Influencer trying to negotiate a discount

[Pulp2000]

Hi all, this is my first post so I hope I’ve chosen the correct area to post my question.

For the past couple of months I have been in communication with a potential customer for custom-made furniture. For the latest quote I sent, the reply I received from them was a negotiated discount in exchange for ‘good press’ on social media as they have ‘millions of followers’.

We are a small husband and wife business without any other employees, we work a lot of hours, delivering high quality services and products. We’re extremely busy at the moment and unable to take on any other projects for the foreseeable, so we’re not currently using social media to generate new business.

I personally feel rather insulted that the customer feels entitled to a discount just to mention our services when past customers have recommended our services without them asking for a discount in exchange for a good word.

They have tried to negotiate a couple of quotes for different designs and they are constantly amending a design once a new quote has been written up. I’ve found I have spent a ridiculous amount of time pricing up and communicating with this customer and I’m finding it is becoming more and more difficult (even though I’ve had 25 years of customer service experience!).

I’ve written out a draft reply to send them after the weekend but I just wondered how anyone else would deal with this? Any replies would be gratefully received, thank you.

 

[fisicx]

Don’t even bother replying. For products such as yours you don’t need entitled influencers. In fact I doubt they have the following they claim. And even if they do it’s unlikely they would be interested in your products. Ignore and move on.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Irrespective of their opinion of their influence, to you they are prospects.

Treat them exactly the same as any other prospect whilst comprehensively ignoring the "influencer' drivel.

Make sure your payment terms are watertight

 

[Shopclicks]

There is a case for using influencers but this isn't it. If you're in a position to expand your business, then go looking for an influencer who can provide a positive ROI. Someone with an audience who might be interested in your product (they are out there).
Advertise when you don't need to.

 

[Mark T Jones]

There is a case for using influencers but this isn't it. If you're in a position to expand your business, then go looking for an influencer who can provide a positive ROI. Someone with an audience who might be interested in your product (they are out there).
Advertise when you don't need to.

Indeed it all comes back to the plan. If your marketing plan indicates that a certain influencer will add value, then that's a route to explore. And if you can barter their services, so much the better.

In this case there is no suggestion that it fits the plan, and far less that this particular 'influencer' will add any value.

 

[ecommerce84]

Definitely don’t give them a discount.

I’d say exactly what you’ve said on here: we currently have a full order book and waiting list so we’re not pursuing any paid advertising at this moment in time. With that in mind we aren’t able to offer a discount in return for social media exposure.

Or words to that effect.

The issue with allowing even one influencer a discount is that you’ll then alert the rest of the to the fact and you’ll be swamped with more of them asking for discounts.

I personally don’t like the whole ‘influencer’ thing but they can work for some businesses in some situations but for you, I’d stick to your guns and say no.

(Just maybe don’t say no in the way that this lady does!: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...s-influencer-cake-post-removed-Instagram.html)

 

[MOIC]

What @ecommerce84 said above.

 

[Newchodge]

Hi all, this is my first post so I hope I’ve chosen the correct area to post my question.

For the past couple of months I have been in communication with a potential customer for custom-made furniture. For the latest quote I sent, the reply I received from them was a negotiated discount in exchange for ‘good press’ on social media as they have ‘millions of followers’.

We are a small husband and wife business without any other employees, we work a lot of hours, delivering high quality services and products. We’re extremely busy at the moment and unable to take on any other projects for the foreseeable, so we’re not currently using social media to generate new business.

I personally feel rather insulted that the customer feels entitled to a discount just to mention our services when past customers have recommended our services without them asking for a discount in exchange for a good word.

They have tried to negotiate a couple of quotes for different designs and they are constantly amending a design once a new quote has been written up. I’ve found I have spent a ridiculous amount of time pricing up and communicating with this customer and I’m finding it is becoming more and more difficult (even though I’ve had 25 years of customer service experience!).

I’ve written out a draft reply to send them after the weekend but I just wondered how anyone else would deal with this? Any replies would be gratefully received, thank you.

