The Discount Request Response Swipe File

Hi [Name],

Thank you for being upfront about this. I appreciate that.

My pricing for this project is [price]. That is not something I can move on, because the scope we discussed is exactly what that investment covers.

What I can do is make sure every pound (or dollar) of that lands well. I put together a breakdown of exactly what you get and when, so there are no surprises. Want me to send that over?

Let me know either way.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I hear you. Budget conversations are always worth having.

I want to be straight with you: the [price] reflects [specific deliverable 1], [specific deliverable 2], and [specific deliverable 3]. That scope is what gets you from [current state] to [desired outcome].

If I cut the price, something from that list has to come out. I would rather talk about what matters most to you than remove things arbitrarily and leave the project weaker.

What would you say is the non-negotiable part of the work?

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I want to work with you, so let me offer a practical route.

If the full project at [price] is not workable right now, here is what I can do at [reduced price]:

[Deliverable 1]
[Deliverable 2]

What I would remove from the original scope:

[Item removed]
[Item removed]

The work I have described above is still strong and will move the needle on [goal]. It is just a more contained version.

If that works, let me know and I will update the proposal. If you need the full scope, [original price] is the number.

Either way, I am happy to talk it through.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I cannot change the price, but I can change how it is structured if that helps.

Instead of [full amount] upfront, I can do:

[Amount] on signing
[Amount] at the midpoint
[Amount] on completion

The total stays the same. The cashflow pressure is lighter.

Would that work for you?

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

One option worth considering: we start with Phase 1 only.

Phase 1 would cover [specific deliverable] for [Phase 1 price]. It gives you [specific outcome] without the full commitment upfront. We can pick up Phase 2 in [timeframe] when the budget is ready.

Some clients prefer this because they see real results before committing to the bigger number. Others prefer to do it all at once and move faster. Both are valid.

What would suit you best?

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I want to make sure we are looking at this from the right angle.

The [price] investment covers [scope]. If it delivers [outcome], what does that outcome mean for your revenue? For most of my clients, [specific result type] is worth [rough range] over [timeframe].

I am not asking you to take that on faith. I can walk you through how we would track it. But I do think it is worth running that maths before treating [price] as the conversation.

Want to do that together on a quick call?

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Fair question on the price. Let me ask you one in return.

If you went with someone cheaper and it did not work, what would that cost you? The time, the opportunity, the do-over?

I am not saying that to be slick. I am saying it because I have seen it happen, and it is always more expensive than the original price.

I am confident in what I deliver and I back it with [guarantee/process/track record]. That is what the [price] reflects.

Happy to talk through the specifics if that would help.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

That makes sense. There are cheaper options out there, and some of them are decent.

The question I would ask is: what is included, and what is the experience behind it? I am not saying this to put anyone down. I am saying it because two proposals at different prices are rarely the same thing.

If you share the other quote, I am happy to tell you honestly where they compare well and where they do not. That way you can make a proper decision rather than a guess.

No pressure either way.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

That is worth knowing, thank you.

I will not try to match it. My pricing is what it is because of what I put into the work and what I know it takes to get the result you are after.

If the other option fits better for where you are right now, that is a completely valid choice. I genuinely mean that.

If you decide you want to go with me, I am here. If not, I hope it works out well for you.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

No budget is a hard stop, and I understand that.

Can I ask: is this more a timing issue or a total budget issue? Because if it is timing, there may be a way to structure something that works for both of us. If the budget simply is not there at all, I would rather know that now than have both of us waste time.

Either answer is fine. Just helps me know where we actually are.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

That is completely fair. Timing matters.

If the budget opens up in Q[X], I would love to pick this back up. I will drop you a note then if that is alright?

In the meantime, if there is anything I can answer that would help you build the case internally, I am happy to help with that. Sometimes a clear breakdown of what the work delivers is exactly what someone needs to get budget sign-off.

Just let me know.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I want to be straight with you because I think you deserve that.

I have given this a lot of thought and the answer is no on the price. Not because I do not want to work with you. Because I know what the work costs to do properly, and if I cut the price I cut what I can put in. That would not be fair to you.

[Original price] is where I am. If that works, let me know and we can get started. If not, I genuinely wish you well with it.

[Your name]

Hi [Name],

I think we have reached the end of the road on this one, and that is okay.

You need a price I cannot offer. I need a price that lets me do the work right. That gap is not a reflection on either of us.

If your situation changes, do reach out. I am easy to find.

Take care.

[Your name]

Take the template called [template name] and rewrite it for a [type of service, e.g. brand photographer / web designer / business coach]. My typical project price is [price]. The main outcome I deliver is [outcome]. My tone is [e.g. warm and direct / formal / casual]. Keep the structure but make every line sound like me, not a template.

Help me write an ROI reframe reply for a prospect who said my [price] is too high. My service is [describe service]. The typical result my clients get is [result, e.g. 30% increase in leads / a website that converts at 4%]. The prospect's business is [brief description]. Write a reply that reframes the cost as an investment without making up specific numbers I cannot back up.

I offer [full service] for [full price]. A prospect has asked for a discount. Help me design a reduced-scope version I could offer at [lower price]. My full service includes: [list what is included]. Identify which parts I could remove without breaking the core result, and write a short reply I could send to propose this option.