friend’s brand-new salon, only a couple months into business, expecting a fun, easy outing to celebrate the new venture.
Instead, things got tense when her friend seriously asked the salon owner for a discount, prompting her to step in and insist they pay full price, especially since it was already cheaper than their usual spot.
What started as a lighthearted joke about paying extra turned into a real disagreement about what supporting a small business actually looks like.
Sometimes good intentions clash right at the register.
Keep reading for the full story.
AITAH for saying no discount for friends
My friend S (43F) just started her own nail salon business, in a building with a fancy sign, 4 employees, and everything. So happy for her!!
She worked quickly to set her friend up with as many referrals as she could.
Naturally I told everyone to use her, also they do excellent work. Well, a friend and I went to S to get our nails done, again fabulous work and everyone is happy.
Time to pay. S thanks us profusely, gives total.
The two friends soon disagree on the best way to handle payment.
Friend (serious): “What, no friends/family discount?”
Me (light hearted): “We should actually pay more since we’re friends and want her business to thrive.”
It got awkward cuz friend was serious. S offered us a discount and I told my friend no, don’t be a jerk, it’s the same price you’d pay anywhere else (actually it’s $12 cheaper than my normal salon).
This friend didn’t take well to being corrected.
After leaving, my friend was angry at me and I doubled down, telling her fine, go give money to a stranger cuz your friend won’t do your nails at a monetary loss.
I didn’t say it like that, but it was the gist.
AITAH for expecting no discounts at least until her business is thriving? She’s only been open a couple months and I want the best for her. While this friend handled it with grace, some may not, and I don’t want to embarrass anyone.
What an awkward situation.
Redditors chime in with their thoughts.
Friends help friends get their small business off the ground.
There’s a time and a place for bargain shopping.
This commenter has a very strict code about this.
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Excessive freebies are a great way to tank a business.
This whole disagreement boils down to two very different definitions of what “supporting a friend’s business” actually means.
Expecting a discount from someone only a couple months into running their own shop isn’t loyalty, it’s putting your own personal savings ahead of someone else’s livelihood.
Paying full, already reasonable price isn’t a big ask, especially when it’s still cheaper than a regular salon visit.
Sometimes being a good friend means saying no on someone else’s behalf.
DOESN’T WANT TO PAY HIS SHARE