On 1/1/2004, Wood Yi wrote: "And when you say 'most retailers would let the $20 slip', tell me one retailer that would go for this?"
I'm sorry I took so long to read your response, Wood. Actually, alot of retailers would let the $20 slip. I know this from experience, after having once worked in several retail locations in the past. This included a small jewelry store and a small clothing retailer. Admittedly, I don't imagine that big retailers like Bloomingdales or Walmart would allow haggling, but the average "mom and pop" store might, based on the industry that they are in, the number of competitors, and their profit margin on the disputed good or service. Also, I know that many brokers and agents will allow negotiations on their commissions. I think economists would consider this a form of "price discrimination." As I have pointed out, marketers call this "response to consumer elasticity" or "peak user pricing." Airlines and phone companies charge different rates to different customers all the time, so it's obviously not illegal.
Consider the fact that "professional companionship" has fairly low overhead expenses, a high degree of competition, and is obviously not a business that is operated by any large companies. It is more of a cottage industry (apartment industry?). Given these circumstances, it would have been wise for the provider to take my $280 dollars. At least it would have shown some reasonability and understanding, thus hopefully ensuring a repeat visit. This would have been an investment and a gamble, but a prudent one. When a wise retailer is faced with a disgruntled customer, they usually offer to compensate with coupons, refunds, freebies, etc. That's a rational gamble as well, because word-of-mouth can make or break a business. No one wants to be badmouthed by customers; isn't that why TER is here in the first place?
Well, anyway, I think this goes well beyond beating a dead horse. In fact I think we've raped the poor horse's corpse. Just the same, let me know what you think.
but I have hired a fulltime secretary..who has made my life much more organized,leaving me with freetime...I had to say something .I did not see the original thread..but I keep my prices low..sometimes I lose money(incall) so I am going up alittle for incall to cover cost of room..but if someone haggled my prices I would feel they felt I was not worth what I asked for..I would feel slighted.i had a reg..who always ,always shorted me..yes I liked him..yes he was clean and nice..but he felt now that we were "friends"he should not have to pay what others did..he would consistantly turn 1hour apt into 2..and still not leave the donation for 1 full hour...i had to stop seeing him..I feel bad but I wont see him because I am left with the feeling I had been duped.always..so dont haggle..if its too much..dont buy it...save for purchases that you really want..time with a great provider
-- Modified on 1/3/2004 12:14:33 PM
Don't stop!
Don't stop!
Don't stop!
Don't stop!
...
...and in this instance I completely agree with what you have to say. I find negotiating unsettling, and setting both parties up for a poor experience. My philosophy is that I don't negotite rates and the provider should not negotiate services (meaning that she meets my needs with those items I enjoy and require on a "date").
I saw your original post on this subject and can understand your frustration. You made an honest mistake...but the mistake was yours and yours alone. When you booked the appointment you agreed to her rates. What if you arrived and she told you the session would now be $320 instead of $300? I doubt the $20 was the issue, just the principal. Perhaps she had heard it all before and simply refused to negotiate her rates. Period.
Yes, you traveled a long way to see her...but she set that hour aside for you. She could have booked the time with someone else who would have paid the full rate. You think she should have cut her losses and accepted the $280? That would be up to her but perhaps she felt there was no way this session was going to go well at this point. Like I stated I can understand your frustration but you should be upset with yourself, I don't see where you can place any blame on the provider.
BTW, I own a retail/services business, and if you were an established customer I would accept your word that you would send me the $20 when you returned home. If you walked in the door for the first time and offered $280 for $300 worth of product/services I would have to politely decline. Of course I have given discounts but it would be for a loyal customer and we would have to be talking about a much larger transaction.
I must admit I live in a different universe. Except for a few “industries” such as car dealers and garage sales, I don’t know very many places where I can walk into a merchant and say, “Hi, I think I should get 10% off the prices you have posted, just because I might come back sometime else (and try to talk you down 20% as a repeat customer)”, and expect to be well received. Maybe AFTER I was a steady customer, or was going in to buy in a larger than customary quantity. But not as a starting proposition.
Why would you expect a Lady to be more agreeable? What is it about your business with her that is worth a discount?
As a first timer (non-repeat provider), I always, repeat always, expect to pay the asking price. If you can't afford the best grocery store in your neighborhood, shop somewhere else. Has anyone gotten a discount from the grocery store tey have shopped at for weeks? I doubt it. And no, I'm not in the grocery store business, just trying to get an analogy that we all can relate to.
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