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OK to ask for discount?

post #1 of 7
9/9/11 at 12:02pm
Thread Starter 
I generally don't ask the vet for a discount unless I'm taking multiple pets in for a surgery. However, I have a special situation (long story) where I need to ask for a discount. I'm hoping to get something done " at cost" rather than pay what the vet actually charges. The vet charges anywhere from $30-$50 for the procedure and I need it done four times for a total cost of $120-$200. The actually cost of the procedure is between $15-$22 which would cost me a total of $60-$88.

The only reason why I want to get the procedure done "at cost" is because there is some discrepancy as to who should pay for it and it might end up being money down the toilet anyway (long story). This situation is definitely a special circumstance, which is the only reason why I want to get a discount.

Do you all think it would be ok to ask for a discount? I never know how vets feel about this kind of thing. I certainly wouldn't make a habit of it. It would be a one time thing. It really makes me uncomfortable asking for discounts.
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post #2 of 7
9/9/11 at 12:17pm
Yes. Absolutely yes. If you've been a long time client and you've paid your bills faithfully and you're in a bind, yes. It never hurts to ask.

The last time we took Tabby in for an ear check-up and for her first set of kitten shots, I told our vet right out...."Look, I haven't said anything. I've been bringing this little baby in almost every week since the beginning of July. I've paid for all the office visits, the cleaning fluids, the antibiotics, the Advantage, the Panolog, everything. Without even a blink. But this is getting expensive. I'm trying, we're trying. We're doing everything we can to get these ears clean. Would you please help us out on the bill?"

And she agreed to only charge us for a re-check. Which is considerably cheaper.

You don't know until you ask.
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post #3 of 7
9/9/11 at 1:07pm
It is ok to ask for a discount. But I wouldn't come out and say that I want it done for cost price.

Before you take your cats in, call and talk to them, or better yet, go there in person. Explain to them that you have 4 cats that need some medical care but you are strapped financially right now and ask if they could possibly offer a discount on the fee. Leave it up to them to determine the discount.
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post #4 of 7
9/9/11 at 2:21pm
Is there anyway you could do this yourself/at a clinic(deworming or microchip...)
I would ask as long as you are willing to pay and if its a no, thanks anyway if a yes then GREAT!

If you get the ok ahead of time I would pay on the spot if you know you will be back(worst case its a credit to account) I strongly agree to not say at cost. I think better chance of yes if you just as for a break.
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post #5 of 7
9/9/11 at 2:44pm
There is no shame in asking. The worse thing that happens is they say no.
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post #6 of 7
9/9/11 at 3:03pm
Yeah. Just ask sensibly. You're not trying to guilt them into it. If they can't afford to give you a discount, then they'll say no.
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post #7 of 7
9/9/11 at 3:58pm
There's nothing wrong with requesting a discount. Our vet gives us 10% -- we have 3 cats. Actually I was only joking when I mentioned it to him, but he put it in the computer and now we get the discounts. Doesn't hurt to ask, and vet bills , as we all know, can be very expensive.
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