Client asks to lower fee

[bobby jones]

I just received an email from a pretty good client. I recently done an appraisal on a condo owned by an appraiser. My fees have been the same for four years, and the client has never in the past questioned them. Below is what the email said. How would you reply?

PS The difference is $25.

Bobby:



Is there any way to do this one for $zzz fee? That’s what zzz company’s firm charges for these types of appraisals. It might be tough to explain the difference.



Thanks,



XXXXX

 

[Brockway]

I would give them the $25 discount if, and only if, they are a good long-term client. It seems like a silly request but you can look like a good guy by giving them this discount as a professional courtesy on one file because you understand their situation. They will probably remember this favor when they assign the next order.

 

[JRS at OBX]

I don't mind giving a 1 time discount to a good client.

 

[Smokey Bear]

Betcha the competition does comp checks, and completes jobs in less than 24 hours, meaning they're cutting corners right and left.

 

[Lawrence R.]

Stop the bus! I want to get off!

Betcha the competition does comp checks, and completes jobs in less than 24 hours, meaning they're cutting corners right and left.

Betcha you just went from 25 dollars to skippy in 2.7 seconds...

That was quite a leap for a simple request for a 25 dollar discount.

Unless the OP is only charging 200 in the first place....

Whatcha doin in that bus SMOKEY? It may have you a tad paraniod...

 

[Suz-E]

I just received an email from a pretty good client. I recently done an appraisal on a condo owned by an appraiser. My fees have been the same for four years, and the client has never in the past questioned them. Below is what the email said. How would you reply?

PS The difference is $25.

Bobby:



Is there any way to do this one for $zzz fee? That’s what zzz company’s firm charges for these types of appraisals. It might be tough to explain the difference.


Thanks,



XXXXX

(My red)

Exactly WHO is he referring to? The appraiser that owns the condo? If that's the case, why on earth does Mr. Client care what he charges for an appraisal. Every company is different. That's not of your concern. What you charge is what you charge. If he's concerned it might be tough for him to explain your fee, he needs a backbone or a new job. Tell him to knock $25 bucks off his commission if he's so concerned.

 

[stefan olafson]

Figure out how many beaver pelts it takes to do the job and make a profit, taking Ray's view on this. It doesn't matter if zzz company charges less or more! What would happen if the same client came back again and said, "in fact company zzz appraised the property a day before you and they came in $79,000 higher."

Would you change your opinion of value??????

 

[Kevin Keck]

I'd change the fee in heart beat. I'm assuming that this is a one time deal and this person doesn't want to disclose to the other appraiser (homeowner) the normal fee your company collects. I'd gladly eat $25.00 on one appraisal to maintain a good relationship with the client.

 

[Ray Miller]

This Saturday night: On come on sweetie just this one time.

Next Saturday night: But you did it last week? Why not this week?

Month later: We been doing it for a while, lets do it a few more times?

Three months later: Honey, I got a problem, its time to pay the fiddler. I need someone to support me now.

Figure you cost of doing business and your profit and stick to your rates. The next time you go in to see your doctor, I him/her if they will get their fees this one time?

 

[PropertyEconomics]

For $25 bucks Id match their fee and steal their business .... isnt that the way we are suppose to operate these days?