Learning Objective: To learn effective negotiating techniques to save your money.


Asking the Right Questions: Negotiating with Freelancers

RULE 1. Don't Ask a "Can" Question

When asking for a discount, don't ask a "can" question. This gives the freelancer an option to say, "no". Instead, ask a "what" question that will force the freelancer to give you a number instead of a yes or no.

Asking a "Can" question:

Buyer: Can you give me a discount?
Freelancer: No, the price is already good.

Asking a "What" question:

Buyer: What is the best price you can give me?
Freelancer: $100 is the best price I can give. The project is intense and it's not something I normally do.

RULE 2. Ask as if the Freelancer's Supposed to Give You a Discount.

Ask the question in a way that will make the freelancer feel that he/she is doing what is reasonable rather than a method that makes the freelancer feel that he/she is being generous.

For example:

Asking if the freelancer can be generous :

Buyer: What is the best price you can give me?
Freelancer: $100 is the best price I can give. The project is intense and it's not something I normally do.

Asking if the freelancer can settle for a more reasonable price:

Buyer: What is the best price you can settle for?
Freelancer: Well, the project is intense and it's not something I normally do, but I can settle for $80.



Express Yourself

How about you?
Do you have any tips for asking discounts?
Please share them to the group.
Enjoy the session!