Part of the problem, with the utmost respect, is the societal acceptance of someone’s statement as the “truth” because they say it is so.
You say “For us, legit and reputable providers”. First I would not suggest you are anything less than reputable, you are reputable for certain.
Legit? That is where the debatable part comes in. Do you have a business license? Is ALL of your income declared and taxed? Do you pay into the required social entities (worksafebc, CPP, etc?)
I don’t care if you do or don’t, the point being is that while you may believe you are “legit” you very likely operate in what is referred to as the black market. In the black market most of if not all goods and services are negotiable.
Next, I spend a boatload of money on my business. Every company I have worked for or person I have done a job for has wanted the lowest price possible. It is part of business.
I go into certain businesses expecting a personal discount based on the fact that I do enough professional business with them that I deserve a trim off the top when it comes to stuff for me, and I get it.
I come from back east, of Italian heritage. I don’t pay retail for “nice clothes”. I wouldn’t buy a suit from Moores if I had to, I would buy a suit from a reputable tailor, not pay sticker price and walk away with a far superior product. I have 3 Italian hand crafted suits and did not pay retail for any of them, same with my favourite leather jacket.
And restaurants? The black market is the foundation of the restaurant business. There are 3 that I frequent that I either don’t pay at all, ever, or my bill is seriously discounted based on services I’ve provided in the past or continue to provide. Without the suggestion of a set payment. People appreciate my generosity and it is returned.
I’m flexible in my “rates” because I can be, where and when I want to be. A single mom needs some work done on her car? Bring it by the shop on Saturday and we’ll see what we can do. New young person starting a business and doesn’t have a machine that I do? Go ahead, come by and use it, kick me some coin and call it even. What goes around comes around. If I can help someone I will.
As I mentioned I have built things, for sex workers at absolute cost, where my labour was completely gratis. Thats skill, labour and knowledge. That I paid for with blood, sweat and tears.
So while the nature of your reply is understood it is not completely correct.
I don’t ask for discounts from sex workers, ever. It has been made abundantly clear that it isn’t welcome so I respect that. That being said, there are newbies that haven’t had the “it’s insulting” position jammed down their throat or people from other countries where negotiations are common if not entirely encouraged. If someone is dumb enough to try to negotiate where it isn’t welcome they deserve bad service if at all.
The fact is that this business is neither entirely legal or legit so therefore it is the black market, or even grey market if you prefer to argue legalities. This means that nothing is set in stone and most people should be forgiven for thinking that negotiations are appropriate. “How much if I pay cash?” is a welcome question from many businesses that I do business with. Some I wouldn’t do business with if not for that option.