Your customer wants a discount after the job.

The completed job brings a new price request

A painter finishes a warehouse and sends the agreed account. The customer says its budget is tight and asks for a substantial reduction before paying. No fault is identified. The painter needs to understand what a concession would achieve without mistaking the customer's funding problem for an error in the agreed price.

Identify what the customer is challenging

Ask whether the request concerns workmanship, scope or affordability. Invite a specific explanation rather than immediately offering a percentage reduction. A discount may leave a genuine complaint unresolved.

Keep the accepted quote and later changes together. Business.gov.au explains that an accepted quote becomes a contract; establish the actual agreement before discussing a different price.

Source: business.gov.au - Prepare quotes

Calculate the value of a concession

Compare the proposed reduction with the margin remaining after labour, materials and other costs. Check what the customer offers in exchange: cleared payment now, future instalments or only a promise.

Do not count possible future jobs as money received. A loss on the present job needs a deliberate commercial justification, particularly if the customer could make the same request again.

Keep discussion separate from agreement

Make clear whether you are asking questions, proposing terms or accepting an offer. Obtain legal review where a response could release claims or change more than this invoice.

If a reduced payment arrives described as full settlement, have its effect assessed promptly. An internal bookkeeping allocation does not necessarily determine the legal position.

Record any completed bargain

Specify the amount, timing, conditions and treatment of the remaining balance. Check whether the compromise covers one invoice or wider claims. Avoid leaving a payment condition only in a phone conversation.

If no agreement is reached, choose a proportionate recovery route based on the evidence. Professional communication keeps that decision separate from irritation about the request.

Source: business.gov.au - Prepare a contract

Assess the concession before offering it

Clarify the reason and calculate the real benefit of the proposed reduction.

Document any agreement precisely before treating the account as settled.

Call CRP today about debt recovery and coordinating the appropriate professional support.