I actually have three rates... one ("full price") for "regular" customers, one for friends & family ("half price"), and one for co-workers at the Fire Department who provide (cash) grunt labor (such as trenching by hand or old work rip-outs), or who run their own businesses on the side that I might use personally in the future, like painters, drywallers, HVAC, etc. We cut each other breaks when doing jobs at each other's houses, in return for breaks when they work at our house... usually about $10/hr plus materials.
If we're on a job, and require their specialized services for a customer, however, we usually refer each other, and then individually charge the customer usual (full) rate - usually referral "fee" paid to our buddy is pizza and beer, or dinner the next duty night.
Of course, helping out a buddy in a non-electrical manner? Pizza and beer is the standard currency.
You've got to do what you feel is right. Yours isn't an uncommon situation. Most family and "real" friends understand what training you went through, and that your license, insurance, tools, etc. cost $$ (and that your knowledge and work are worth $$). IF they give you too much of a hassle, despite you cutting them a break - explain it from that perspective - tell them that you;re not at other, full charge jobs, so you can help them out. If they still bitch (freebie seeker), tell the to get bids from your competition, and you'll meet /beat the lowest. If they still cry / kvetch / whine?
Caller ID is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 03-29-2004).]
