I am entitled to be compensated properly for my LABOR and to call out time-wasting douchebags who haggle over rates. I do not however think that I am entitled to other people's labor at a discount simply because I am who I am, or to waste people's time whose labor I refuse to pay the going rate for by contacting them to complain about their rates. There is actually a big difference and I don't really care if you're too obtuse to recognize it.
Originally Posted by spicyzoey
First, I am not singling Zoey out... just using her post because she has verbalized what a lot of ladies think!
I am entitled to be compensated properly for my time. BUT, I do not think it is a great idea to call out time wasters who haggle over price.
I actually believe that anyone is entitled to ask me if I give a discount. Asking is fine... it is part of the free market system. If you can get a discount, good for you!
But, I don't call them out for it. It seems to present me to potential customers (not the one I am calling out but to others who might read what I am saying) in a less favorable light. And, if one is not worried about how one presents themselves, then you do not understand marketing!
I want all potential customers to see me as approachable. I refer many to my website and ask them to read the FAQs and Etiquette under the Consideration tab. That does a lot of screening for me... screening those potential clients who may find that I am not the girl for them!
From my FAQs section:
Q .
Are your rates negotiable or do you run specials? A. I appreciate your interest but my rates are absolutely non-negotiable. I pride myself on being a quality companion and my rates reflect that.
If they still ask, I simply say, in private, "I am sorry, but I do not have a discounted rate." If they get insulting with something like "you are too high for your age!" Then I politely say, "I am sorry you feel that way. Others have not felt the same way. Thank you for writing." Then I end it. Not more replies, no posting about them being a timewaster, no wasting of my time worrying about them... I just move on.
Smooch!
Lea