How do you negotiate with clients who ask for a lower fee?

Asked by: Elva Harvey  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (65 votes)

4 Things to Do When Clients Pressure You for Lower Fees
  1. Don't backtrack.
  2. Don't start talking cost structure.
  3. Ask, "Which part don't you want?"
  4. Don't dismiss the buyer when they push back.

How to negotiate a fee reduction?

Here are six lessons I've learned that can help you score a great deal.
  1. Be friendly, but firm.
  2. Be perceptive, not presumptuous.
  3. Know more, pay less.
  4. Be frugal, not cheap.
  5. Act decisively, not hastily.
  6. Set limits, not limitations.

What is the 70/30 rule in negotiation?

The rule of thumb here is to listen 70% of the time and talk the other 30%. Ask them what they want and then listen hard to the answer. Let them explain their point to you and then summarize back what you heard to make sure both sides are thinking about the point the same way.

How to tell a client you can't lower the price?

You should say it politely but firmly and without too much of an explanation. “I'm sorry but it is impossible to lower my hourly rate at this moment.” “I'm sorry but there is no possibility to reduce the price for this functionality.” Your price i...

How do you negotiate fees with clients?

  1. 1 Know your worth. Before you enter any negotiation, you need to know your worth and how to communicate it. ...
  2. 2 Understand the client's needs. ...
  3. 3 Offer options and flexibility. ...
  4. 4 Be prepared to walk away. ...
  5. 5 Practice and improve. ...
  6. 6 Here's what else to consider.

How to Negotiate with Clients Who Ask for a Lower Fee

23 related questions found

How to haggle price down?

How to Haggle for Almost Anything
  1. Talk less, listen more. ...
  2. Show confidence. ...
  3. Know when to walk away. ...
  4. Timing is key. ...
  5. Consider how the deal looks from the other side. ...
  6. Is there a flaw with your purchase? ...
  7. Launch a charm offensive. ...
  8. Don't give up.

How do you explain fees to clients?

Show clients a detailed breakdown of fees and services to demonstrate the value you're providing. Outline your fees and expenses clearly and completely. Highlighting the specific benefits and outcomes they can expect from your services will reassure them that their money is well spent.

What is a polite way to ask for a lower price?

One possible phrase to use when negotiating a lower price is, “Is there any wiggle room on the price?” This phrase politely asks if the seller is willing to negotiate.

How do you respond to a customer asking for a lower price?

How to respond to a customer's price negotiation request
  1. State your least price and include variables. ...
  2. Ask them about their reason for negotiating and listen actively. ...
  3. Discuss the simplest issues first. ...
  4. Trade discounts for concessions. ...
  5. Convince them of the value of your product. ...
  6. Negotiate for as long as possible.

What is a better way to say price reduced?

  1. advantageously.
  2. at a bargain price.
  3. at a discount.
  4. cheap.
  5. dirt-cheap.
  6. discounted.
  7. moderately.
  8. on sale.

What is the golden rule of negotiation?

The first Golden Rule is essential to success in any negotiation: Information Is Power—So Get It! It's critical to ask questions and get as much relevant information as you can throughout the negotiation process. You need sufficient information to set aggressive, realistic goals and to evaluate the other side's goals.

What is the 80 20 rule in negotiation?

Most people succeed or fail in a negotiation based on how well-prepared they are (or are not!). We adhere to the 80/20 rule – 80% of negotiation is preparation and 20% is the actual negotiation with the other party.

What is a reasonable amount to negotiate?

Typically, you can negotiate about 5-10% above a salary offer. How do you negotiate salary without losing the offer? You can negotiate salary without losing an offer by ensuring you're not over-negotiating beyond a range the recruiter has told you about and that your ask aligns with the market rate for the role.

How to ask for lower fees?

Top eight phrases to use when negotiating a lower price
  1. All I have in my budget is X.
  2. What would your cash price be?
  3. How far can you come down in price to meet me?
  4. What? or Wow.
  5. Is that the best you can do?
  6. Ill give you X if we can close the deal now.
  7. Ill agree to this price if you.
  8. Your competitor offers.

How do I request a fee reduction?

I am writing this letter to request you for a fee concession. (Give the reason why you cannot pay the fees). Kindly consider my request and grant a fee concession for (mention the duration). (Thank the addressee for their time and consideration).

How do you negotiate without offending?

How To Negotiate Without Offending Others
  1. Listening: Let The Other Person Talk. ...
  2. Empathizing: Understand Their Feelings. ...
  3. Asking Questions: Clarify What They Want. ...
  4. Offering a Compromise: Find a Middle Ground. ...
  5. Conclusion.

When your client asks to do it cheaper?

Make the response personalized
  1. Acknowledge the question. As challenging as it is to answer a question about your pricing, it's important not to despair. ...
  2. Describe behind-the-scenes work. ...
  3. Showcase your expertise. ...
  4. Explore alternative pricing options. ...
  5. Don't be afraid to say no when your client asks if you can do it cheaper.

What to say when a client says you are too expensive?

Embrace what the client has said, and agree with them: “yes, you can get this done for less from someone else. In fact, if this isn't a good fit, then that's alright.” Then, pivot: “But, if things should change on your end, and you're not receiving the quality of work you want, please reach back out.”

How do you respond to a client's request of price discount?

Effective responses include demonstrating value, adding deal value, inquiring why the discount is needed, and quid pro quo negotiations. Offer month-to-month options or explain fixed pricing policies as alternatives to discounts to maintain deal attractiveness.

What is the word for asking for a lower price?

To haggle is to negotiate or argue over something, usually a price. You can haggle at a flea market or anywhere where the price of items is flexible.

How do you say prices are negotiable?

Your current price doesn't cover (include reasons why the price should be negotiated). I hope you can understand our reasons for wanting to negotiate the price and are willing to work with us. We have the basis of a strong partnership if we can agree on a price.

How to bargain properly?

Start 25% to 30% lower than the listed offer or the first offer. A good rule of thumb is to take whatever the first offer is, quarter it, and begin the bargaining process there. Hack off a half from the first offer and you risk insulting the vendor. Hack off only 10% and you're less likely to get a killer deal.

How do you convince a client to pay a fee?

8 Simple Ways to Encourage Debtors to Pay on Time
  1. Build Strong Client Relationships. ...
  2. Set Clear Payment Terms. ...
  3. Invoice Promptly. ...
  4. Make it Easier for Clients to Pay. ...
  5. Consider Offering Incentives for Early Payments. ...
  6. Implement Penalties and Late Payment Fees for Slow-Paying Clients. ...
  7. Keep in Touch and Send Friendly Reminders.

How do you explain convenience fees to customers?

Here are three scripts you may want to use to notify your customers about an upcoming convenience fee: In-person: “There will be a $3 flat fee for online payments and credit cards. Would you like to use cash or another form of payment?” Online: “By selecting 'credit,' you agree to pay a $3 convenience fee.”

How do you justify service fees?

Offer exceptional service: Since customers know they are paying a service charge, their expectations for service quality will likely increase. Focus on providing exceptional service to justify the added cost and enhance guest satisfaction.