Dealing with customers who ask for a discount

[Nth Degree]

While researching another topic I ran across the following article.  It makes some excellent points about why you should not immediately give a discount and how to make it work to your advantage.  
 
Customers asking for a discount

 

[Envious Eric]

customer - "do you offer any discounts?"


 


business owner - "Are you willing to work for less at your current job?"


 


customer - "no"


 


business owner - "neither am I"


 


Customer - "ok, lets book the 10th then"


 


business owner - "booked, see you then"


 


If someone is giving you a lot of work, then absolutely discount or offer free services.  If its a first timer with the "promise to bring you more work" comment, no discount until the next time around AFTER you send me work!  Everyone promises to promote, few actually do it!

 

[Jean-Claude]

 There's a way to say no and still allow them to keep their dignity. Confrontation is not usually going to get great results.