Then she is not running a business she's running a charity!!
Originally Posted by *.EnticingOrchids.*
She is, in fact, running a business. And a huge part of any business is customer acquisition cost.
She has decided "service on credit" is a cost she's willing to pay to introduce her business to a potentially loyal customer. Hopefully, for her sake, she's making these offers judiciously.
It's unlikely her's is a wise strategy — it is certainly risky. Although on second thought, if we are to believe the OP, she has increased the likelihood of gaining his business with only the offer of loaned services — she hasn't actually had to loan him a thing. Maybe there is method to her madness?
But I think only she could accurately report her results and whether she's succeeded or failed. Let's hope for the best.