As a sales professional, you’ve probably felt the pressure to lower your prices or match your competitors just to stay in the game. It’s a constant battle, trying to balance what the market demands with what you know you’re worth. But what if I told you that you’re limiting your own profitability—and you don’t have to?
Most salespeople leave significant money on the table because they don't fully recognize the immense value they bring to the table. It’s time to stop undervaluing yourself. You are worth more than you realize. Let's explore why you're leaving money on the table—and how you can turn things around, starting today.
The "Ripping Off" Myth: You Deserve to Be Paid What You're Worth
If you’ve ever felt that charging more than your competition means you’re "ripping off" your clients, it’s time to change that mindset. There’s a big difference between overcharging and charging what you're truly worth. You are offering value, expertise, and solutions that your customers can't get anywhere else.
When you help your clients solve a problem, boost their business, or improve their life, that’s worth something. You’re not "ripping them off"; you’re providing a solution that makes a real impact. It’s time to own the fact that your time, knowledge, and service have value. Charge what you're worth and watch how much more respect you gain from your clients.
Industry Standards Are Holding You Back
Sticking to the industry standard pricing is comfortable. It’s easy. But the truth is, it’s also limiting. The "industry standard" isn’t the bar for what you should charge—it’s the baseline. It doesn’t account for the unique value you bring to the relationship.
Think about it: Your experience, the personal relationships you build, and your knowledge of your client’s needs are things that can’t be replicated by the competition. You’re not just another salesperson—you’re a trusted expert. So why stay stuck in the middle of the pack? It’s time to elevate your pricing to match your value.
Take Control of the Sales Process
Are you letting your clients drive the entire process? It’s easy to fall into the trap of letting the client dictate terms, but here’s the secret: you’re the expert. Take control. Your experience, knowledge, and the solutions you provide are what will help your clients succeed. They need your guidance.
You don’t need to compromise to close a deal. Instead of just giving them what they ask for, show them why your approach is the best solution. When you position yourself as the expert, your clients will trust you more—and you’ll find that closing the sale becomes much easier, even at higher margins.
Stop Devaluing Yourself
In an effort to stay competitive, too many salespeople cut their prices or reduce the value they offer. But here’s the harsh truth: Every time you reduce your value, you’re doing more harm than good. Lowering your prices doesn’t make you more competitive; it makes your offer seem less valuable.
Instead of reducing your prices to compete, focus on increasing the perceived value of what you offer. You are not just a product or a service—you are a solution, a partner, a guide. Your clients don’t just want to buy from you; they want to work with you. They’re paying for your expertise, your insights, and your ability to solve problems. Never forget that.
Raise Your Prices—Without the Pushback
Here's something that may surprise you: Many sales professionals find that when they raise their prices, they face zero pushback. That’s right—customers are willing to pay for what they perceive as high value. It’s all about how you communicate your offering. When you show your clients how your solution will benefit them, they’re not as concerned with the price tag as you might think.
So, don’t be afraid to raise your margins. When you do, you’ll likely find that not only do you face little to no resistance, but you’ll also build stronger, more lucrative relationships. The key is to focus on what you offer, how it’s going to help, and why it’s worth the investment.
You’re Worth More Than You Think—It’s Time to Embrace It
If you’ve ever sold yourself short, it’s time to stop. You’re a professional who brings unique value to every deal you make. Your knowledge, relationships, and expertise are all worth paying for. You don't have to sacrifice profitability to stay competitive. In fact, when you truly recognize your worth and communicate it effectively, you’ll be surprised by the results.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re tired of undervaluing yourself and want to see how high your profitability can really go, it's time to take action. Start by recognizing your value and charging what you’re worth. Take control of the sales process and stop letting the client dictate terms. Raise your prices if you need to—and watch your relationships strengthen and your profits grow.
You’re capable of achieving so much more than you’ve been giving yourself credit for. It’s time to stop leaving money on the table and start earning what you truly deserve.
Are you ready to step up and unlock your full potential? Your future self will thank you.
Until next month, continued good selling – know your value, up your profits.
For nearly 40 years, Cliff Quicksell, CSP, MAS+, MASI, has been a pioneering figure in the promotional products industry through his company, Cliff Quicksell Associates. He is globally recognized for his exceptional skills in speaking, coaching, training, and consulting, helping businesses and associations market their products and services more effectively while motivating their teams. Cliff’s remarkable achievements include induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 2021 and earning the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation in 2023, a prestigious accreditation held by only 7% of the world’s speakers and the only active member in the promotional products industry to hold this title.
A creative powerhouse, Cliff has been awarded the prestigious PPAI Pyramid Award over 40 times, the Printing Industry's PSDA Peak Award for creativity five times, and the CPPA Peak Award 13 times, including six consecutive years. He has also received PPAI's Ambassador Speaker of the Year Award for six consecutive years and was the inaugural recipient of PPAI's Distinguished Service Award. Recognized by PPAI in the book "PPAI at 100" and by Counselor Magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in the Promotional Products Industry, Cliff is celebrated for his significant influence in education and industry training.
Cliff’s blog, "30 Seconds to Greatness," won the 8LMedia Award for Most Passed Around Content. Connect with Cliff on LinkedIn or via email at cliff@QuicksellSpeaks.com to stay updated on his podcast and upcoming events. Visit www.QuicksellSpeaks.com for more information. Cliff is also preparing to launch a new company aimed at supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs.