“LAL” at Living Almost Large has a conundrum on her hands: She asked her regular dog boarder for a discount. When her husband found out, he was embarrassed, thinking that LAL had ventured beyond frugal into the territory known as cheap.

LAL already gets a great price from the boarder. When is it inappropriate to ask for a discount?

In a post called “Is it wrong to nickel and dime?” LAL also wondered if she should give the business owner a tip.

(Background, short version: LAL normally asks for and gets a discount from the boarder — 10% — and gives her a tip and small gift, although she generally doesn’t believe in tipping business owners. It appears that LAL is now unsure of herself because of her husband’s comment and the fact that the boarder, who usually is booked at Christmas, has available space this year. LAL wonders if the economy has limited holiday travel.) 

LAL’s readers were divided on the issue. Some said that if you’re paying for a personal service — or one for a family member like a pet — you should pay the full price. “For people providing a personal service, I would never ask for a discount,” “Barb1954″ said. “And I ALWAYS tip my massage therapist (as well as my hair stylist and hair colorist) even though she’s the owner.”

Some said there’s a big difference between paying for a service and buying an item from a large company.

But others said asking for a discount is always the correct thing to do. The dog boarder could have declined LAL’s request.

Meg suggested giving a holiday bonus. “But remember, she’s not doing you a favor nor are your dollars going to charity. This is a business exchange. You don’t owe her anything,” Meg said.