how to deal with issue with "free" eggs?

[Hoot]

We're kind of going the long way around the coop.

Tell them the eggs you gave them were left overs that no one bought. If you ever find your self with left over eggs again, You'll let them know.

 

[Beekissed]

I have a similar situation...sort of. There is a couple at church and the fella has helped us out tremendously...more than I could ever pay back and I would give him the world! The wife? That's another story!

I give them eggs, make them homemade wheat bread and give them canned goods and fresh apples and veggies whenever I can, as I do feel like they deserve some thanks. But...she would hold out a dollar and want to pay for the eggs at first. A dollar? She's kind of dippy, if you know what I mean? They are extremely rich folks, so it could be that she doesn't know what things cost at all. But she will tell people that I refuse to take money for my eggs! Now all the people at church are asking for my eggs and I can tell they expect them for free as well. Of course, being a softy, I bring in about 4-5 doz. each time I'm at church.

How can I charge those folks and give this other couple their's for free...especially with her walking up to me and asking me for eggs in front of other women. None of these ladies are hard up for cash, if you know what I mean.....

So..now I find myself in this pattern of giving eggs out at church and I don't mind, really, but I had planned on giving my extra eggs to a charity food organization in my town. To people who really need them. Also, I started raising these birds to make back money on eggs to pay for their feed bill and maybe realize a little profit.

Bee

Stuck in a holding pattern of "free eggs" for all!

 

[jeanniejayne]

I think everyone these days will understand if you say "We love sharing our eggs, but things are getting more expensive every day, and, embarrassing as it is, we're going to have to start charging for our eggs, to cover our costs.

We have a co-worker whose daughters started 50 chicks as a project in 4H. I was thrilled to envison a source of fresh farm eggs, and offered to pay imediately when they started laying reliably. I told her she could surely sell all she wanted right at work. And sure enough, once people saw the beautiful rainbow of eggs I got from her, she had lots of customers. She decided on $2/dozen, which I told her was too cheap, but she says it is enough. We all bring in the cartons.

No one with a conscience would expect these for free! And her kids ar learning a lot from this. In a year, when my soon-to-be-hens are giving me my own, you can bet only my nearest and dearest will get their precious eggs as gifts.

 

[Buster]

What did you end up doing Deb?

 

[sewchick]

Quote:
Tell them that!! If you plan to give them to someone who is without tell them that. That is what I plan to do. I might not get a lot to give because right now I only have 6 hens but in the future I will have more. My quilt group is going to pay for theirs. I already talked with them up front about it and they are fine with it. Course I do have a big mouth and don't mind saying no. Now if they were without food or low on cash or hungry I would gladly give them free. If someone can afford them then they should pay for them. Period or at least buy a bag of feed for you once a month. Geez.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Beekissed - it's OK to say no. Since you want to give the eggs to a charitable organization, simply tell those christian ladies that's your intent. As for the neighbow who is tellign everyone you're giving her free eggs, you could pull her aside and tell her that you're only giving her free eggs for XYZ reason, that the leftovers are intended for the charity, and that you'd appreciate her discretion.

As for me, I only give eggs to those who I feel appreciate them. I also can a lot of stuff and if you don't return the jar, don't expect any more home canned good from me. Those jars cost me money.

 

[jvls1942]

I liked the statement about having the customers buying the feed..

I'll bet they would be very surprised at how often you would be running out of feed.. probably accuse you of wasting it or reselling it..

not to mentionhew they would no doubt complain about the cost per bag..$$$$$$

 

[me&thegals]

I didn't read the whole thread, but could you get more chickens? My MIL was always asking for eggs for "from-scratch" angel food cake when we didn't even have any for our own family--all prepaid and spoken for. I got sick of resenting it and doubled the flock. I know this is different, being a neighbor and not family, but is there any way of adding to your flock to always have more than enough? OTOH, we are grain farmers and so our feed costs are low. If you're organic, it might be a different story for you. Good luck!

 

[HennysMom]

Quote:
Nothing yet Jared ...they havent asked for more - Monday came and went... I have some good ideas now on what to say though. I REALLY adore them, they're good folks but I do have a committment to paying customers first. Think thats what I'm going to say...

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Quote:
Well said.