Why are people so weird?

[Tarbucky]

Why do people you know (friends/family) expect their eggs for FREE??

Maybe I'm the only one with the problem, but I've had several people (people who I do work business with, siblings) just want eggs for free. Don't even offer me any money. My fault for allowing it a couple times. I don't anymore - but WHY??

I had somebody just hand me a carton this morning wanting eggs. She didn't give me any $$, maybe (hopefully) she will have some when she comes back to get them.

Also, I ask clients to return my cartons, I even have a stamp inside that says "Please return carton", have I gotten any back? Nope. I have a family who buys 3 dozen a week and has 6 of my empty egg cartons. Next time she wants some, I will be reminding her I need those cartons back. Never would've thought I'd have any issues!

Okay, rant over

Hi, you need to raise your price about 60 cents a dozen. Put in a note that there will be a 60 cent discount for each usable carton that is returned. Even if you buy them a couple of hundred at a time they still cost you around 45 cents, don't they?

I do understand, however. We sell rocks and crystals on Amazon and try to advertise new items on our FB page; there is always some friend or relation thinking we should give them some for free. We will even post the link to the Amazon listings and we get "how can we get some of these??" It's not just eggs, it's everything. It's a mentality. You must be rich if you have all those eggs and since I don't have any you should share with me. Be strong.

 

[BGcoop]

I “barter” my eggs with my mom... meaning I drop them off at her house when she isn’t home and steal something from her kitchen in return(fresh fruit, a piece of baked goods, a soda bottle, etc.) then text her what trade she made that week!
As for anyone that I have given free eggs to in the past, I just let them know that sales take priority. If they really want mine they usually get that they have to buy them or they will only get free ones if I am getting over run with extras.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

I had all sorts of stuff typed up, however the bottom line is: ***If you Aren't being Greedy, Entitled, as someone has already mentioned, 'MY Eggs are So much better..' Than DO NOT engage with people who keep their hands out for Freebies. ******
I buy Regular layer feed, pick up bread from Salvation Army or buy day old at WalMart and throw the girls whatever is leftover from the kitchen. I'm not making a $3-4. a dozen and KNOW what it means to BE Really Poor, not some of the martyring whiners there are these days. Most folks that buy my eggs are Friends or at least good acquaintances.
One regular customer was short a buck last week. If the $ isn't included next box, Next box Won't happen.
Oh, I DON'T refrigerate my eggs. Have heard across generations, eggs last Much longer @ Room temperature. When refrigeration came out WAS WHEN THEY said Eggs HAD TO BE REFRIGERATED!
.

 

[LibbyRossk]

Why do people you know (friends/family) expect their eggs for FREE??

Maybe I'm the only one with the problem, but I've had several people (people who I do work business with, siblings) just want eggs for free. Don't even offer me any money. My fault for allowing it a couple times. I don't anymore - but WHY??

I had somebody just hand me a carton this morning wanting eggs. She didn't give me any $$, maybe (hopefully) she will have some when she comes back to get them.

Also, I ask clients to return my cartons, I even have a stamp inside that says "Please return carton", have I gotten any back? Nope. I have a family who buys 3 dozen a week and has 6 of my empty egg cartons. Next time she wants some, I will be reminding her I need those cartons back. Never would've thought I'd have any issues!

Okay, rant over

 

[LibbyRossk]

Despite being on my own, I have 10 hens and a 40'x 80' garden because I love both endeavors and having something great to share with friends and those in need feels good to me. That said, if I can't train them to recycle the cartons after one or two tries, I just don't share with them anymore. Easy peasy,no stress.

 

[Sharischicks]

I give eggs as hostess gifts when I'm invited to dinner or lunch at a friend's house! They always appreciate it so much. I give eggs to friends along with a birthday card for their birthdays. I give eggs to my hairdresser and nail technician when I have a pedicure. I no longer give eggs to people who just ask for them and expect me to hand them over! I did that a few times when I first started my flock, and was astounded at the lack of a thank you! Now, if someone asks (who I have no intention of giving eggs to) I just tell them I have to charge for the expense of raising them, and if they'd agree to that, I'd be glad to let them have a few.

 

[wannabe4birds]

I haven't been able to start the chicken thing yet, but -- as a beekeeper -- I'm compelled to add my 2.5 cents ...

This year I had my 1st actual honey harvest (4 gallons from a couple of my backyard hives; the Girls did well this year). I'm using a nice amount to make mead (a 1st for me, too; easy, and great fun). I've also given away a # of little bottles of the honey -- usually to people who don't ask for it, or as a reward for some little service, or a welcoming gift for new neighbors.

Issue: parasites I know (to whom I've already provided some honey) constantly telling me they want more. No concept on their part of offering anything in return or doing a barter transaction, no -- it's always "I want some", or "When are you going to give me more?", etc, etc Really tiresome.

To some of the more persistent, I've begun saying, "You can have all the honey you want". They answer, "Really?", and I say, "Yeah -- there's tons of it at the grocery down the street!".

Sorry - I had to get this off my chest. If/when I begin working with chickens I'll recall your advice/anecdotes re: eggs!

 

[Avian Allie]

When I haven’t gotten cartons back I start giving eggs in a cardboard box wrapped in a few paper towels. After that I usually get my cartons back without even asking for them. I just can’t afford to keep buying them.

 

[Attila the Hen]

I don't charge for my eggs. To me, eggs are a happy benefit of having chickens. I'm am perfectly fine with sharing, otherwise they will spoil. I do get irritated with my cartons not being returned. I know I'm fussing over .32 cartons. I suppose I should lower my eggs-pectations.

I agree. I have very small eggs from banties and double the number I give. If someone asks the cost I’ll say $3 but the first are a gift. I put them in yogurt cartons which I have an abundance of.
I see the eggs as a goodwill gesture and gift. If someone seems to be abuse my goodwill they won’t get eggs. Rarely happens. Everyone is grateful and they don’t ask for them. They wait for me to offer.

 

[Thomas70]

Why do people you know (friends/family) expect their eggs for FREE??

Maybe I'm the only one with the problem, but I've had several people (people who I do work business with, siblings) just want eggs for free. Don't even offer me any money. My fault for allowing it a couple times. I don't anymore - but WHY??

I had somebody just hand me a carton this morning wanting eggs. She didn't give me any $$, maybe (hopefully) she will have some when she comes back to get them.

Also, I ask clients to return my cartons, I even have a stamp inside that says "Please return carton", have I gotten any back? Nope. I have a family who buys 3 dozen a week and has 6 of my empty egg cartons. Next time she wants some, I will be reminding her I need those cartons back. Never would've thought I'd have any issues!

Okay, rant over

I would not call them weird. I offered eggs to folks and they will not come get them. I assume they want me to bring them to them. It is the same with my vegetable garden. I tell folks they can come and pick what they want but they won't. Again they want me to pick the stuff and take it to them. I would call them selfish and think they are entitled.