Negotiable rates & Discounts

[Kshunter]

Originally Posted by Bcdrummer

I think asking if a provider is offering any specials is very different than asking a provider to lower her rates.

The former is just asking a question to determine if you can in fact afford the price point the provider is at and make a decision accordingly.
The latter, asking a provider to lower her rates or negotiate, tends to assume the hobbyist already knows the providers price point and is trying talk her into a different price point.

Trying to determine a providers current rate makes good sense for the provider and the hobbyist.
Asking for some special treatment by asking to negotiate or asking for a discount from a providers normal rate is tacky and IMHO rude.

If a provider wants to offer a discount/special rate etc for whatever reason, that is up to the provider - IMHO it should not be something negotiated for if the provider isn't willingly offering it unsolicited.

Exactly. I might ask if the provider has any specials going on, particularly if it's a provider who's known to have specials from time to time - but straight out asking to negotiate, no thanks. In fact, I avoid providers who say their rates are negotiable. One of the things I want out of this transaction is a lack of hassle and bullshit.

[OLindsay]

Originally Posted by Kshunter

Exactly. I might ask if the provider has any specials going on, particularly if it's a provider who's known to have specials from time to time - but straight out asking to negotiate, no thanks. In fact, I avoid providers who say their rates are negotiable. One of the things I want out of this transaction is a lack of hassle and bullshit.

That's exactly what I was saying.. I have specials and don't mind doing them, but asking for negation of price is tacky to me and I am glad BC drummer broke it down to the same thing I said just in a different way. Hell I try to have specials at least once a month, and I do have 3 different prices to choose from for everyone.

[PleasantSurprise]

I'm a new client, I visit KC once a year and want to see you tomorrow at 4pm and an $80 discount would make you really cool. What do you think?

If I were a guy and that was the extent of my email to you, what does your response look like?

[PleasantSurprise]

If rates are based around supply/demand or a provider is comfortable with where things are and how things are going and doesn't need to negotiate her rate of offer a discount at this time...

What are a few ways she could tell you..... "No, my rates aren't negotiable and I am not offering any discounts at this time."

Such as, does everyone agree with this:

Originally Posted by Magician45

"No, my fee is set."

Or what are some alternate suggestions?

[noleftturn]

In response to your new client, that takes guts to ask before you have even met the guy. Not knowing who is on the other end of that email could be more costly than the $80 discount. Anytime talking money with a stranger could be dangerous. After screening and an initial meeting a discount may be in order if YOU so desire. I know I am an old man but thought this was important

[Karyn Lovely]

A simple reply of "I'm sorry but I do not offer discounts and my rates are FIRM" usually does the trick for me.

I don't get offended if a guy asks if I may be running any specials because I see so many ladies post that they have specials and guys should "just ask" about them.

It's the guys like Miss MOCHA pointed out that bother me. The ones that say "I only have x, what can I get?" Boo with that amount you can get a hug and a high five. Of course I would never say that but it does pop up in my mind lol.

[Guest013121]

Originally Posted by jaybee

what do you ask a provider when their hourly rate is listed at 4 diffrent prices? i have see it at bp for one price eccie another and p411 another (with discount was higher) and the reviews show other rates for the hour and your told over the phone another


....

BTW, if anyone sees ANY PROVIDER charging more on P411 than on other sites, please email Gina and kindly let her know. She has informed us that this is not acceptable.

I admit that I have two different donations advertised but my P411 account is significantly lower. My normal donation amount is located on my public website.

As i said, the ladies shouldn't be charging more on P411. Contact Gina if you see otherwise...

And any discounts i am offering WILL BE advertised bluntly on here, P411, and my personal website.

Thanks, Gemma

[Petruchio]

As a hobbyist if you don't ask you can't get it. Just like any other business deal. We've gotten it stuck in our heads that the price is the price from corporate culture. Whether I'm getting my roof replaced, buying a car, or paying someone to cut my grass I negotiate. It's a service industry and negotiation is part of the landscape.

I understand that many girls find this offensive, as the service offered is very personal, intimate, and literally puts a dollar amount on a woman's perceived attractiveness. That attractiveness is a cultural measure of self-worth instilled in our women from birth apparently.

However, the negotiation question will always come up. A provider is WELL WITHIN HER RIGHTS TO TELL A GUY OFF if she wants to. That's part of asking for a lowered rate in any business. However, you're better off firmly stating your rate is your rate if that's what you want to do. I also recommend posting rates are non-negotiable if that's how you're going to play it.

I do recommend girls look at other factors though. A discount for p411 members and regulars is always a good idea. As a businesswoman, you want regular revenue stream. You want to make money extensively, not intensively, in any business. Intensive money making is not sustainable, it just looks good on quarterly profit sheets. The question is, could you make that money again next quarter (or month, or week, or whatever) or not with any certainty. If the answer is no, a week where guys just don't call will kill my business, then you want to think about culling a solid list of regular clients. Personally, I'll see a girl twice before I start losing interest in paying that fee a third time. Discount? I'm there again and again.

This being KC, I presume I am about to be told off for presuming to know anything about the business. Just applying some general business logic. Remove my head from my shoulders if you must.

[bartipero]

I don't necessarily disagree with most of what you said, but in this instance if the price and service is up front and fair, then absent something askew on that I'm not seeking a discount. I'm not horse trading or buying widgets in bulk. It's a personal business and the price is a back seat for me if I already know it and have found it fair in advance.

[MOCHAakaMOCHA]

HA! I've literally said that before. I'm a little nicer about how I respond now ..... well most of time (even though I probably don't need to be).

Originally Posted by Karyn Lovely

A simple reply of "I'm sorry but I do not offer discounts and my rates are FIRM" usually does the trick for me.

I don't get offended if a guy asks if I may be running any specials because I see so many ladies post that they have specials and guys should "just ask" about them.

It's the guys like Miss MOCHA pointed out that bother me. The ones that say "I only have x, what can I get?" Boo with that amount you can get a hug and a high five. Of course I would never say that but it does pop up in my mind lol.