How much should I charge?

[ilovetheadd27]

I teach out of a multi discipline barn. One of the other trainers is a wonderful gal who does western, pleasure, trail, kids, Eq… she’s asked if she can pay to use some of my jump poles a few times a month for her trail lessons. I trust they’d be well taken care of and put away appropriately. I have about 10 poles (8’ and 10’) that are my older set I’d allow her to use, and about 10 others that are newer I’d keep for jump only.

I have no idea where to begin to figure out what to charge her! She’s more than willing to pay more than a fair price, I just have no idea how to figure out what is fair and benefits me for potential wear and tear.

Am open to all ideas and feedback!

[222orchids]

You like this woman. She is wonderful and talented in many disciplines, by your account. You may need a favor from her some day. Human currency goes a long way. Tell her that she owes nothing but lunch, and the two of you go out and have a good time.

The notable exception is if she breaks a pole it should be replaced.

[Bearx2]

Love this ! I will add that it might be helpful to have an extra set of hands when poles / jumps need repair , repainting.

[NoSuchPerson]

@ilovetheadd27

One of the other trainers is a wonderful gal…she’s asked if she can pay to use some of my jump poles a few times a month for her trail lessons. I trust they’d be well taken care of and put away appropriately. … I have no idea where to begin to figure out what to charge her!.. I just have no idea how to figure out what is fair and benefits me for potential wear and tear.

Once again, the COTH forum smacks me in the face with an illustration of cultural/generational differences. It’s really good for that.

I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around the idea that you would actually charge her. Yes, I know she offered, but that’s the polite thing to do, which speaks well of her character. @222orchids is spot on with her response.

[ilovetheadd27]

I don’t know that my question has anything to do with generational differences? She offered to pay for them, I asked the forum a question. I certainly am considering not charging as a professional courtesy and asking her to replace if anything breaks (tbh probably what I’ll do, kindness comes back around). I simply was posing the question to see if anyone else has considered this and if you had a specific arrangement.

[clanter]

@ilovetheadd27

and put away appropriately.

yeah and if not out away that is what I would charge, a fee to return the poles to storage otherwise as others have noted normal use is not harmful

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

Tell her $20 a month (maybe she wants to use it as a business writeoff?) and lunch to catch up once in awhile, so that she feels like this is a professional courtesy and also that you’re extending a friendship clause.
If they’re painted or stained, then tell her that you’ll buy her lunch if her students do a painting party to stain/paint them every summer. Gives her a fun activity and keeps your stuff in good shape.

[2DogsFarm]

Count me on the Poles for Free side.
But make sure she knows which poles so your Jump Only don’t get used.
& Yeah, broken poles get replaced at her cost.
If they’re painted, I’d expect her to offer that done too, but not a dealbreaker.

[ComingAttraction]

Nothing. Professional courtesy. I’d expect replacement of something breaks unless it was close to breaking anyway. If anything, help with repainting when you go to do that.

[Punkie]

Definitely do not charge her!! As long as she takes care of them and replaces anything that breaks, it’s just professional courtesy. If there comes a time that you need to repaint them, I think it would be perfectly reasonable to ask her to lend a hand, but beyond that I’d not expect anything in return. You never know when you might need to borrow a saddle, bit, or even a school horse in a pinch!

[Edre]

Thoughts on letting her use them for free, she replaces anything that gets broken under her supervision, and she helps you with buying/painting to touch them up whenever you do that chore? That way you’re covered if one breaks (as they do…horses are horses) but otherwise, it’s just that she is splitting the cost and labor of keeping them in good condition with you via buying paint and assisting you in keeping them looking good.