Should creatives offer client discounts when the calendar looks a little too empty? It’s a tempting thought when bills are due and work feels slow. Discounts can bring in quick cash. But before you trim your rates, you need to think carefully about what that does to your business long term. And to your self!
Here’s why I say that: I so admire creatives. Because there’s no way in the world I can do what you do. Your brain, your vision, your craft—it’s rare. Your work is worth what you charge. So stand by it with integrity.
Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble with pricing, this article offers a deeper dive into how to set rates that truly reflect your value. Pricing Your Services: A Guide for Graphic and Web Designers – Prima Bookkeeping Solutions LLC
Standing for your value doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible. Just make sure the flexibility comes from adjusting scope or creating fair exchanges, not undercutting your own value.
The Financial Pros and Cons of Discounts
Discounting has a place. But it comes with trade-offs. Here’s the honest breakdown:
| Short-Term Gains (Pros) | Long-Term Risks (Cons) |
| Cash Flow Boost — Covers expenses and keeps you moving. | Undercuts Value — Clients may expect discounts again. |
| Fill Idle Time — Keeps you working and visible. | Dilutes Brand — Frequent discounts set a lower standard. |
| Portfolio Builder — Useful if breaking into a niche. | Opportunity Cost — Discounted work may block better projects. |
| Relationship Starter — Can help build new client ties. | Burnout — Doing more for less drains energy and passion. |
As the Freelancers Union points out, many freelancers struggle more with the mindset behind pricing than with the math. That’s often why discounting feels like the easiest lever to pull.
Smarter Alternatives to Discounts
So what should you do instead? If you truly want the project, try one of these alternatives to discounts for creatives before you touch your rate:
- Reduce Scope or Services
- Fewer images or revisions
- Fewer site visits or props
- A tighter deliverable set
Example: A photographer could offer 30 edited images instead of 50, or cut travel to multiple locations.
- Modify Deliverables
- Lower resolution versions
- Limited usage rights
- Less post-production
- Trade Value for Value (always in your favor)
- A testimonial for your website
- Google or social media reviews
- A personal introduction to another potential client
- Promotion to their audience with full credit to you
- Conditional Discounts
- Tie a small percentage off, or a flat amount, to something the client must do. What helps you? Book by a deadline, write reviews, make a referral?
- You’re the creative. Only you know what will help your business the mot.
If you’d like to take a broader look at your finances, my post on Freelance Business Finances: Are You on Track? can help you evaluate whether discounts—or alternatives—make sense for your business right now.
Ready to talk through your pricing and cash flow challenges? Let’s Get Acquainted and explore how we might work together.
