Hypothetical...

[Vancouver Femme Fatale]

This is one for you marketing and psychology superstars in the house...

Supposing you had a friend who's fabulous, though apparently unlucky/slow cat got hit by a car earlier this month. Supposing said cat was rushed to the vet, and is now making a rapid, yet *expensive* recovery, much to the relief of all.

So far so good.

Now suppose said friend is not exactly rich, and suppose some softie like myself stepped up with most of the money required. And then had a slow patch. And suppose that action left the 'friend of cats everywhere' financially shaky as the end of the month approaches.

Would it be better to offer some kind of special to all potential clients until the end of the month (I've never done specials) or approach clients who have already booked between now and the end of the month and offer a really good rate on extending their sessions? The last thing I want to do is offend anyone who's already booked, but I need explore all my options.

Is there something else I've overlooked? Any suggestions?

 

[Tick]

ideas

I sent you a couple PM's.


Somewhat similar to what the post above suggests, but expanded a little.

 

[Vancouver Femme Fatale]

You guys rock!

Both of you have hit on my concern here - I don't want to be perceived as 'in trouble' - that's never a good thing - and I need to keep my reputation undamaged while still dealing with the situation in a practical way. Rubmeister has got it with the more time rather than a lesser fee, I think, and Tick, you've given my some great tips.

Any and all ideas welcomed...

 

[papasmerf]

Do what you think is right. You did in the case of the cat. And no you must once again make a decision on how to recover from it.

 

[diva631]

No offense but to me an escort review board is probably going to be the LAST place i would ask that type of "advice". Most of your responses here are going to be from "customers" or potential customers and i highly doubt they would argue you dropping your rate for them or offering them a "special". You might be better off going to "colleagues" rather that "customers" on this one. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Svend]

I like the idea of more quality time for a special one week promotion.
Let people know there is a good cause behind it, there are lots of cat people who will tip a bit for this.

 

[Vancouver Femme Fatale]

No offense but to me an escort review board is probably going to be the LAST place i would ask that type of "advice".

The advice I've gotten here and in pms has been really positive; essentially I'm not debating whether or not a consideration should be given to potential customers, but rather the form of the consideration ; more time for same rate vs lessening the rate for a set time. Also, I like their input on sessions already booked; it's important to me to know how they might feel in that situation.

I do see your point, don't get me wrong, but I prefer to deal directly with the guys; after all, they are my potential paying customers, not other girls, and as such their input is more important to me, both personally and in a business-sense

 

[tboy]

In my professional growing years I worked for a mass merchandiser and therefore my opinion is you can gain more income by seeing more clients at a lower price point. With this being said it all depends on what you personally prefer: more appointments with strangers, longer appointments with regulars, or longer appointments with strangers.

Just be aware of the pratfalls of offerring a reduced rate to get more clients. If they cannot (for whatever reason) afford your regular rate then by offerring them a reduced rate you will only see them the one time (or any time you offer the reduced rate). I know this from first hand experience as I saw a very wonderful sp who I would really like to see again but her regular price is just way out of my league.....

 

[Eli]

Sacrificing one pussy for another, now that's sweet.

Seriously though if the cat's vet bill is really that high (bionic replacements?) maybe you can make it a charity fund raiser so your clients can use a portion of the donation as a tax right off?

 

[Vancouver Femme Fatale]

Hey Misty

I've decided to go with offering extra time rather than a lesser rate. It seems to be the prevailing idea, and I like it a little better as well. It keeps it nice and simple, which always seems to work better. Thank you everybody!

 

[a 1 player]

Almost all business offer incentives at some time or another, whether it is General Motors selling off last years model cars, a new company trying to gain market share, and everything between. Do what seems right for you at the time. Remember, you are a business.