Friends want to pay me for the eggs I give them

[California Girls]

Okay, I'm new at this, (Hens have been laying eggs since January), kind of awkward, but what should I say to my friends that want to "pay" me for "giving" them eggs?
Should I kindly take the money, I was thinking of putting a donation box out.
Any ideas, or just keep insisting they do not have to.
Help!
Thanks,
Vicki

 

[Katy]

My friends who get eggs from me pay me for the eggs. They'd be paying for them in the store if you weren't supplying them. I give my kids' families eggs...everyone else has to pay for them.

 

[bock]

Tell them to fork up the cash! Just kidding

I think it is only fair if they pay at least a little bit.

 

[littledel]

I sell a few eggs to friends occasionally, but they have to pay for them. I tell them it is to help out with the feed bill, and they are all fine with it. I have also given away eggs to people that needed them and didn't have the money. So, whatever makes you feel good on this is ok. Just don't feel bad about charging for the eggs if that is what you would like. It's all GOOD!!!!

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

Definately accept some money at least; you need some kickback for spending your hard earned cash on feed/waterers/supplies! Plus, if they pay you, you'll be in a better position to carry this on longer, by making the financial aspect of feed a smaller impact on your pocketbook. Maybe say 'If you want to pay me, how about $2.50 a dozen?' or something like that. Remember, you are in control here! (Whoa, that sounded like a Dr. Phil moment...)

 

[slugmar]

I always give the first dozen away for free and if they like them they can come back for more after that its $2.50 a dozen about to go to $3 dollars even. So far I cant keep eggs at home they go as fast as the chickens lay them.

 

[LizzyJo]

I have told all my friends that they don't have to pay, but half of them pay anyway. I take their money and thank them.

 

[newchicksnducks]

I've given away dozens of eggs to my day care parents, friends and relatives. Finally, my SIL said she would have to start paying me for them, because she would otherwise be paying a store for her eggs. So now I accept $1.50 per dozen eggs. Not a lot of money, but it helps pay for some of the chicken feed!

And if relatives are paying, so should my neighbors, clients, and friends. Take the money and put it back into your birds.

 

[California Girls]

Thank you everyone for your help.
All good advice, I will start accepting money from now on.
Have a great night.
Vicki

 

[tellynpeep]

If you're uncomfortable "taking" money from your friends, you can tell people that any egg money you receive will go to a charity (we are donating our egg money to the local humane society.) That way you don't have to feel awkward about being paid, and your friends will feel even better about paying you. Or you can keep some percentage (you do, after all, have to feed the girls!)