When a customer asks you to drop your price, don't cave straight away and don't get defensive. Hold the number, briefly explain what it includes, and if they still can't stretch, offer to reduce the scope rather than the rate. Dropping your price the moment you're asked teaches customers your quote was never real.
"Can you do it any cheaper?" You'll hear it on every other job. Some people haggle out of habit, some genuinely can't stretch, and a few are chancing it. Your job is to hold your worth without being awkward about it.
Why you shouldn't drop the price the second you're asked
If you knock £200 off the moment someone flinches, you've just told them two things: your first price was made up, and you'll fold under a bit of pressure. Worse, that's the story they tell their mates — "get him in, he'll come down."
Your price reflects your skill, your overheads, your insurance, your guarantee and the fact you'll actually turn up. That's worth saying out loud.
Hold the number, explain the value
When the pushback comes, stay relaxed and back yourself: "I get it — it's a fair bit of money. That price covers proper materials, the work done right, and me standing behind it if anything's not spot on." You're not arguing, you're reminding them what they're paying for.
Change the scope, not the rate
If they genuinely can't reach your number, don't discount your labour — give them less work for less money:
- Let them handle the bits you don't need to do — clearing the room, disposing of waste, decorating after.
- Phase the job — do the essential now, the nice-to-haves later.
- Offer a cheaper materials option, and be clear about the trade-off.
This protects your day rate. The price comes down because the job got smaller, not because you're worth less.
If you do choose to move, get something back
Sometimes a small gesture wins a good customer. Fine — but make it a trade, not a giveaway. "I can do that price if you can pay the deposit today" or "…if you're flexible on dates." You hold your value and they feel they've got a deal.
Know your walk-away number
Before you quote, know the price below which the job isn't worth your time. Once you've got that number in your head, saying no is easy — because working for nothing is worse than not working. There's always another job; there's only one you.