Using a client for personal work

[TPApril]

So I'm in need of an electrician and my business happens to have an electrician as a client.

What is a best practice protocol?  I'm not interested in getting any kind of discount so I hesitate to inform the owner that I'm reaching out to their business for fear they might offer a special rate.  But I worry that best practice is I should let them know first.

[Bill Presson]

I don’t see any issue with this as long as the plan isn’t paying for your work. 😇

[RatherBeGolfing]

Nothing wrong with it as long as there is *no* quid pro quo.  This is very common with smaller firms. You may want to consider what happens if the client does a bad job and you need to fire them...  There are pros and cons to doing this.

[R Griffith]

I think you meant to say "no quid pro quo" - I agree, there are pros and cons, but I don't think you are doing anything unethically by hiring a client - would agree, might not want to mention your connection for fear of something for nothing.  When you have local clients, it is always interesting when you interact in the "real world".

[ratherbereading]

Many years ago I got a really great discount on a brand new car from one of my cients! 🙂  I think you're fine.

[RatherBeGolfing]

On 6/13/2025 at 7:10 PM, R Griffith said:

I think you meant to say "no quid pro quo"

LOL  Indeed.  Good catch