When sending out letters to potential customers...

4 replies
When sending out letters to potential customers, to bring in leads and responses. Is it best to state the prices of your service? My website doesn't state prices, rather gives out contact information. I want to send out a letter offering my services, (website design) and I want to knock another 50% off to bring in new customers. However I'm afraid that if I state $500 instead of $1000 which is usually what I offer that the letter itself will turn the customer away from checking out my website and the work we do.

What would be the best approach for this?

I was thinking rather than stating a price, create a coupon code with 50% off and have them call in to apply it. That way they can still check out the website and if they're curious they can email or call us and we can take it from there.
#customers #letters #potential #sending
  • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
    I would suggest along with a letter you put a website where you create a video that educates them quickly on your process so they will call and already be completely informed. Most people learn well through visual.
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  • Profile picture of the author Corey Geer
    Well, I will chime in with my advice on "pricing".

    Your price will ultimately determine the kind of clientele you end up working for and with. Contrary to popular belief, less is actually expected out of you the higher the client paying actually is.

    Low rent clients will typically not be happy with work produced, want free revisions and edits and they're the first people to try to charge back. They can't afford to hire anyone else, so they're extremely picky and will have no problem making your job a nightmare. Plus, when they run out of money, they'll want to do a "joint venture" rather than pay you for services. It's not fun, I would avoid the low-tier cost of freelancing at all costs.

    As for your initial question, why in the world 50%? That seems like a HUGE chunk of money you're losing. I understand you want to give them a discount but that just seems like WAY too much.

    The large hosting and web design sites usually have a "Coupon code" that you can enter into the website and then it'll show them the reduced price. There is a reason the majority of these firms don't display their prices on the website, pricing does tend to scare people away but it's a sales tactic to instead tell them the price.

    This is kind of like a peer pressure sales tactic because no one likes saying "oh no, I can't afford that."

    It's what our local restaurant here does. Their prices are insanely high but it's a popular place to bring a date. So what happens when first timers bringing their date there see the prices? After they pick their jaw up off the ground, they naturally pay for it anyways to avoid the embarrassment of saying "oh, let's go somewhere else, I can't afford this place."
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    • Profile picture of the author LivingCali758
      Originally Posted by Corey Geer View Post

      Well, I will chime in with my advice on "pricing".

      Your price will ultimately determine the kind of clientele you end up working for and with. Contrary to popular belief, less is actually expected out of you the higher the client paying actually is.

      Low rent clients will typically not be happy with work produced, want free revisions and edits and they're the first people to try to charge back. They can't afford to hire anyone else, so they're extremely picky and will have no problem making your job a nightmare. Plus, when they run out of money, they'll want to do a "joint venture" rather than pay you for services. It's not fun, I would avoid the low-tier cost of freelancing at all costs.

      As for your initial question, why in the world 50%? That seems like a HUGE chunk of money you're losing. I understand you want to give them a discount but that just seems like WAY too much.

      The large hosting and web design sites usually have a "Coupon code" that you can enter into the website and then it'll show them the reduced price. There is a reason the majority of these firms don't display their prices on the website, pricing does tend to scare people away but it's a sales tactic to instead tell them the price.

      This is kind of like a peer pressure sales tactic because no one likes saying "oh no, I can't afford that."

      It's what our local restaurant here does. Their prices are insanely high but it's a popular place to bring a date. So what happens when first timers bringing their date there see the prices? After they pick their jaw up off the ground, they naturally pay for it anyways to avoid the embarrassment of saying "oh, let's go somewhere else, I can't afford this place."

      well quite honestly, I started this business about 3 months ago and although my website, hosting, and everything that I do is well worth over $1,000. I want to built my portfolio and I figured by offering low prices and going above and beyond a few times will help build my client list and then I can slowly start standing more firm with my prices.

      However, personally whenever I see 50% off anything it makes me wonder about the quality of the service provided so it concerns me to offer the same thing.
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    • Profile picture of the author startup
      Originally Posted by Corey Geer View Post

      Well, I will chime in with my advice on "pricing".

      Your price will ultimately determine the kind of clientele you end up working for and with. Contrary to popular belief, less is actually expected out of you the higher the client paying actually is.

      Low rent clients will typically not be happy with work produced, want free revisions and edits and they're the first people to try to charge back. They can't afford to hire anyone else, so they're extremely picky and will have no problem making your job a nightmare. Plus, when they run out of money, they'll want to do a "joint venture" rather than pay you for services. It's not fun, I would avoid the low-tier cost of freelancing at all costs.

      As for your initial question, why in the world 50%? That seems like a HUGE chunk of money you're losing. I understand you want to give them a discount but that just seems like WAY too much.

      The large hosting and web design sites usually have a "Coupon code" that you can enter into the website and then it'll show them the reduced price. There is a reason the majority of these firms don't display their prices on the website, pricing does tend to scare people away but it's a sales tactic to instead tell them the price.

      This is kind of like a peer pressure sales tactic because no one likes saying "oh no, I can't afford that."

      It's what our local restaurant here does. Their prices are insanely high but it's a popular place to bring a date. So what happens when first timers bringing their date there see the prices? After they pick their jaw up off the ground, they naturally pay for it anyways to avoid the embarrassment of saying "oh, let's go somewhere else, I can't afford this place."
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      I agree with these observations....if you position yourself as a discount operation you will get lower end clients at best who will be exceptionally demanding..after all didn't you almost beg for the business by cutting your prices in advance?

      And these clients generally don't have a budget..they will throw a small amount of money at a project and expect immediate and permanent success with no monthly investment

      Would a top flight plastic surgeon or lawyer send out a promotion to new prospective clients/ patients with a 50% off offer ?

      If I received that I would think (rightfully) that they really need business..so must have not have much business ...because they must not be very good at what they do

      Turn that around, charge more and you will be happier and work with more professional la and financially capable clients

      Try it...I know it works from years of experience

      Dr B
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      Maverick Arbitrage Secrets - If you can follow a simple, step by step blueprint, you can start your own Product Arbitrage Business, starting with ZERO cash, today! http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...inventory.html

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