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Giveaways to drive traffic
Apr 2008  |
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By: ambiencehome
Category: Promotions
Tags: pricing
Blogs > Promotions > Giveaways to drive traffic
SAT
Customers asking for discounts
 

Does any other store out there ever get this scenario?  Customer comes in, looks around, find an item they are interested in and them asks you  what your bottom dollar is for the item?  This sort of blows my mind.  I am not  a car dealership.   Why do they feel that they can do this?   If I didn't have a an asking price for an item I would just put a tag with a questionmark on it.  I find this kind of rude.

Then you have the customer that asks "If I buy x amount of this item can I get a disount?" 

I always find I am unprepared to give a no answer and usually do it.  Which is probabaly part of the problem.  I have finally come to realize that it is really not fair to all of my other customers for me to do this.  I should have the same price for everyone.  There should not be any special discount just for asking.  With that said, respectfully, that will be my answer to future customers who ask for  a discount.

I will aslo ask them to get on my email list so they will be notified of sales and specials when ever I have them.

Just wondering how other store owners handle this issue.

Jamie

3 comments

Submitted by
someone
Apr 19,2008 3:15 p.m.

ownerI was very happy to see your comment on discounts. I have been in business for 30 years and the discount problem has become worse every year. About a month ago, the Today Show ran a segment on how to get discounts from retailers. Thanks alot for nothing, Today Show!!! I feel the same way you do about the issue. I think that a big part of the problem started when all of the major big stores, like Macy's, started having sales all the time. Everyone knew another sale was just around the corner. I have also found that men are even more rude and persistant about getting discounts. Some men just think that women are weak and desperate to make a sale. I know that it is hard, but, as they say, JUST SAY NO, as nicely as possible. I have given in in the past and then I just feel regretful and angry afterwards. You own the business and it is your decision but once you start a trend like discounting, it is a hard habit to break. The customer will expect the discount every time they come in. One way to handle the problem is to do what you are doing...have sales from time to time, or a special event to entice the customer to your store. The way I look at it is, I want to still be in business next year! I have to draw the line somewhere. Good luck!!

Submitted by
jennywalker
Apr 19,2008 6:13 p.m.

Customers Asking for DiscountsI get people asking for discounts quite often also. Mostly seniors and men. I used to be uncomfortable answering them but I have found my solution. I have an email database and I mail a monthly savings & newsletter so I tell the person asking that if they would like to sign up for the email newsletter I will give them whatever discount I am offering for that month. That way I am not just saying no to them and I offered a discount, the rest is up to them.

Submitted by
shogied
Apr 21,2008 4:55 a.m.

Customers asking for discountsWe live in a military town and since my husband and I were both in the Navy, we give a 10% military discount. They don't have to show us proof. We take their word. I've had a lot of people be honest and tell me they aren't military but ask if there is any other discount for them. Ugh! Lately I've been giving them a coupon for a discount on their next purchase. At least that gets them back, and if not, it was only wasted paper and a warm smile.

I don't know what people are thinking. I guess it goes back to everyone having financial problems right now.



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