Words to send · Pricing
How to say no to a discount request
Keep the price and offer a smaller piece of work. “I can’t do it for less, but I can do the first part for that” is still a yes, and the price stays true for everybody else. A discount for whoever asks is a higher price for everybody who doesn’t.
When to send it: In your first reply. A pause reads as a maybe.
The message
Hi Sam, Thanks for asking. My price stays the same for everyone, so I can’t take anything off the six sessions. What I can do is three sessions at the single price, which covers the planning part we talked about. If you want to carry on after that, the rest is there. Maya
Shorter
Hi Sam, my rate is the same for everyone. Three sessions would fit what you have in mind, at $180 each. Want me to send the link? Maya
For somebody who’s struggling
Hi Sam, I keep one concessionary rate for people who need it, and you’re welcome to it, no questions asked. It’s on my page under the full price. Maya
Why it works
- It says no to the discount and yes to the person, in the same message.
- The smaller scope is concrete, with a price, so there’s nothing left to negotiate.
- A concessionary rate anybody can choose is fair. A discount for whoever pushes isn’t.
What not to say
- “Let me see what I can do.” It promises a discount you then have to refuse.
- Explaining your costs. The client didn’t ask how your business works.
- A discount “just this once”. They’ll mention it to the friend they refer.