Generally I'm not a DICK-er-er. Are you?

[Barry-QDCC]

We all get that customer who when quoted the price wants to know if we can do it for XX amount of dollars less. Usually, at least for me, if it's going to happen it's at a job where I've added on to the original price quote because of more rooms, bigger rooms, etc. Today's job ended up being $45 more than quoted because both the hallway and master bath were bigger than reported over the phone. The final price was $320 and the guy asked if I would do it for $300.00

Sometimes I will work with a customer. Maybe meet in the middle if it's a difference of $40 or less especially if it's a bigger job or a good repeat customer or just a nice polite guy.

I told this guy today, "Nope, sorry your bathroom is way bigger than quoted and so it your hall....PLUS I had already given you a $30 discount." I then shut up and waited for him to talk. He just kinda looked at me and said ok. Silence is a wonderful negotiating tool.

I know it was only $20 and some people here probably will think "why not - it's good advertising" and others will say "hell no, my prices are my prices". All I know is while I was spending extra time vacuming all the crap up from the floor, I was happy I had that extra $20.

What's your general policy on working on pricing with a customer?

 

[steve_64]

Im like you. And when it comes to that silence during negotiating the rule of thumb is the fitst to speak loses. Sometimes its hard to stay silent but it pays off.

 

[Cleanworks]

I will negotiate somewhat but in your situation where you have already given a 30 dollar discount on a $320.00 job, that's about where I stop.

 

[Bryan Thomson]

You don't want or need every customer, especially those that don't realize the true "value" of a "Professional Cleaner" or will "knit pic" you to DEATH costing you time and money!

 

[ruff]

I do not negotiate.
But I do tell them: "Isn't it comforting to know that every single one of my clients pays exactly the same price , regardless of their negotiating skills ?"

 

[Bryan Thomson]

Well said!!!!

 

[Desk Jockey]

I'm always open for negotiation but it all begins with being paid. I can rationalize it as a quick pay discount and its doesn't bother me to give it to them.

 

[jwfoulk12]

All depends on how hungry I am.

 

[Old Coastie]

I do not negotiate.
But I do tell them: "Isn't it comforting to know that every single one of my clients pays exactly the same price , regardless of their negotiating skills ?"

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Pure genius!

 

[Doug Cox]

I had to discount my job today. It ended up at 900 and change for a little over half a day. She said she had spoken to us and set up approx. 2k sf of carpet , 2 sofas, 2 loveseats, 3 chairs, ottoman and steps and was expecting it to be around 500. I told her 2,000 sf of carpet alone would cost her 700. She was nice and I didn't want to lose her as a customer because it was a lake home. I knocked it down to 800 and she was happy. One of the few times I have ever discounted other than for c*sh.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Adjusters will knock hundreds off a WDR or FDR bill. Giving $20.00-$30.00 is no big deal.

 

[Nate The Great]

I normally work with people on pricing, $50 or less isn't going to break me...... I don't give a break off the minimum though, ours is higher then most...

Just hand them the vacuum and tell them which room to start in....

 

[Willy P]

It's so simple. If that shit starts , I jusy say -"Did I say 320?" - "I meant 340". Shuts that down real fast.

 

[steve_64]

Negotiation is a part of business.

Discounting is for some but not othets.

Like jw said it depends on how hungry you are.

 

[ruff]

All true, that's for sure. And there's nothing wrong with it.
However, unless you're hungry, it is also a business choice. It can possibly come back to bite you, especially if they find out that someone paid less. So, if you do, you'd better be consistent.

When was the last time you negotiated the price down at Walmart or for that matter at Nordstrom?

 

[Desk Jockey]

I try all the time when I buy stuff. Most of time I get a discount or some other item thrown in for free.

It doesn't work all the time but if you don't ask, you'll never get it.

 

[Nate The Great]

All true, that's for sure. And there's nothing wrong with it.
However, unless you're hungry, it is also a business choice. It can possibly come back to bite you, especially if they find out that someone paid less. So, if you do, you'd better be consistent.

When was the last time you negotiated the price down at Walmart or for that matter at Nordstrom?

They do match online pricing.... At least that's what my gf tells me......

A better example work be the cable guy or plumber/appliance repair..... Both provide a service not a product....

Where's @Steve Toburen when you need him? "Mrs. Jones, does the way I have the estimate written fit your budget?" I like to get paid for the service I provide...

 

[ruff]

Do you build it into your price?

 

[Desk Jockey]

No its a genuine discount. I hate when someone inflates the price to make up for this discount. I want a true discount so we give a true discount.

 

[ruff]

In some cultures everything is negotiable. Nothing wrong with it.
I personally don't do it. A business decision. I will reduce my price if the person does not have much money, but it ain't a negotiation process.
I also think that it can damage the business, if the word gets around or if they found out that somebody else got a better deal.

Also what size ticket are we talking about?

P.S. What'd you get for your soul, brush head? Was the devil in a negotiating mood?

 

[Desk Jockey]

The larger the ticket the more I'm willing to give a discount.

Like wise the larger the purchase the more I expect a discount or something for buying from them.

Soul's don't go for what they used to. I got plenty of Sunshine and green grass. My two favorite things.

 

[Willy P]

No its a genuine discount. I hate when someone inflates the price to make up for this discount. I want a true discount so we give a true discount.

I bought 2 vacuum motors from a local supplier- $275 each. I went to the local wholesaler - $99.95. I'm not anti profit, but I shouldn't have to bring Astroglide when I go there. I got an extra key/fob for my van from the dealership the other day. $277 plus $66 to program and another $64 for the emergency blade key. I looked on Ebay, same fob/key 2 for $25, with the blade.I brought KY jelly for that. Again, not anti profit, but I am anti rip off. My bum is sore.

 

[KevinL]

They do match online pricing.... At least that's what my gf tells me......

A better example work be the cable guy or plumber/appliance repair..... Both provide a service not a product....

Where's @Steve Toburen when you need him? "Mrs. Jones, does the way I have the estimate written fit your budget?" I like to get paid for the service I provide...

Good question, where is Steve?

 

[dealtimeman]

Adjusters will knock hundreds off a WDR or FDR bill. Giving $20.00-$30.00 is no big deal.

How the rich think

 

[Desk Jockey]

You're the one that taught me.

 

[dealtimeman]

You weren't suppose to say nothin.

Never teaching you anything again.

 

[dealtimeman]

You ready for round 2 tomorrow?

 

[Desk Jockey]

Fook no.

We have 18 jobs to check. Two done.

Trying to finish a mold job and NOT piss off all the carpet cleaning clients.

It's been a mean week and not quite over yet.

 

[dealtimeman]

Poor you, you need helping counting all the cash next week?

 

[Desk Jockey]

Try a month! I just want to invoice them all next week.

And no I cipher purty well. Some Cowboys got smarts real good.