How to deal with freebie hunters and still be a nice person
You’re going about your day as usual when Facebook messenger goes “ding’. It’s someone asking for a free reading. There’s usually a long pm about how their life is a big mess and they must have a reading from you, RIGHT NOW!
Welcome to the world of freebie hunters.
A freebie hunter wants a free reading and is happy to ask you for it. The request is usually at short notice with a long dramatic reason why. Because you are a nice person, who values her skills and time, there may be mixed feelings on this.
There isn’t a single psychic on the planet who hasn’t dealt with a freebie hunter, but what to do?
Listen to your intuition
Sounds silly to say, but really, listen to your gut first. If something feels off, it IS. It’s one thing to give back to your community with free readings when and where you choose. I occasionally work pro nono, with fundraisers for Spiritual Churches and local charities.
When I first started, I did a hundred free readings before I felt confident and professional enough to charge. While there are many times to offer free readings on your terms when YOU choose, let’s talk about the freebie requests that feel off, ring alarm bells and otherwise feel ick.
When your inner voice says ‘no – listen!
When your inner voice says “no” to a free reading request, trust that voice. But what if saying no is hard?
Maybe you’ve not had a lot of practice at saying no and you feel like a bitch for asserting your right. Yes – you have a right to refuse. Want the magic words to say?
What to say:
“Thank you for your request but I have already done my free reading quota for this week/month/year/lifetime.
“Thanks very much for getting in contact with me but my allotment of free readings is full right now. If you’d like to book a reading, here is the link”
“Come over to my Facebook page and give it a like or sign up for my newsletter. I do have specials from time to time, and you’ll get first information when I do.”
This way, if they like your page and join your mailing list, they’re more likely to hang around and book in for a paid reading later on. They have a chance to get to know you and what you do. If you’re a people pleaser and find this hard, remember that saying no to someone else is saying yes to yourself.
The best answer for a die-hard freebie-hunter:
If they are a die-hard freebie hunter, intent ONLY on getting a free reading and not being loyal to you, this is my surefire way to make them disappear faster than free champagne at a book launch:
Pretend you never heard the ‘free’ part, and say:
“Sure, I’d love to do a reading for you! Here is where you can book in.” And send them a link to your PAID online booking form.
Boom. Works every time.
But what if you keep getting freeloaders? It could be something in your messaging or the way you’re presenting yourself online.
Does your vibe inadvertently attract freebie hunters?
Sometimes our words give out a mixed message. Sometimes the Universe loves to test our boundaries. Consider every freeloader a test from the Universe in how much you love yourself. Then take a quick look at any written info you have about your work that may send the signal to freeloaders.
The clearer your intro statements are, the more professional you sound. fewer freebie askers you’ll attract.
Guard your precious resources and love yourself more. And if you’d like a hand to review your intro statements and online offer, get in touch.
Hey!
Semi fictional story about me
In 1994, I had a midlife crisis, got a boob job and moved to Byron Bay.
Quickly realized there was nothing there but more boob jobs and white furniture, so I escaped faux-spiritual beach culture, went to Peru, and experimented with DMT.
While in Peru, fell in love with a Shaman who was really a plumber from Padstow, but stayed because of attachment issues.
After following a puma from the jungle, I holed up in a Scandi-style Air B’n’B and finally got enlightened.
Parts of this story are true.
