Clients asking for reduced price?

Three/four words: DON'T DO IT!!

Think of it this way: You have a finite amount of space and time. If you use up a slot with a discounted dog then get a request for a full price dog that you have to turn down... well that's breaking an Econ 101 rule.

The ONLY person I've ever given a discount is someone who was one of my very first customers so when I did my second price increase I let her stay at the rate that was my first price increase. I went from $25 to $30 to $33 so she is still at $30. I know I lost a couple customers when my prices went up but I can't worry about that. They clearly did not have loyalty to us so I have to remember this is a business and not take those things personally.

P.S. There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling Owners that Rover takes a percentage. It's a fairly common business model and there is no reason it needs to be a secret.

If this is a first time client, I think the request is totally inappropriate. Don't do it. I allowed for a couple of price breaks when I first started on Rover, but the dogs were always the worst.

If this is a repeat client, then I might consider it. However, at 25% going to Rover, I think it would be fair to explain that you can't reduce your take home pay.

As a side note: On your profile, I noticed that you have your Extended Stay rate set to 1 night, so it reads that if they are staying 1+ nights (which would include ALL boarding stays), that the rate is $25/night. This may be where the discount questions are coming from. Generally, I believe that sitters allow an extended stay rate after 10-14 days or so. However, I would politely decline their request for the discount and explain that you feel your rate is fair based on your experience/knowledge and the level of care that you will provide their pet. If they are a new member, you could state that while your rate is non-negotiable (or however you want to word this to sound more friendly), that you can offer them a $20 off coupon for their first stay. Perhaps you could look at lowering your additional dog rate, as currently it is the same as your regular dog rate. I believe that most sitters offer a discounted second dog rate (even if it's just $5/off) and you could use this a point that they are already receiving a discount. Either they will accept your rate, or they will continue to price shop and may go with someone else. I've generally found that those who are price shopping and/or looking for the cheapest care are not usually the types of clients that I would want to work with anyways.

I politely and professionally say to them: "My rates are based on the average for your area, for the services you need, and the cost of being in business." Then I outline what they get for the cost. I think many of us have at one time or another lowered our rates, and regretted it later. Just don't do it.

I only offer a discount if a dog stays 7 days + or there is a second dog from the same family. Otherwise no price reduction. When I started my business, I used to be more flexible. As a result, I have old clients whose original low price haven't changed. Just this week one such client asked if I could give even more discount. Her price for two dogs is almost what I charge for one dog today. It upset me a lot and I refused to give more discount. I 'm planning to raise her price next year. If she stays, great. If not, oh well there are other clients who are ok to pay a full price for good care.

I would not do it. That's extremely unprofessional on their part. Would you walk into a store and ask if you could have something cheaper?

I only offer discounted rates for extended stays, and I occasionally lower rates for some of my favorite clients.

The price is the price! If you give in on that, your client might start to push further to see what types of additional services you'll give.

Also I think you could professionally tell her that rover does take a fee out of your sitting cost to cover insurance and a 24/7 team.

I haven't had a situation where a client tries to negotiate the price but if I did I would let them know the rate is set and there isn't a way to modify it. Unless there are additional dogs involved or it is a lengthy stay then we could work around the rate.

When pushed, I would come clean and tell them that you already receive less than the amount that they are paying now, and that to accept less would not make the stay worth your while. This is, first and foremost, a business, and you charge a rate that is fair to both you and the customer. If they would prefer to pay less, they can certainly take their dog to a boarding facility. The vets here will board a dog for $23 a night, but for a miserable experience, I'm sure.

I personally offer a 10% discount to clients who stay for 5 nights or longer.

If somebody is really hassling you about the price, then get firm with them. "I'm sorry, but I am not able to accept less than $30 per night. If this is more than you can spend, I can recommend cheaper accommodations for your pet elsewhere."

Don't do it ! Just remember that doggy day care & overnight boarding businesses charge A LOT more per night than us Rover sitters and those businesses do not negotiate. If it's a first time client, that could indicate they will challenge you for all future bookings. Not worth the hassle, plus you need to make $$ too.