Staff friends and family discount?

[TweezerHappy]

I'm not sure what to do about this one.

I'm renting a room in a small personal training studio for eyelash extensions. I'm giving the owner and the personal trainers a very big discount so that clients can see the lashes.

One of the trainers has asked if their friends and family will get a discount and how much.

What do you think? Would you give them a discount?

 

[bourbonsbabe]

No I wouldn't give their friend & family a discount. You have a legitimate business reason for giving them a discount to put your wares on show but the idea is to bring you business not generate more discounted services!! HTH

 

[izzidoll]

Personally I wouldn't!
Surely the whole point of giving them the discount is so that their family and friends and clients see them and book with you!
Do they give you and your family and friends discount for personal training? I doubt it.

Rather than saying a blunt No though you could soften it by offerring something like after they pay full price for a set of lashes they get the first infill half price, but a flat rate discount would just be too much, you are trying to build your business after all. HTH

 

[xxhaylzxx]

No dont discount their friends and family you are not a charity. Discount the members of staff as they are going to be your adverisement but other than that full price! xx

 

[TweezerHappy]

My first instinct was to say no too, but the person that has asked can talk a lot. She's been really good at talking up my lashes. She's also the studio manager while the owner is on maternity leave.

My hubby suggested offering a discount on a gift voucher but not as much as the staff get. The member of staff would have to buy it in advance so that I wouldn't forget to discount but more so that I'd know it's not random people. IYGWIM

 

[Redchick]

This is a slippery slope. Will all the new people you give discount to then feel you will give their friends discount? Where does it end? Will discounted clients produce more discounted clients?

How well is giving the staff big discounts working for you? Maybe think about changing your discount scheme because you can't see who is getting you the most clients and whose getting you none. I used to do hairdressers at a massively discounted rate then give them a free top up everytime they referred 2 clients. I think it's also important to let people know the discounts are not forever, just a special offer.

I would't discount the new people. If they really want it they'll pay for it. Maybe offer them a free top up if they get you 2 or 3 referalls.

 

[TweezerHappy]

Ok, not going to give staff friends and family discounts. That was my first thought so going to stick with it.

Now I've just got to word that in a nice way.

 

[Martigirl]

good decision xxxx

 

[Velveteen]

There's only one word you can use.

And that's no.

How they take it is THEIR problem.

I get really sick of people who seek discounts. I show no mercy.

Charge what you're worth! :twisted:

 

[Purple Rose]

You'll be continuously giving discounts if you let them, so good on you for not doing it.

 

[NIKKIhair]

If you are going to give them a discount give them a coupon for a amount/percentage off. That way if they do really like it you won't always have to give them the discount.

 

[TweezerHappy]

I said no. I didn't reply to her email until the next day. She also asked when I was free this week so I just said, "Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Sorry, lashes aren't on discount to friends and family. I'm pretty busy this week but free Saturday morning." and that was it. Short and, hopefully, sweet.