Do electricians, cleaning crews, the phone company, the landlord, and the office furniture suppliers give discounts to non-profits? Usually not. But non-profit organizations (whose staffs also get a normal monthy paycheck) are quick to ask for discounts from freelance writers.
Should we give discounts? And under what circumstances? When does it makes sense? When doesn’t it?
I was asked to write on this topic for Suite101.com, and here’s the article, which looks at the pros and cons of discounting to non-profits.
Hi Karen,
Thought I’d add my own practice to the points in your article. I basically have a bottom rate below which I won’t work, and above that I have a range depending on the client. So I give nonprofits a discount of about 10-12% and make sure to tell them they’re getting my nonprofit rate. Two reasons: 1, most of the nonprofits I work for are small and wouldn’t hire me at $75 or $80/hour, and 2, it makes them feel good.