Giving Discounts for Computer Repairs

I have seen a few posts in recent days on forums talking about giving discounts to your computer clients and here is a principle that is good to go by concerning discounts.

Do not discount your computer repair charges, you can give it away for free or you can charge full price but you should never discount. If you discount you are setting the standard for the clients, ‘lowered the bar’ are they will expect the discounted prices next time as they are one of your “loyal clients”.

In some cases discounting is ok, but only if it is warranted such as a slip-up on your behalf where the client “shouldn’t be punished” for your mistake.

If you are going to give anything away, make it for free and let them know its for free. It is only recommended you do so with clients that have paid for many jobs at full price in the past. Most clients don’t even see a “discount” as a favor too them as it makes them wonder how much money there is left that they are not negotiating off you.

Be sure not to give away freebies too often though as you can quickly find yourself in the situation of trying to get your client to get used to paying again. One favor will turn into another and another if you are not careful.

When I was first starting out 4 years ago, my hourly price was much lower than it is today and I have kept many clients since then. I used to charge these clients at the original rate from when I was first starting out as they were the “originals”. However, this was quickly becoming more trouble than it was worth as they would call me over frequently for trivial things and even though it was work, it was quite low paying and it was time I could have spent with a higher paying client. So I bumped up the client’s price and they didn’t say anything, I bumped them up again to today’s prices and they still had no problems with it.

In fact, they know of other computer repair technicians that are cheaper than me; however they remain loyal to me even after the price increase.

In conclusion, charge full price or charge nothing (and make sure they know about it), but do not discount your prices.