Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2006-06-17 16:05:40 - Graham Ellis
There are times when our "no discounts" policy can bite us in the bum.
In reality our policy is that we ALWAYS offer a discount off the sort of rates that you would pay elsewhere for a course on a similar subject and of a similar duration; I've just been comparing a five day Perl course that we provide at 1210.00 + VAT with another that's listed at 1575.00 + VAT. I see no point in us overpricing by 30% so that we can take some of that back off ... I know that if your push that other company, you'll be able to get them to knock 10% off (or 15% if you're really pushy). And at 15% off, you're still paying over a hundred quid more to them than you would to us.
So .. why do people get taken in by inflated prices and discounts?
People think that they're getting a great deal if there's something off. They'll notice a discount of 150 pounds much more than they'll notice a price difference between between 1500 pounds and 1200 pounds. And they'll feel special if they think they're being given a better-than-regular deal
And why is it a practise that I hate so much?
Because it's deceitful. Because it's unfair. Because it favours the pushiest of potential clients over and above those who are equally deserving but less "bolshy". And because I've stood in front of classes where everyone has paid a different price and had to answer "why did he get it for xxx pounds" asked by a furious delegate who paid 20% over xxx.
Yet, as I say, the policy can occsionally bite back at us. These days, many organisations are setting up centralised buying departments to flex their muscles and purchase from there, with a view to actually getting that 150 pounds ... or more ... off the 1500. "What special deal will you offer us" they ask on their invitation to be on their approved list. And a reply of "none" looks rather like a slap in the face. Even such outfits as the BBC have been through this loop ... but good for them, they can see the wood for the trees, they do have experience of the courses we provide, and we have just learned that we're on their list for the next two years.