Friday, June 10, 2011

Offering Discounts

It happened again. A customer contacted me and wants to order 30-40 of one of my items. Most of my items are between $2.50 and $4.00, not very expensive.

The customer would like to know what kind of discount I can offer for this larger order. I'm offering what I think is a very reasonable 25% off, plus free shipping.

I never hear from the customer again. What am I doing wrong? I don't want to lose another sale, so it is tempting to offer a 50% discount next time, but why should I be out so much money for my products.

Has anyone else had this experience, how do you handle requests for discounts?

7 comments:

  1. If I were your customer I would be THRILLED with a 25% discount. I think that is more than fair.

    I think that by increasing it to 50% you are hurting yourself.

    I think your 25% is very generous and there is possibility that she is still shopping around and might even come back.

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  2. I'd be very happy with a 25% discount, too. I think it is a very fair reduction, so it is definitely not the issue. As Sher said, they are maybe shopping around :)

    All the best!

    Zenobia Southcombe

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  3. Definitely don't do 50% as you said your items are already priced low. You have to make something out of the deal!

    As a new and recent customer of yours, your items are beautiful. My daughter loved what I got for her! So no don't short sale yourself...

    Everyone is always looking for something cheaper I guess but it is a business! Maybe they'll come back!

    New GFC follower! =)


    Arizona Girls Face Book
    Arizona Girls blog

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  4. I think 25% is too much. Assuming that it's not costing you 15% less to fulfill the larger order I think you are short changing yourself. 10% is more than generous. You are not in business to break even or just cover your costs. Just saying...

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  5. Hi dear ... just stumbled on your blog and saw this post and it resonated with me! I once ... to get a wholesale order sealed, offered a 40% discount {way below my margins} ... as I was making each and every piece to fill that order, I felt like a sweatshop worker, not making anything for my time and effort. I think it is a balance between getting your name out there and the discount ... 25% is quite generous ... in fact, I think it is a little too generous! I don't think it was the discount, maybe the person was just investigating and will contact you a couple of months from now to close the sale ... you never know {this has happened to me before}.

    When people ask me if I can offer a discount, I usually reply with what I can offer ... things like free s/h, free gift wrapping, etc, can go a long way too!

    Hope this helped a teeny bit :)

    Sorry for the novel!

    ♥ Cat brideblu

    ps. at the end of the day, you want customers after your quality and uniqueness NOT price. There is the Dollar Store for them ... you know what I am saying?!?!?

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  6. These comments helped alot! It confirms my feeling that my products are worth their price.

    In the future I'm going to stick to a 10% percent discount or free shipping for larger orders.

    If someone likes and wants my product they will buy it. Next time I might get the sale.

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  7. I just came across your post and am so glad you're going with a 10% discount now. Your prices are so reasonable you don't need to undercut yourself. Your time is valuable and so are your products. Best wishes!

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