Why I DON'T Give Discounts On My Decorations.....Even To My Family and Friends!

[@mturner8158]

Love this!! You are sooooo right about discounts! You don’t go to the dentist and ask for a discount 😂 we have to stick to our prices and value our work 💪💪💕

[@YesEventDecor]

Exactly!! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@bernadettebeckwith140]

I own 2 venues and do 90% of the decor and when I first started I was charging little to nothing. So those clients would tell their friends who came to their events what I charged and then they would call me saying well that isn't what such and such said you charged omg I went thru the same thing. No more 2023 I am going to see a profit. I am sticking to my price list.

[@lindatamufor]

Thanks very much for these lessons

[@YesEventDecor]

I want to be like you someday! Owning 2 event venues!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@kmob219]

​@@YesEventDecorYou've got it coming ❤I'm on that path and am focused. You've got this Lonielle!!

[@audreydavis2260]

I’m having trouble with pricing as well. Two years ago, I was asked to do a Little Mermaid baby shower. I had no idea of what to charge her, so I told her $600. Of course she booked me and I ended up spending more of my own money because I wanted it to look good. She was very pleased. A year later, she asked me to do the baby’s first birthday party. Still not knowing what to charge, this time I told her $900. She hesitated and told me she would call me back. She got her husband to call me and say that he wasn’t paying that much for a baby’s birthday party. I felt rejected. My feelings were hurt. But I got over it quickly.

[@YesEventDecor]

Well that’s odd that she would have her husband tell you no. But I’m sure you were giving her a good price at $900. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@audreydavis2260]

@@YesEventDecor she’s a very sweet young lady, so I’m guessing she didn’t want to hurt my feelings. And I have to admit that it felt like a rejection to me. Now I have come to realize that all customers are not your customers and I had to be okay with that. God knows how to open doors that no man can shut.

[@Vegaswink702]

I used to feel obligated to give a discount for my services. Now I value myself, my time and my talent and I do believe I should be compensated for my services.

[@YesEventDecor]

You should be compensated for your services!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@valeriepeasant5045]

Thank you so much, I was giving discount pricing until today, no more discounts, you are so right about everything you said thank you so much for opening up my eyes, I appreciate you so much

[@YesEventDecor]

Yes, Valerie! No more discounts in 2023! 👏🏽

[@whitelotus5280]

You are right on target with this one. It's very hard to wean family and friends off of free and discounted prices. In my area there were 2 hair salons that went out of business because they used to bump paying clients to take care of their family and friends. Free may make people love you, because after all everybody loves a fool, but it will never pay the rent. I started making to do lists for my family and friends. I am clear that I will help them with certain parts of their events, but if they want me to do it all then I will have to consider it as a job and the same way I would no longer be a guest who can enjoy the event, they would be a client who has to pay. If they want me to help I advise and supervise. They are responsible for going to the store and buying everything. They must blowup all the balloons and set all place settings etc. People only recognize your worth after they have had to do it all on their own.

[@YesEventDecor]

This is such a GOOD comment. I agree with everything!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@aletajones3760]

You are right and right period and i have friend she getting taking advantage so badly people are not paying for her as they should for there event so rude and disrespectful she spending money out her pocket alright and still is not getting what she deserve i told her you have make sure this is the place you belong she wants things she cannot afford because of not getting paid as she should. And it is the budget clients want luxury and aint paying luxury. 250-500 aint enough for a person that got mentality of 2000 event nope.. they have to be treated with long handle spoon.. myself have had to do events for family free i have a lot of single moms in my family who are trying to manage daily.. this business is tough i feel you got to be strong mentally..

[@solangeclassic4167]

I’m just starting and plan to do a few free decorations then start charging. What I do is that I keep the items you pay for so I’m not totally losing money because I’m adding items to my inventory. Thank you for the great tips. You can’t be nice in a foolish way and make money 😂

[@YesEventDecor]

You’re right! It’s a business, not a charity. You can be nice and give everybody a discount.

