First Time Customers

[bejamshi]

Have you ever advertised a discount for first time customers?
Lets say 10% off for first time customers?

If so how has been the response?

[morea]

are your services worth less to a new customer?

do you have to do less work when working with a customer the first time?

did you read the article I posted for you about discounting in your other thread (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29127)?

[CkretAjint]

down with discounts!

[budafist]

I wouldn't give a discount to new customers. Discounts go to old customers that give me plenty of straight forward work. How do you know that this new customer isn't going to be a head ache?

[jimking]

I wouldn't give a discount to new customers. Discounts go to old customers that give me plenty of straight forward work. How do you know that this new customer isn't going to be a head ache?

Or one big giant pain in the ASS. :D

[onedarkangel_uk]

No, I don't give discounts to new customers. Not only that, I have to also think of the profession and its not just me, but the way I deal business, will effect other designers. So, no, I don't give discount until, I have a client I have been doing business for years and it's a big massive contract, then maybe but even then, I might not.

If my skills is top, and I am persistent and I am out there, marketing my work, then customers will come. But I would never give discounts. It's a business and if the client is bringing a lot of work, then maybe I can work something out. It is a two way thing. The new customer has jack for me to give discounts.

[budafist]

Just had a thought: I do give discounts to projects that look really fun. I mean, I'm working freelance in my afterhours so anything that is really different to the design I do at work is appreciated. I do not want to come home to do more of the same stuff I do during the day.

[PrintDriver]

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29127

[DC1]

Check into the Brand Autopsy Discount Detox Center (http://brandautopsy.typepad.com/brandautopsy/2005/08/the_brand_autop.html)

A little ironic given the 'branding' graphic designers call what they do.

If the client objects, by talking about repeat business, then I would suggest a volume discount is in order. Immediately blows the whistle on the perpetual discounter.

Because you know the discount you offer today is going to be the price they quote back to you tomorrow "So sorry, already budgeted based on what you already quoted on your last job. I didn't know your prices went up ...maybe we should start looking for a more competitive bid."

And so it goes. You are litterally telling the customer to price shop and negotiate on price alone when you discount. Further you are practically telling the customer to go away and become someone else's "new customer" when the discount period ends.

[morea]

If the client objects, by talking about repeat business, then I would suggest a volume discount is in order. Immediately blows the whistle on the perpetual discounter.

A good point. Unfortunately, in THIS case bejamshi isn't even giving the client a chance to object to his prices; he is immediately putting the thought into their minds that he is not worth his normal rates.

If I were on the receiving end of this I would see the tactic as bordering on desperation for work, and that's certainly not the impression that you want to give. If a client thinks that your business is a sinking ship, why in the world would they want to invest time in developing a relationship with you before you go under?


You are litterally telling the customer to price shop and negotiate on price alone when you discount. Further you are practically telling the customer to go away and become someone else's "new customer" when the discount period ends.

Exactly.

[bejamshi]

After much thought and reading your inputs I have decided not to give any discounts at all. Thankyou all.