DEAR ABBY: I'm a full-time pet and livestock sitter. I work seven days a week, including holidays, sometimes for weeks at a time, in clients' homes caring for their animals. I have 40 years of care experience, and I'm recommended by every veterinarian in the area. I have worked very hard to build my reputation, and I charge reasonable prices.
On occasion, a client wants a "deal" and tries to bargain down my already reasonable fee. It is nearly always attorneys (who also look for a reason to be disappointed after the fact, but fail) or extremely wealthy people. I try hard not to show how insulting their request is, especially when someone's front gate costs more than my annual income. Sometimes I'll bend, but then I kick myself for doing it. (I am working hard to quit doing that.)
Why should it cost me money to care for someone else's animals and home? I need a polite, respectful and definite comeback to decline making deals. -- PET SITTER IN THE SOUTH
DEAR PET SITTER: Try this: "I'm the best. My prices are firm. If you're looking for a bargain, hire someone else. Plenty of people will accept what you're offering. But remember, you get what you pay for."