Just say NO.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Just say NO.

Grange Hill?

 

[Newchodge]

Grange Hill?

Who? A bit after my time, I think. Wasn't there an advert that used those words?

 

[BustersDogs]

If you decide you need an influencer, you can go and find one suited to your needs. Random people contacting you might not have the target demographic you are looking for, so their big following might be 12 year old teeny boppers who can't afford bespoke furniture.
As sad above, treat them like any other client, and the reply 'I'm not looking to connect with social media influencers at this time, so no discount codes are available, however with your permission I will keep your contact details on file for the future'.

 

[johndon68]

Who? A bit after my time, I think. Wasn't there an advert that used those words?

It was a song put out by the cast of Grange Hill about saying no to drugs.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Who? A bit after my time, I think. Wasn't there an advert that used those words?

Every day is a school day!

Grange Hill Cast - Just Say No (music video)

The Grange Hill cast with the music video for their 1986 anti-drugs campaign song 'Just Say No'. Apologies for the audio quality at the beginning, but I have...

www.youtube.com

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I would give them a referral code and track responses. If you get an order via them, reward them.

This way, they can prove their reach and even end up getting the item for free (with enough referrals).

 

[marydee]

"We’re extremely busy at the moment and unable to take on any other projects for the foreseeable, so we’re not currently using social media to generate new business." This is basically your answer, isn't it? You don't need them.

Also, in relation to the 'millions of followers' - really? I work with influencers, and those with this many followers wouldn't normally have any problems securing a discount without asking as they're generally household-name celebrities!

Going forward, as @Paul Kelly ICHYB has said, if you are ever minded to work with one, then the starting point would usually be a tracking code against which you pay them an agreed fee. You don't give expensive product away unless you're absolutely sure of what you're getting in return.

 

[Porky]

@Mark T Jones oh gawd now I feel really old that Cyndy didn’t get it and you had to explain it.

Going back to bed now to lie down

 

[Newchodge]

@Mark T Jones oh gawd now I feel really old that Cyndy didn’t get it and you had to explain it.

Going back to bed now to lie down

Actually, I couldn't remember where it came from becaue my childhood television was Any Pandy, The Flowerpot Men and so on.

 

[fisicx]

Actually, I couldn't remember where it came from becaue my childhood television was Any Pandy, The Flowerpot Men and so on.

Used to watch an Oliver Postgate thing with knitted characters on a small blue planet. Can’t remember what it was called though.

 

[Porky]

@Newchodge Cyndy
Sounds like a load of old flobadob to me

Although, Being an influencer sounds like fun, it’s mind boggling how that actually became a thing now isn’t it.

“Thanks for your bespoke furniture quote but you need to give me a massive discount because I’m an influencer”

Just brilliant

 

[Newchodge]

@Newchodge Cyndy
Sounds like a load of old flobadob to me

Although, Being an influencer sounds like fun, it’s mind boggling how that actually became a thing now isn’t it.

“Thanks for your bespoke furniture quote but you need to give me a massive discount because I’m an influencer”

Just brilliant

What really boggles my mind is the number of people who are influenced! Mad.

 

[JLondon]

The fact they’re negotiating and tryna get a discount means they’re probably not of any great influence.

Can you post your company so we can check it out and give some better advice

 

[fisicx]

Can you post your company so we can check it out and give some better advice

Details are in their profile.

 

[JLondon]

Details are in their profile.

That was way too many clicks but thanks

 

[JLondon]

I’d say focus on improving your website and probably socials etc before giving away anything to an influencer.

Start documenting and filming your builds.
Upload some YouTube videos

Depending on your budget there’s loads of things you can do.

You’re in a great position though, just gotta show your work more!

 

[GBMaps]

Ask to see their paid advertiser payment pricing structure? Find out what they charge for a positive post about a product or service to their followers. If they give you a price then tell them to 'get lost' because what they are doing is wrong and dishonest. What if your service or product is rubbish, they will lie and tell their followers is great just for some cash. That doesn't sound like a person I would like to go into business with.