Many years ago when I was running my auto upholstery business, I had a long time customer bring me a car to do a vinyl top replacement. He asked how much and I gave him my usual price.
He said that he knew of a guy doing it down the streeet doing it for 20% less. I said fine, take it to him.
He back peddled and said “oh no, I want you to do it for the same price.” I just smiled and said no.
He then said “Ok, I will let you do it for your price.”
I replied that my price just went up by 20%.
He was flabbergasted and said that wasn’t the price I had told him before.
I explained this is the new “you tried to cheat me” price and if he opened his mouth again about my price...it was going up by another 20%.
He thought about it and shut up. He paid me the extra 20% to do the job and never questioned my prices again. He remained a loyal customer for many more years.
