i only give a discount if myself or the client are unhappy. this works out to be about 2 homes a year.

i never give a discount for no reason.

as far as price, you have to find what works for you, ie: puts food on your table, allows you to pay your bills & eventually storing some away.

a good article on pricing that i have always appreciated is here:
http://www.i-boards.com/ics/messages.asp?MsgID=549519&ThreadID=58374#549519

thanx --- Derek.

That is true, I'm finding out most of bargaining comes out over the phone, and have closed the deal then. I am using the help of "DEALS" over radio and media and paper to get my name out. Thanks for your input, it makes sense.

I continue to be an advocate for "niche" marketing. I feel it is really the only way a small, undercapitalized individual can compete in a marketplace which includes any number of lowballing, questionable quality businesses in your field.
I initially (1990) marketed low-moisture, quick-dry carpet cleaning, then beginning in 1995 began to subordinate this benefit to my use of all-natural cleaning products, which remains my primary marketing position. If you live anywhere near a Whole Foods supermarket, THESE PEOPLE are your customers. They are motivated by concerns dealing with health and environmental sustainability, and are willing to pay a premium to get it. (Shop at a Whole Foods market for a couple of weeks or so, and you'll see what I mean when you compare the cost with that of traditional supermarkets.)
Or, if you live anywhere near a college or university town, these people also will have an above average interest in these same "green" values.

Or, if you live anywhere near a college or university town, these people also will have an above average interest in these same "green" values. Whole heartedly agree. I live about 10 miles from a state U. Almost half of my business comes from the outlaying towns around it