01/09/2026
WhatsApp conversation:
Customer: Hi sisi, I got your number from my colleague. May I order 12 cupcakes? I’ll send you the picture. My colleague also said that you can give me a discount. 🥹
Me: Hi Mbali, thank you for reaching out to us! 🤍 We’d be happy to assist you with your order. Before we proceed, I’d just like to make you aware that unfortunately, we wouldn’t be able to offer a discount on this order.
Our prices are carefully calculated based on the cost of ingredients, packaging, labour, electricity, time and all the little things that go into creating your order. We always try to keep our prices as fair and affordable as possible, so reducing the price further isn’t always possible for us.
Customer: Oh, okay. But we were also going to get more customers for you because I work at a hospital. 🥹
Me: We genuinely appreciate that, Mbali. ❤️ Referrals and word-of-mouth support mean so much to a small business, and we never take them for granted.
However, referrals aren't something we can exchange for a discount. Every order still has its own costs, and we have to make sure that the business remains sustainable.
Customer: Oh sana! Yekela😒...Thanks for your time.
Me: We’re sorry the feedback did not meet your expectations 🥺We hope to bake memories for you one day. Thank you for considering us.
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That said, goodwill doesn't always have to look like a discount. 😊
When we decide to extend a gesture of goodwill to a customer, we choose what we are able to offer at that particular time and based on the circumstances. It could be adding a little extra decoration, allowing you to choose a premium flavour at a lower price, adding a filling at no extra cost, throwing in something extra, or simply doing something special to make your order a little more memorable.
So yes, we appreciate every referral, every recommendation and every customer who chooses to support us.
But sometimes, the discount you're asking for isn't the gesture we're able…or willing to give. And that's okay. ❤️
Now, let's talk about it:
Customers, do you feel that asking for a discount is reasonable when you've been referred by someone?
And service providers, how do you handle customers who expect a discount because they were referred, promise to bring you more customers, or know someone who has ordered from you before?
Let’s hear both sides. 👀