[@marieconerly7989]

I'm with you! I do a lot of voluntary designs for my church as part of my ministry. But I feel it's just as you said about giving discounts. I don't charge for delivery and that's it. You're right that one customer will tell another what they paid and it may not be the exact same thing so I feel I'm doing good work and just cheating myself so no more discounts other than free delivery. Thanks for sharing, your info is always so helpful.

[@YesEventDecor]

Exactly! If you give a discount to one person, anybody who they refer will expect the same discount.

[@cookie4308]

oh my goodness!!! you are speaking directly to me .. i’m so glad you did this video!!! I thought i was the only one felt this way with my buisness .. 🙌🙌🙌 thank you thank you for this video!!

[@YesEventDecor]

Nope! You’re not alone! ☺️

[@debrawalton2771]

Your absolutely right! That's an area of struggle for me.

[@YesEventDecor]

Trust me I struggled with it too!

[@audreybatiste3734]

This message was for me..the message that the good Lord will give me the desires of my heart and send me the clients that can afford our prices..in his timing they will come trusting and believing 2023

[@YesEventDecor]

Amen!!! I’m praying for you! 🙏🏽

[@chedazzles4565]

Yes I do and I have to be strong enough not to anymore for all of the reasons you stated. Right on the money. However I also always do something for free like you said. My clients always notice and appreciate it so I will continue to do that part. Just no more discounts.

[@YesEventDecor]

That’s nice that your client notice the free stuff and appreciate it. ☺️

[@sandykatts]

Oh wow . This is mind opening... I always give discounts and work at a loss.. and it has been very difficult yo survive .. thank you for this

[@YesEventDecor]

You are so welcome! It is hard to survive when you always discount your worth.

[@mrobertaw68]

Lord you hit it on the nail with this one. Love it. Great information TFS❤

[@YesEventDecor]

You are so welcome!

[@feliciajacobs5630]

Great information! We did this in the beginning and still found ourselves doing it. No more for 2023. We have to think of if we are in this business as a business or a hobby. I have been in business way too long. We were asked one time if she gets to keep it 👀😳. We also have to remember that we have to pay staff. I can not do this by myself.

[@feliciajacobs5630]

It’s important to know the difference between a business and a hobby. Do we know the difference?

[@YesEventDecor]

Exactly!!!! There’s a difference between a business and a hobby. If you’re running a business, you want your clients to take you seriously. 💯

[@novlettebeech6502]

I love this business, it's hard work and I am not making any money, people are satisfied but I am left deflated. I have to pay helpers,vendors, transportation etc... I am having a hard time with pricing. Sometimes because after giving a quote I don't hear back, I started thinking did I charge too much. I am in NYC, the competition is hard.

[@YesEventDecor]

Trust me! I understand! I used to do the same thing. I would send a quote and then question myself.

[@majesticjb]

Super informative video!! I do events for friends and family at this time because I just enjoy it. However, I want to get serious about my business once I retire from nursing. I spend a lot of my own money because I have such a creative mind and if I think of something that will add to the event I oftentimes will do it. There's no way I could have a successful business operating like that. Great tips and when I get serious I won't forget them! Thanks for always sharing imperative information with us!

[@YesEventDecor]

Awww! Thank you for watching!

[@elizabethrichardson5219]

This is great advice. I have been doing family birthday parties, baby showers and other family events for years and not charging anything. This past year my friend wanted me to do her event but only the balloon garland decorations. I told her I would, but she would have to buy the balloons and all the materials I used for the garland. She agreed and she was there while I was doing the setup and she said to me that she had no idea that it took so much to perfect the design and look of my work. Of course, she was very pleased with the outcome and was the one that highly suggested to me that I should go into Business doing event planning. Over the years I have purchased so much inventory (chair covers, table clothes, flowers and drapes) sometimes I would allow family members to use them for free. This year I have decided to start my Balloon Business and I must say I have learned so much from you. I will be utilizing your online courses because I'm sure it will truly be a blessing to me as I bless others!

