Discussion:Fee - discount vs. no charge
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Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> Fee - discount vs. no charge
| October 5, 2007 | |
| I'm doing a little extra work for a client, and I told them I would not charge for my time. My question is: Do you think it is better to show the bill with a discount for this time or to have a line below the regular billing that indicates the time and "no charge"? | |
| 5 October 2007 | |
| The answer is : It depends.
Depends upon what type of client it is and how they usually react to your discussions with them. If it's a client that usually appreciates your time, follows your advice, DOESN'T hassle you over the fees you charge - then I say indicate "No Charge". If it's one that is picayune about everything you do, then show the "discount". | |
| 5 October 2007 | |
| Can't advise you about this time, but for the future, try playing the game of pretending you are a retail store; would you ever give something away totally free, or would you at least try to cover your cost of the good? I've gotten stricter over the years as I've seen how an unbilled matter is really never recovered: i.e. all we have is our time. | |
| October 5, 2007 | |
| Thank you U.S. Crow, in this particular situation the client has been paying my regular rate on an hourly basis. It is a nonprofit organization, and I felt that this one-time issue warranted no charge. While they are happy with my services and have not complained about fees, they do need to watch their budget. I don't think I would have done it if I had previously "written off" time on the account. | |
Tonymontana (talk|edits) said: | 5 October 2007 |
| You should have a client appreciation day for those who pay bills on time with no complaints. Maybe a gift certificate to something. | |
Inagpurwala (talk|edits) said: | 9 October 2007 |
| I use "Discount" line to show amount not charged. That way client will know exact fee(s) for services and actual amount client is paying.Inagpurwala 14:57, 9 October 2007 (CDT) | |
| 9 October 2007 | |
| I was thinking about this in regards to family members. Most family members are really appreciative of the free work we do, and give us things like baked goods as a thank you gift. But I'm sure a lot of us have those family members who don't value what we do and just expect freebies. I was thinking about showing the full price that a regular client would be charged, and then discounting the fee for such family members.
I would consider doing the same for that client of yours Nat, just so s/he knows the value of your work. But I think it wouldn't really matter whichever way your present the invoice. | |
| 9 October 2007 | |
| I usually show the discount. That way, they have an idea of additional fees next time when it's billable. | |
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