Does anybody offer any new client incentives?

[The Perfect Word]

For any of you who charge by the hour or audio minute, have you ever offered like a free five-minute trial (five minutes of their recording not your time) or a percentage off their first job with you? If you did, did you do it all the time or just as a special offer, etc?

I've never done this but thinking about it and not sure the best way to approach it.

Thanks!

[bridiej]

I haven't although I have seen a few of the bigger transcription companies do this.

What's the reasoning behind wanting to offer this?

[Wordpro Wizard]

I offer a number of VA services including transcription (which I've done in law firms for more than 25 years). My current policy is to give all new clients a 10% discount on their first invoice. Currently my Facebook page offers a 20%discount for new clients up to July 31. That gives me some time to consider what new client freebie I can offer going forward.

Lynne

[ClockwiseVA]

I don't offer transcription services but have been considering offering a new client introductory special. I'm thinking along the lines of 3-6 months at an introductory rate for anyone signing up before the end of July or August.

I am cautious of going the "specials" and "discount" route as I don't want to devalue my services but I do want to get some clients on board and wondered if this may give people some incentive.

I'd be curious to see if anyone has had any success with specials or discounts, and whether they offered them for all new clients or just for a limited time.

[VirtualAngelsUK]

I offer a variety of discounts and packages as an introduction. I don't think it devalues the service, I think it gives people a good reason to try you out with less risk. I will say that with my two offers, one is an 'introductory' offer that has to be used within the first month, but the second is a six month deal offering more hours at a heavy discount for six months. This particular deal is for new business start ups to help them in their start up stage, but it is a six month minimum contract. Thereafter they can convert to the normal retainer packages.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[The Perfect Word]

Hi Bridie, I'm just looking for another way to draw in new business. Most of my clients are long-term (some I've had for ten years) and some are one-time projects. But you never know when a one-time project may turn into something else down the road.

I have lost some business in the past because of my rates, which are about average, I would say, and I'm not lowering them. But offering a discount may make my business more attractive and then I hope the quality and caring I bring to the client's work would then keep them or bring them back for future work even without the discount. I had a one-time project a few years ago where the client used someone else first because they were less expensive, then switched to me and stayed with me even though my rates were higher because the other person's work wasn't very good. He turned out to be a great client.

I have a minimum dollar amount for the first job with a new client. I was thinking about offering x-number of minutes free or 10% off the first job if it was over that minimum with the discount included. Or some like that.

I've been in business for over 15 years w/o ever offering a discount/special, so maybe I should leave well enough alone, but just feeling like I need to be looking ahead to other possible ways to bring in business and didn't know if this really worked for folks who do transcription.

[leedrozak]

I do not do transcription however I offer a 5 hour intro package which is a 5% discount and no long term contract. I use a standard project agreement and of course get the money up front. This way they can try before they buy and we can determine if we are a fit without the initial commitment.

[Wordpro Wizard]

Pam 15 years ago I don't think there were a large amount of VAs to choose from, or if there were, there was more than enough work to go around and they didn't advertise. With the recession, VA being touted as a great way to make money in your jammies (not) and so many people becoming unemployed, anyone with office experience is trying to jump on the bandwagon. Then there are those offshore ... the majority of whom have appalling spelling and grammar ... also trying to get business. It must be bewildering for potential clients who often go for the flashiest website that promises the earth for a few bucks an hour, only to get badly burned.

Like all successful businesses these days we must offer a little "special" to attract some attention. How often does McDonalds advertise a two-for-one or reduced price on an item for a short period only? Every business must market to some degree.

Lynne

[bridiej]

I had a one-time project a few years ago where the client used someone else first because they were less expensive, then switched to me and stayed with me even though my rates were higher because the other person's work wasn't very good. He turned out to be a great client.

Thanks for sharing Pam, it's good to get an insight

I think the bit I've quoted above sums it up - yes, there are heaps of people out there now offering the same services BUT there are a lot out there who aren't actually all that good at it. If you provide clients with a great service they'll come back, regardless of your price.

I don't offer the cheapest rate either - I market myself based on my service and the end results the client gets.

The only discount I offer is a referral one - the client gets 25% off their next invoice if they refer a new client my way. Although I've had plenty of referrals in the past without offering a discount, I think it's a nice way to say "thank you" and, of course, it encourages them to do it again!

Do you have a referral discount or reward system in place? It maybe another idea to throw into the mix while you're thinking about it all.

Personally, I don't agree with offering a discount to new clients but that's just me and it's the way I choose to run my business.

[debw241]

I like the idea of offering a discount to NEW clients. It is something I have on occasion done, mostly to small businesses that were just getting started. 'Course I HAVE been known to do a freebie now and then (wrote grant for church - got 10% awarded for admin - and donated that back to church)...ALSO - I do offer referral thank you of 10% over a period of time that both are active "Preferred Clients" (that means they are on retainer). Have had mixed results with both.