Clients always trying to negotiate?

Excellent advice from Erika, however, I will add a couple of things. First, I will never ever negotiate with a customer. If they don't want to pay my rate, there are plenty of others from which to choose, It is insulting and shows they don't value your services. It is what it is. From what you've described, you've handled it very professionally and you shouldn't feel the least bit guilty about these people's gall in trying to tell you what you are worth.

Pet owners who try to negotiate with you are often the most problematic from what I've read here for years. They are not going to be good customers. You are better off not dealing with them.

I am often asked why I'm more than others in my area. I let them know that this is my full time job, that Im responsive to the needs of the pets, that having a sitter like me is important for them in case of emergency. Ive had clients show up with their dogs bc their parent was murdered. Ive had clients call when heading to the hospital and gotten their dogs at 3am. I provide a service that you won't get anywhere else. Not at a kennel, not from your neighbor, not from your family (I can't tell you how often family cancel at the last moment!!). These dogs Become my family. I provide value to my clients both human and pet. If they don't see that value, why would I want them for a client??? I've actually told clients that I love their dog, but I don't feel like the owner values me... and told them I wouldn't take their dog any more. Stand your ground! What we do is amazing and if someone doesn't see that, and value that, then YOU don't want them for a client!

I have had a few experiences where people ask for lower rates, or sometimes they are surprised by the total after we have arranged a meet and greet. If I feel it's a good fit, I will offer a discount. Sounds like you were reasonable in your offers and discussions, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If it keeps happening, you could include an explanation in your profile that your rates are generally non-negotiable and then maybe even break them down (even though they are broken down elsewhere; some people need things spelled out for them.) Generally speaking people often feel that pet care should be very cheap since they used to get their kid/neighbor/friend to do it for nothing. So be prepared for people to dislike having to pay 100s of dollars for something they have gotten for free before. So it is hard for us professional pet sitters. However, I find that certian problems eventually stop occurring for me once I become aware of them. Like any profession, it is a learning process. Best of Luck to you!

I am surprised people are trying to low ball you considering your profile is very professionally and well written. People DO try to low ball clueless sitters, or make them feel guilty, and it works many times when the sitter herself doesn't know how valuable her time and her services are.

I only had 1 person since 2016 crying about my "high " rates when he believed I should do it for free because he can offer me netflix when I would stay in his house for free and have the whole house for myself. I told him I appreciate his offer but I am NOT a good match for his needs, thank you very much.

Move on.

Do not ever feel guilty because they have kids/husbands/wives/expenses to pay. I am not talking about compassion towards people, I am talking strictly business. You won't get your groceries cheaper either just because you're cute and you have kids and bills to pay.

When a client tries to do this, tell them thank you for your request, unfortunately I am not a good match for your needs, good luck with your search. And move on. Good luck lady! :)

Very happy to have stumbled onto your post. I work in Healthcare so my schedule can be really open or slightly booked during the week. I keep my prices pretty low, especially for the amount of reviews, return clients and length of time I've been sitting. People will continually attempt to book me for an overnight stay but not actually want the overnight, but rather 3 to 4 drop ins from sun up to sun down. When I recommend that they request the drop ins, most don't have any issues, but then there are those few who don't like that price. I'm always willing to lower my rates AFTER we meet and understand the needs required. I used to have a whole spreadsheet of info on my profile and I'm thinking I need to add it back. I'm so tired of my time being wasted or being used by strangers!

I completely agree with Karen.

If someone tells me that their friends and family have or will care for their pet for free, I’ll respond positively focusing my reply on benefit to the pet (not cost savings) like oh that’s best, because your pet already knows them.

If it’s finding another stranger (child or adult) offering free or cheap, what runs through my mind is the expression “you get what you pay for”. In my opinion, the same level of dedication isn’t there and the pets are not receiving the same care and careful attention.These often are the cases where there’s lost pets because the child couldn’t control a pet on a walk and it got away, or pet wasn’t fed& walked as agreed (according to pet’s routine & needs), or if boarded pet was left alone for many hours at a time or unsupervised with others, or if house sitting/drop in/walk, their home was pilfered. I really don’t comment much & I never engage in negotiations. If/When someone says they found someone cheap, a simple reply is good luck.

I will give a 20% discount on a client’s next booking if they refer a new client AND they book. I have also agreed to give a slight discount to a new client if she needs a 2nd drop-in visit during the eight-day stay she already booked at regular price. Other than that, I’ve recently upped my prices and have gotten plenty of new requests. Set your prices and then stick to your guns.