[@YesEventDecor]

It’s all a learning experience. But you are so right. It’s not until people see you in action creating the balloon decorations that they realize how much work it is. They think it’s easy when it’s really not. 💯💯💯

[@MariaM-sq2kw]

Thank you so much for this video. You are my favorite event planner. I am just starting out, and the struggles you talk about are REAL. There is a lot of sacrifice in the beginning-doing events just to gain experience, and sometimes earning no profit. How do you deal with family & friends that request to use your equipment? (backdrops, props,accessories) Thank you, and keep up the great work. You lift us!!

[@maritzavargas5747]

Omg great question. This happens to me all the time!!!

[@MariaM-sq2kw]

@@maritzavargas5747 hi!! How do you handle it?? Thank you!

[@maritzavargas5747]

@@MariaM-sq2kw I’m too nice lol I let them borrow it but I go set it up for them and pick up as well. But once I’m official I’m guna start charging them too.

[@MariaM-sq2kw]

@@maritzavargas5747 ok. You are very nice to do that. I think I'm gonna stick to my guns on this one- lol. What do u think of renting it out to them instead?

[@ateshiacampbell6950]

I totally agree with you. My family expect me to do their event for free and it is annoying. Thank you for this video I'm going to share it with some people I kmow.😂

[@YesEventDecor]

🤣🤣🤣 Yes! Share it and tell them to pay attention! Lol!

[@tanikadavis1613]

The FACE after the 1st REASON!! THATS ENOUGH FOR ME!😅💯💯❤️❤️ I LOVE IT❤️❤️!!

[@YesEventDecor]

☺️☺️☺️

[@yvonnejohnson5182]

Love this. Always so informative and encouraging! Staying in prayer and walking in faith.

[@YesEventDecor]

Amen! God is good! 🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@nishithavunnam8077]

I am totally with you, some potential clients do not see or value decorators time. I just wish they would understand how much work goes into decorating their event. Its not just the cost of balloons. Sometimes its a hard decision as you want to book a client but at the same time we dont want to feel "burn out" and not get paid our worth, specially for beginners like me.

[@YesEventDecor]

💯💯💯 Some people don’t understand how much hard work it is….

[@mariemoore2835]

Great advice! So far I have made 3 balloon garlands, a balloon column and 2 centerpieces. I made one for my daughter's best friends baby shower (I planned the entire shower and paid for most of it). I made another (along with a column and 2 centerpieces for a co-worker (my boss paid for the balloons, I paid for and kept the teddy bear's and flowers), and a balloon garland for a friend of my sisters (they purchased all of the balloons and paid me $100 to blow up and assemble the garland). I am making a balloon garland and centerpiece this Saturday for another friend of my daughter's son's first birthday. Then I have my daughter's 21st birthday next month and my sister's daughter-in-laws baby shower in March. I'm not charging to do any of this, but if anybody asks what it would cost, I have an idea of what I would charge.

[@daveseslaughter2307]

Thank you for this video! This definitely helped me and i also believe that God will send the clients that will pay and i need to stay in position to receive them! Thanks for adding that part!

[@YesEventDecor]

Amen!!! I’ll be praying for you! 🙏🏽

[@Sleenkana]

I hear you my sister and I fully agree 💯 with you!

[@YesEventDecor]

Thank you for watching!

[@beverlyjames4957]

Great information! So true. I am guilty of giving my services away

[@YesEventDecor]

We are all guilty of that…🤦🏽‍♀️

[@nejatadem8222]

Thank you so much this helps a lot🙏

[@YesEventDecor]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@christopherhope7227]

Thankyou so much ,for these great advice. I'm new in the business and found myself in these same situation, everything you talk about is absolutely true.2023 is gonna be different

[@YesEventDecor]

Trust me! I’ve had to learn the hard way. Congratulations on starting your business!

[@reneegrace4501]

I only do events for friends and family but now some people who have attended those want me to work for them. I've done a couple for only covering the costs of supplies. The problem is, people have NO idea what real materials cost. They see the balloon garland kits on Amazon and think that's it. I'm glad it's not my business because I'd be broke! I have a problem doing things half way, I can come up with too many things to add. I do love your videos, maybe one day I'll take on a business.

