Sapa is that annoying visitor who invades our lives uninvited — and when shit goes down, we’re often conflicted on how to ask for money politely.

Being needy comes with an uncomfortable level of vulnerability, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll maintain your idan status whether you’re asking for a giveaway or chasing your debtors.

How to politely ask for your money back when you’re the loaner

It goes without saying when lending money to friends, family or associates, that it’s important to part with what you’re comfortable with losing. In case things go south, the cash shouldn’t be consequential to your personal needs and projects. But you still need to try to get your money back regardless, and that’s where we come in.

Send reminders

Don’t wait until the agreed-upon date before asking for your money. Send a subtle reminder a week or some days before to rule out the chances of the person forgetting.

Don’t be confrontational

There’s a popular Yoruba saying: “Owo lo ba oju ore je” meaning “Money ruins relationships”. Unless the person is being difficult, maintain a casual and friendly tone when requesting for your money.

Involve a trusted third party

Let’s be real. Friends can get comfortable and not see the need to take your request for a refund seriously. Just make sure the trusted party is someone you’re both comfortable with. A word or two from this person can speed up the refund process.

Drop hints about your financial situation

You can’t be taken seriously if you’re oozing rich vibes while requesting your money. This is really the time to put on the best sapa version of yourself. The debtor will pity you.

Insist on face-to-face interaction

Asking for your money face-to-face is more effective. Texts can be easily ignored.

How to politely ask for a loan

Life is unpredictable. The baller of yesterday can be in need of urgent ₦2k tomorrow, and it’s perfectly okay. It’s important, however, to learn how to ask for money in a polite manner. You aren’t entitled to people’s money, so rejection shouldn’t enlist you into Bitterleaf FC.

Be honest

Don’t exaggerate your need. Remember, that person could also be settling a financial commitment with what they loan you. There’s no need to tell lies to get them to do your bidding.

Be specific

“Anything wey you fit afford my boss” is not an amount. Always put a figure to what you need, to avoid wasting everyone’s time.

Communicate your repayment plan

This shows how committed you are to returning what you’ve lent, which encourages the loaner to open their purse faster. This is also the point where you come clean about paying in installments.

Don’t be desperate

“₦10k for ₦15k”. The juicy interest might spur your lender into opening their purse, but your desperation has earned you an extra ₦5k debt. Don’t do this.

Asking for money politely when you need donations

You may be tasked to organise an event that requires public financial input. But people won’t always be as committed to the project as you’re, so you might want to keep these tips in mind on how to ask for money politely when you need donations.

Spell out the occasion

A wedding party, a graduation, a charity outreach? People need to know why you’re asking them to part with their money. Your communication should be clear from the onset.

Don’t put a figure to it

Remember, whatever the event, it may not be as important to them as it is to you. So, you can’t make demands about what they should donate. However, if your messaging about the occasion is clear, this can encourage donors to part with significant sums.

Make it easy to donate

This is often overlooked because it sounds easy. But, please, your donors shouldn’t have to chase you for bank account info, links to websites or GoFundMe accounts.

Conceal donors’ identity

Announcing donors and donated amounts may be a smart trick to create FOMO and get more people involved. But please, do this with caution. Unless they ask to be identified, assure your donors of their anonymity.

Keep your reminders subtle

Since it’s a donation, a lot of persuasion goes into getting people to part with their money. However, ceaseless reminders can get irritating real quick.