'My friend charged me £40 for a personalised gift - but I didn't ask for it'

25 January 2023 , 13:53

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The mum asked for a hat for her baby - but got more than she expected (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If one of your friends sets up their own small business, it is lovely to be able to support them, providing you have the means to do so. From spreading the word about their exciting new venture to becoming a customer, there's lots of ways you can help out.

Unfortunately, one expectant mum has found herself in an awkward predicament after trying to do just that. When her friend asked if she'd like a crochet hat for her little one, the delighted mum happily agreed to pay for the entrepreneur's services. She even planned to transfer more money than she was expected to pay to cover the design costs.

The parent was shopping for her baby (stock photo) (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

But she was shocked to find out the pal designed her a matching hat - and expected payment for the set. Voicing her upset in a post to Mumsnet, the woman explained how the interaction ended up going so wrong.

"Girl I went to school with, moved up north but we keep in contact occasionally through Insta and WhatsApp. I saw she'd crotchet a baby hat with a little bobble on top on her Instagram story and clicked the love heart button as it was so sweet," she wrote.

Her post continued: "She asked me if I want one made for my baby, I'm due in May so she said she would do one in a larger size for autumn/winter fit.

"I asked how much and she said just the cost of the material and posting, was super grateful and planned on sending an extra £10.00 too. She then messages saying she's made me and baby matching ones, I don't wear hats.

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"I said thank you and she sent her bank details and asked for £40.00 as that's what her friend paid her for a matching set after seeing prices of similar on Etsy."

She concluded: "I would never spend £40.00 on 2 hats, I also don't have £40.00 to spend on this. What would you do in this situation?"

Thankfully, commenters were quick to reassure her there might be an amicable solution. One person suggested: "Just say it's a lovely thought but you don't wear hats and but your baby will look lovely in his/hers.

"She can make another baby’s hat to match the adult one and flog it to someone else. But don't apologise for anything. You haven't done anything wrong."

Another agreed: "I'd just simply say thank you but I didn't ask for a hat for myself so I don't want it and won't be paying for it." A third thought: "Your friend is guilty of trying to upsell; just tell her you only ordered the baby hat."

Amber O'Connor