Asking for "friends & family" discounts?

[jeromedawg]

Hi all

Would it be weird to inquire about "friends & family" discounts from an acupuncturist who is the brother of a friend of ours?

The backstory is that my wife met and befriended another family at school - our daughters were in the same preschool class last year. Since then we've hung out with this family a number of times in the past year or so. They are comfortable inviting us over to hang out whenever and in fact are looking for opportunities I think probably because the daughter is an only-child and they want her to be occupied or have friends to play with. The kids all get along very well.

Anyway, I was asking the husband about acupuncture (not knowing his brother practices) and then he mentioned his brother is an acupuncturist and asked if I'd like to talk with him - I said sure, so he gave his brother a heads-up last night and I called him this AM. We briefly chatted about my issues and then he proceeded to ask for insurance and started telling me about his rates and discounted rates (if you buy a package).

I'm not sure if it's appropriate to drop the question - I think it would be a little awkward though.

Thoughts?

[renata ricotta]

Yes, it's weird, don't do it. He is already aware of your connection to his brother and quoted you a price -- it's not like you're a secret connection. Either that already IS his discounted rate, or he doesn't have a discounted rate, or he does have a discounted rate but you do not qualify.

Don't get me wrong, it's not illegal or anything to ask for a discount for whatever reason you think should get you one -- but in this case it would be tone deaf and inappropriate. He told you what he charges, you can either decide you want to pay it or you don't.

[jeromedawg]

Yes, it's weird, don't do it. He is already aware of your connection to his brother and quoted you a price -- it's not like you're a secret connection. Either that already IS his discounted rate, or he doesn't have a discounted rate, or he does have a discounted rate but you do not qualify.

Don't get me wrong, it's not illegal or anything to ask for a discount for whatever reason you think should get you one -- but in this case it would be tone deaf and inappropriate. He told you what he charges, you can either decide you want to pay it or you don't.

Yea, I had a feeling it would be weird haha. I'll avoid doing it and keep to business as usual