I have a weekend side job as a wedding DJ through a larger event planning company. This is a conversation I frequently have with acquaintances looking for favors. 

Client: Hey! I hear you’re a DJ?

Me: Yup! A wedding DJ - not the “club” kind.

Client: Well then, I must be in luck.

Me: You’re getting married? Congratulations!

Client: Thanks! So, are you available on our date?

Me: Possibly - but this comes up a lot, so let me clarify one thing real quick: I can only DJ through the larger company I work for. They assign my shows, and I don’t even own my own equipment.

Client: Oh.

Me: If you still want to hire me, I can direct you to the sales team. Otherwise, I’m happy to give you any “DJ shopping” advice you might want.

Client: Oh.

Me: I take it you were hoping I would give you a “friends and family discount”?

Client: …Yeah.

Me: You thought maybe I’d do it for dirt cheap because you kind of know me?

Client: …

Me: …

Client: …Yeah.

Me: Well, let me know if you want the sales team’s contact info!

This is how it goes down, every time. EVERY time. 

For the record, I recommend against asking for wedding discounts from people who aren’t even on your initial invitation list.

Source: Clients from Hell