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Lowering Prices (for Specials) - Would it p*** off old Customers?

by GeorgR.
11 replies
Sometimes i toy with the idea to have limited sales running where i sell products lower than usual, as an incentive to buy.

But then i think its not fair because many other customers bought at full price. What do you think?
#customers #lowering #prices #specials
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Ambrose
    Been there, done that (lowered the price).. it did NOT go down well with past buyers.

    I also have experience as an early buyer of software only to find a week later I could have got it cheaper. I wasn't too pleased.

    You can however do something to "satisfy" past buyers and that is at the same time as offering discount on the product they have already bought, you can offer them a members only offer for something else. That way, they will be content with "previously getting in early".

    Just a thought.

    Daniel
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Chris
      Originally Posted by mm365 View Post

      Been there, done that (lowered the price).. it did NOT go down well with past buyers.

      I also have experience as an early buyer of software only to find a week later I could have got it cheaper. I wasn't too pleased.
      Curious about the details if you are willing to reveal...

      Subscribers / complainers
      Normal price / discount price

      Also, when you bought... how much was the software... what was it discounted to... did they give a reason... did you contact them?

      Might shed some light on it.

      Thanks,
      Michael
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      Internet Business Is Like An Onion... It Has Many Layers... And Sometimes It Stinks.
      Cook it for awhile in some nice butter or olive oil and you might be onto something!

      Money is Attracted to Movement (aka Action)
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom B
    Banned
    Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

    Sometimes i toy with the idea to have limited sales running where i sell products lower than usual, as an incentive to buy.

    But then i think its not fair because many other customers bought at full price. What do you think?
    I would say it depends on how long ago they purchased. It is insane for people to think they purchased a product a year ago and then complain if you run a sale. I would follow a lot of the retail chains and offer money back to those that purchased at full value within a month of the sale.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Chris
        Any way to segment the list at this point using past sales data? Might cut down on some complaints.

        Your products... your price. That's how I feel about it. I have paid a higher price only to see a lower one later... ultimately, it is their price to change.

        Of course, you have to consider past buyers reactions, but prices are constantly changing in the real world and usually people just grin and bear it... it's funny how they get more bent out of shape online.

        -Michael
        Signature
        Internet Business Is Like An Onion... It Has Many Layers... And Sometimes It Stinks.
        Cook it for awhile in some nice butter or olive oil and you might be onto something!

        Money is Attracted to Movement (aka Action)
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        • Profile picture of the author Jillian Slack
          Yes! It would make me angry if I had purchased prior to the drop.

          Why not add something of value for the new clients? They would get your super-duper special report, mp3, whatever. Instead of taking away (price drop), add to it (something of value).

          And, while you're at it, send a note to your PREVIOUS clients with that freebie attached. That way, they receive it, too, so they won't be angry that the newbies got something they weren't able to receive.

          Plus it will build your relationship with your previous clients. They'll appreciate getting a surprise from you, especially if it's quality content.
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          • Profile picture of the author Tom B
            Banned
            Originally Posted by Jillian Slack View Post

            Yes! It would make me angry if I had purchased prior to the drop.

            Why not add something of value for the new clients? They would get your super-duper special report, mp3, whatever. Instead of taking away (price drop), add to it (something of value).

            And, while you're at it, send a note to your PREVIOUS clients with that freebie attached. That way, they receive it, too, so they won't be angry that the newbies got something they weren't able to receive.

            Plus it will build your relationship with your previous clients. They'll appreciate getting a surprise from you, especially if it's quality content.
            Am I suppose to just keep my prices the same just because you purchased 6 months ago?

            Sorry but I won't let anyone dictate what I do in my business. If you expect me to keep my prices the same no matter when you purchased than I wouldn't want you as a customer.

            I have yet to see any retail company do as you stated.
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  • Profile picture of the author dean_holland
    Hi ..

    Im with Thomas above

    The last thing you want to do is start dropping the price soon after people have been buying at full price recently.

    Yes I cant see why after say a year if sales have dropped then sure its ok to drop the price

    Dean
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    Follow My Journey To Online Success > www.DeanHolland.com
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  • Profile picture of the author matthewd
    Some people might be mad... but it's the way the world works.

    I bought a new phone 2 months ago for $250... this month it is $70.

    On the flip side I just happened to catch a $1,800 TV for $900 last
    fall because I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Flip it over...

      If you raise your price, should people who bought at the new, higher price be upset that earlier buyers got to pay less, and expect you to compensate them for that somehow?
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    • Profile picture of the author kf
      There's no reason not to do this.

      You can segment your list with aweber into 'prospects' and 'customers'. When the product is purchased, they are encouraged (bribed) to opt-in and I have the list set so that it deletes them from my 'prospect' list when they opt-in to the 'customer' list. I bribe them saying they need to be registered for customer-service, or they receive an additional bonus, etc.

      Single opt-in wouldn't require as many hoops.

      So when I run a sale, my previous customers don't even see the promotion. Easy breezy.

      My question though this morning was - how do I deal with those customers who don't opt-in to the 'customer' list and continue to sit on the 'prospect' list. Can anyone tell me how they deal with that? Hand-prune them? And if so, how do you stay on top of it?
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      Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything. ~ Alexander Hamilton
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