[@YesEventDecor]

That is so true! A lot of people have no idea how much quality materials cost! 👏🏽

[@stacyochs6338]

Can you suggest a balloon color that would be considered hunter green?

[@YesEventDecor]

You can use forest green by Sempertex. If you have questions like this in the future, feel free to join my Q&A community. Here’s the link - yeseventdecorandmore.retrieve.com/store/#/join-my-community/event-dcor-qa-community--monthly.

[@carmenineztorres4779]

Great video! Thank you 😊

[@YesEventDecor]

You are so welcome!

[@Exquisitedecor_byTwyla]

This video 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Everything you said 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾is true

[@YesEventDecor]

Girl I know you understand where I’m coming from. ☺️

[@homedecor379]

Thank you so much for this. My Peeps it's over LOL!!!

[@YesEventDecor]

Send them an invoice!!! ☺️

[@chedazzles4565]

I have to be honest though. I feel obligated to give a discount to repeat customers. I have to let them know this is not my hobby. Im in this business to make money and unfortunately when I gave you discounts I didn't make any/much money. This is a new year and I vow to make a profit.

[@YesEventDecor]

You can do it! If you stick with your pricing, you should be able to make a profit. I do like to accommodate my repeat clients. But I don’t give them a discount. I may lower my minimum for them though.

[@jennifermedina9611]

Gracias por tus consejos yo q estoy empezando en esto de decoraciones 😉😗👍👌👌

[@YesEventDecor]

Thank you for watching my video! ☺️

[@antwanettepettiford8603]

I will admit I do provide discounts for family and thats Immediate family esp if its an event i'm already attending. At the minimum I charge for supplies and some extra to cover gas. But for anybody else, no friends or "like family" are getting a discount. I was burned once because i was able to keep all the supplies and yet their other family was still not happy with things and they caused me the most stress for a month in a half. When I added everything up, it should have been a minimum of $2000......NEVAH AGAIN!!!!

[@YesEventDecor]

I’m cracking up at the “like family”! 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve had those experiences before…

[@emanafleury6171]

Hi. I would like to be in your class. What should I do to be in your class…?

[@YesEventDecor]

Hi there! If you’re interested in my classes, please visit my website. Here’s the link - www.yeseventdecor.com/classes.

[@delonapartridge6265]

I even charge my children my price for my treats 🤣 Then I barter with some people, so if you order it , then I keep it!!

[@YesEventDecor]

🤣🤣🤣 love it!

[@stephielightfoot]

I don’t think you should give a discount or have to keep negotiating with a person. Creating a beautiful party is a skill/talent. Just like a beautician, barber, mechanic etc I have never been able t make Firestone or my car dealership to come down on their prices lol! 😂

[@andreamartinez494]

Last week someone contact me and want a 280 decoration but want the package I have for 175 the 175 is a simple decor with a plastic tablecloth no curtains, small table and a 7by7 stand and the 280 which I think is cheap but because I just started I’m doing it for that is the 10 by 10 stand a lot of curtains she want 2 tablecloth a lot of balloons I told her that on the way she wants the decor the 175 won’t work for her that I can do it for 250 but didn’t reply back 😅 I was almost going to tell her 230 but then I was like no better not

[@lindatamufor]

I think free delivery is better than discounts

[@YesEventDecor]

If the price is $280, the price is $280. Stick to your guns! Trust me, you’re worth it! ☺️

[@vegascece]

I am "that person" that has created my own downfall by gifting in the beginning to accepting "gas money" at this point with a repeat client I will keep this video on repeat as I learn to say NO with pushy people.

[@YesEventDecor]

Amen! Say no and stand by your prices!

[@simonlove4eva]

wow this is well needed Im so glad i came across your page. 2023 will be truly different for my business FaithfulDecor thank you soooo much

[@YesEventDecor]

Thank you for watching! Happy New Year!