My first big client laughed at my quote and walked out, so I had to figure out pricing on the spot

I was in a coffee shop in Austin last month giving a $450 estimate for a duct cleaning when the guy snorted and said his buddy would do it for $200, and I ended up negotiating down to $300 on the spot just to keep the job but now I wonder if I undersold myself, has anyone else caved under pressure like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly.charlie1mo ago

Wait, you negotiated while he was literally snorting?

mark_carr71mo ago

Honestly I gotta push back on this one. You didnt undersell yourself - you overpriced it to begin with if you were ready to drop to $300 that fast. $450 for a duct cleaning in a coffee shop is steep unless youre scrubbing every vent with a toothbrush. Your first quote should already have your rock bottom in mind, not some number you panic slash on the spot. If the guy snorted, maybe he was right. Your buddy at $200 might be cutting corners but $300 is fair for a quick job in Austin. Next time quote $350 and stick to it or just walk yourself.

miller.emery1mo ago

Wait, are you saying you think the snort was a negotiating tactic or just him being a jerk? Cause I feel like that changes how you read the whole situation.