Quick Fix: Client Asks for Discount
How to Respond When a Client Asks for a Discount
Everyone wants to know they aren’t being taken advantage of by their interior designer. And unfortunately, because nothing is standardized in interior design this can lead to client distrust. That is why I am a big proponent of being super-transparent about your pricing.
Our industry is also one that has a big awareness from clients over “markup” and “designer discounts”, coupled with the lack of standardization, it’s a perfect storm of suspicious clients. Suspicious clients who have no qualms about asking for a discount.
So how do you respond when a client asks for a discount?
This week, I am going to give you the quick fix, but this is something I believe needs to be resolved with more than a band-aid, so next week I’m going to dive deeper into what you can do to avoid this problem altogether. And as a reminder, it’s not how you price.
When Clients Ask for a Discount
Client: Hey, can I get a discount on the sofa?
Designer: Has something changed in your budget that we need to adjust?
Client: No, I just wanted to see if I could get it cheaper.
Designer: It’s our policy to not give discounts beyond what we already offer, which is what is reflected on the proposal. I can look for something less expensive if you’d like, but that time may cancel out any savings you may receive. However, if something has changed in your budget we should discuss that so I can adjust moving forward and make sure you’re happy with the result.
Asking if something has changed in the budget works because it lets the client voice WHY they are requesting a discount and you can address that specific concern.
Most of the time, clients just want to see if they can get a deal and this allows you to express concern for their position, while also shutting down the discount request.
And if the client DOES have budget concerns this conversation opens the door to discuss that further.
Next week, I am going to share how to fix this issue at the source, get to the root of things, so you don’t have to have awkward mid-project conversations about discounts with clients.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Capella and I’m an interior designer who helps fellow designers build their businesses. Forget secrecy and competition, I believe designers should support and uplift each other. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! Hang around a bit and I’ll share all the business “secrets” no one else wants to talk about.
