This one is tough, and I would imagine that it comes up for anyone that works freelance. Clients obviously can’t afford what you’re charging and they ask for a special rate because they “know people”. Why is this so common? I can give you some examples of where this kind of question does not come up…


5 Places You Can’t Get a Referral Discounts

1. The Doctor’s Office. You really need a heart transplant. You tell the doctor that your father might need one, too. Can he give you a discount?


2. A Car Mechanic. Scenario: Your transmission died. You get a quote from the mechanic. After calming your racing heartbeat, you ask, “If I can get four people to get their brakes done at your shop, can you lower my price?”


3. Power Company. You call your local power company. You tell the operator that you could totally sign up your neighbors for their service. Ask for a discount.


4. Grocery Store. Go to the manager of a store. Tell him that you have lots of friends that you’re sure will want to buy apples at his or her store. Ask if you can get a discount on *your* apples.


5. Your job. You go to your boss and say, “I can direct you toward lots of people who would love to work for you. Can I have a raise?” Depending on the industry, this may or may not work.

These situations might seem laughable to you. In some very rare situations, they might work. Are you the kind of person that might try this kind of thing?

I’m not that kind of person. I don’t haggle. I don’t ask for discounts. I try not to associate with people that would do this kind of thing. Why, then, do I keep getting these kinds of questions?

This kind of question is a back-handed compliment. It says, “I don’t feel that your services are worth what you’re charging.” It also says, “I think you’re a nice, gullible sucker. You seem like the kind of person who would believe my little story and give me a discount.” It also says, “Wow, you must be desperate for work. If just the ‘promise’ of more work will get me a discount, you must be hurting!”

Furthermore, you’re already changing my opinion of your friends. In my experience, the people that push for a discount are also fairly difficult to work with, as clients. If you are a difficult person, why would I want work from your friends and family?

So here’s a statement: I do quality work. I charge what I am worth. If, after you are happy with my work, you would love to refer someone, that would be great. I get most of my business from referrals. I am not hurting for extra work. No, there are no discounts. Go online and you will find hundreds of foreign freelancers who will fall all over themselves to do your project for pennies. Good luck with that. I’ll be here to redo your failed project.