Should You Offer a Discount?

Discounts can be a good marketing tool in special situations. They should be temporary and have a deadline date to be effective and entice buyers. Hers are some reasons why you might offer a discount:
*Sell off excess or old merchandise
*Seasonal specials to increase buyer traffic
*Introduce new products or services
*To encourage larger purchases
*Courtesy for sr. citizens, military or students
*Perishable items before they spoil
*Got discount from supplier
*Build volume for possible sale of the business
*Increase cash flow to pay bills, etc.
*For prompt payment of invoices
*To meet the competition's offer
*As a loss leader to increase company interest
*For an advertising campaign
*To use on a point-of-sale display
More on retail sales ideas in chapter 11 of my book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner" available in bookstores and online.