“Send It, But You’ll Pay If I Don’t Like It”: Businesswoman Shares Shocking Message From Bold Customer, Sparks Debate Online

In the ever‑evolving world of small businesses and online vendors, customer interactions can range from heartwarming to downright baffling. But one Nigerian businesswoman has left social media buzzing after sharing an audacious message she received from a potential customer—a message that many entrepreneurs say perfectly captures the daily struggle of dealing with entitlement, unrealistic demands, and the persistent undervaluing of small business owners.

According to the businesswoman, the customer reached out late at night with what seemed at first like a straightforward request. But the tone quickly shifted into one of startling boldness, wrapped in a set of conditions that most vendors would consider disrespectful. The message read: “Sorry for late response. Send a rider across to me by 10am today, if I perceive the perf and I like it I will pay. But if I don’t like it I will send it back to you and you will have to pay the delivery fee yourself too. You are sending to Lugbe. 12:27 AM.”

To many on social media, that message represented not just a single rude customer, but a growing culture of entitlement where clients expect vendors to bend over backwards—often at their own financial risk. The businesswoman explained that the customer hadn’t previously committed to buying the perfume, nor was there any agreement about sampling or returns. Instead, the customer was asking her to fully bear the logistical cost of transporting the product across town, with payment only “if the scent pleased them.” And if it didn’t? The cost of the round‑trip delivery—both ways—would fall solely on the business owner.

The message drew widespread reactions, with other entrepreneurs flooding the comments to say they had experienced similar treatment. Many shared stories of customers who demanded free trials, risk‑free deliveries, “samples,” or who insisted on paying only after they tested a product, even when the business model didn’t allow for returns. The debate intensified around the fact that this interaction took place at 12:27 AM—hours most workers are asleep, yet hours many business owners still find themselves responding to inquiries.

For a typical business in Lagos or Abuja, delivery fees are not trivial. Distance matters, and Lugbe, a large suburb on the outskirts of Abuja, is not exactly next door. Vendor logistics often include fuel prices, dispatch rider fees, packaging, the risk of damage, and the time lost if a customer rejects an item. For small‑scale businesses already struggling with rising costs, losses from failed deliveries can quickly add up. Yet customers—perhaps influenced by large e‑commerce companies with generous return policies—sometimes expect similar flexibility from small vendors who do not have the financial cushioning to absorb such risks.

The businesswoman’s post sparked an important conversation about boundaries in business. Many argued that customers must understand that small businesses cannot operate on trial‑and‑error terms without financial consequences. Others noted that disrespect toward entrepreneurs seems to be increasing, especially toward women running home‑based or online enterprises. Some pointed out that there is a lingering belief that because someone sells products from home or on Instagram, their business is not “serious,” and thus customers can dictate unreasonable terms.

But this businesswoman’s willingness to call out the behavior shed light on the emotional strain many entrepreneurs endure. Behind the curated Instagram pages and neatly arranged product photos lie individuals juggling marketing, inventory, customer service, logistics, finances, and often full‑time jobs or family responsibilities. Dealing with messages like the one she received only adds unnecessary pressure.

The incident also raised questions about respect for professional boundaries. Many felt that sending such a demand at nearly 12:30 AM suggests a lack of respect for the vendor’s time. Late‑night inquiries have become common in the era of social media, where business pages remain open 24/7, creating the illusion that vendors should be available around the clock. But, as many pointed out, business is still business; working hours matter, and mutual respect should be the foundation of any transaction.

Interestingly, while some commenters defended the customer—arguing that people have the right to test perfumes before paying—others insisted that such a request should come with shared responsibility. If a buyer wants sampling or testing privileges, they argued, they should be willing to at least cover delivery fees. And if a product is not returnable due to hygiene reasons, that should be respected as well.

The businesswoman did not reveal how she eventually responded, but her post serves as a reminder of the daily challenges faced by small entrepreneurs: the balancing act between providing good customer service and maintaining their dignity, fairness, and business sustainability. The situation also highlights the broader need for etiquette and education in the online marketplace. Customers should ask questions, seek clarity, and negotiate respectfully—but they must also recognize that small business owners are not obligated to absorb every risk or meet every unreasonable demand.

Many fellow entrepreneurs encouraged the businesswoman not to let the incident discourage her. Instead, they urged her to set clear policies about delivery fees, testing rights, returns, and payment arrangements. Some even suggested automating responses, establishing firm time boundaries, and displaying return policies prominently on her page.

Ultimately, this viral moment offers a snapshot of the modern Nigerian business landscape: fast‑paced, digital, full of opportunity, yet fraught with the complications of human interaction. For every supportive customer who pays promptly and communicates kindly, there are others whose sense of entitlement can leave vendors frustrated, drained, and questioning their resilience.

But if one thing stood out from the reaction online, it was the resilience and solidarity among entrepreneurs. Many small business owners shared their own stories not to vent, but to create a sense of community—to remind one another that they are not alone in navigating demanding customers and stressful interactions. In a way, the businesswoman’s experience has become a symbol of something bigger: the need for mutual respect in the thriving world of online commerce.

As Nigeria’s digital marketplace continues to expand, more and more transactions will rely on communication, trust, and shared responsibility. Vendors and buyers alike play an essential role in keeping the ecosystem healthy. And while there will always be bold customers with even bolder requests, stories like this show that transparency, boundaries, and empathy remain the true currency of sustainable business.

For now, the businesswoman’s post keeps circulating, sparking laughter, disbelief, and important conversations. But it also reinforces a simple truth: behind every product delivered to a doorstep lies a human being—one who deserves fairness just as much as the customers they serve.