🧠 How Service Providers Should Negotiate with Clients Before Starting a Job

A Guide to Fair Pricing, Clear Communication, and Verified Hustle

In Kenya’s fast-moving service economy, negotiation isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, clarity, and dignity. Whether you’re a cleaner in Utawala, a tailor in Kisumu, or a mover in Machakos, how you speak to clients before the job starts can determine whether you get booked, paid fairly, and called again.

This guide walks you through the key steps every Balozy service provider should follow when negotiating with clients—especially on WhatsApp—before leaving for a job or starting work.

🚦 Step 1: Confirm the Service Clearly

Before anything else, make sure you understand what the client wants. Ask:

• ✅“Can you confirm the service you need?”
• ✅“Is it general cleaning, deep cleaning, or laundry?”
• ✅“Are you looking for tailoring, repair, or custom design?”

This helps avoid confusion and sets the tone for professionalism. Repeat the service back to them to show you’re listening.

📍 Step 2: Ask for the Location and Distance

Distance affects time, transport, and energy. Always ask:

• ✅“Where exactly are you located?”
• ✅“Is it near [your base area] or further out?”
• ✅“Will I need to take a matatu, boda, or walk?”

Once you know the location, calculate your transport cost and time. If it’s far, explain politely:

“Thanks for sharing. That’s a bit outside my usual zone, so I’ll need to include transport in the price.”

This shows you’re not just charging randomly—you’re factoring in real costs.

💰 Step 3: Determine the Price Before You Leave

Never leave for a job without agreeing on the price. This avoids awkward surprises and protects your hustle.

Use phrases like:

• ✅“For that service and location, I charge KSh [amount]. Does that work for you?”
• ✅“My rate is KSh [amount], including transport.”
• ✅“If it’s more than [X] hours, I’ll need to adjust the price slightly.”

If the client tries to delay the price discussion, gently insist:

“I’d love to help, but I always confirm price before leaving. It keeps things clear for both of us.”

🧾 Step 4: Offer a Breakdown (If Needed)

Some clients want to understand how you arrived at the price. Be transparent:

• ✅Service: KSh 800
• ✅Transport: KSh 200
• ✅Total: KSh 1,000

This builds trust and shows you’re professional. If they ask for a discount, you can say:

“I’ve already kept it fair based on distance and time. I can offer a small discount if it’s a repeat job or referral.”

🧍 Step 5: Clarify What’s Included

Avoid misunderstandings by listing what’s covered:

• ✅“This price includes cleaning of 2 bedrooms, 1 kitchen, and 1 bathroom.”
• ✅“Tailoring includes stitching and ironing, but fabric is separate.”
• ✅“Transport is included, but if I need to wait more than 30 minutes, I’ll charge a small waiting fee.”

This protects you from extra work that wasn’t agreed upon.

🕒 Step 6: Confirm Time and Availability

Once price is agreed, lock in the time:

• ✅“I’m available at 10am tomorrow. Does that work?”
• ✅“I’ll arrive by 2pm. Please confirm someone will be home.”

If the client delays or cancels last minute, you can say:

“I plan my day around bookings. If there’s a change, please let me know early so I don’t lose other jobs.”

📲 Step 7: Use WhatsApp Professionally

Your WhatsApp tone matters. Keep it warm, clear, and respectful:

• ✅Use greetings: “Good morning,” “Hello,” “Thank you.”
• ✅Avoid slang unless the client uses it first.
• ✅Use emojis sparingly to show friendliness, not informality.

Example message:

“Hello! I’m Stephen, your Balozy cleaner. I charge KSh 1,000 for a 2-bedroom clean in Syokimau, including transport. I’m available tomorrow at 10am. Please confirm.”

🧠 Step 8: Know When to Walk Away

If a client insists on unfair pricing, unclear instructions, or last-minute changes, it’s okay to say no:

“I appreciate the interest, but I won’t be able to take this job under those terms. Wishing you the best.”

Protecting your time and dignity is part of being a verified pro.

🛡️ Step 9: Keep Records

After agreement, save the WhatsApp chat or note the details:

• ✅Client name
• ✅Service
• ✅Location
• ✅Price
• ✅Time

This helps if there’s a dispute or if you want to follow up for future bookings.

🌟 Step 10: Deliver with Excellence

Once you arrive, greet the client warmly, confirm the service again, and do your best work. A good job leads to referrals, repeat bookings, and higher earnings.

After the job, you can say:

“Thanks for trusting me. If you’re happy, feel free to refer me or book again through Balozy.”

💬 Sample WhatsApp Script

Here’s a full example you can adapt:

Hi! I’m Stephen, your Balozy cleaner. I charge KSh 1,000 for a 2-bedroom clean in Syokimau, including transport. I’m available tomorrow at 10am. This includes bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. Please confirm so I can plan my day. Thanks again!

🔑 Key Additions to Reinforce the Message:

💬 WhatsApp Message Template

“Hello! I’m [Your Name], your Balozy [Service]. I charge KSh [Amount] for [Service] in [Location], including transport. I’m available at [Time]. Please confirm so I can plan my day. Thanks!”

📍 Regional Tip

Always ask: “Are you near [Landmark] or [Stage]?” It helps estimate distance and avoid confusion.

🛡️ Hustle Rule

No price, no movement. Confirm the amount before you leave—protect your time, energy, and dignity

🧭 Final Thoughts: Hustle with Clarity and Pride

Negotiation isn’t about arguing—it’s about clarity, respect, and verified hustle. When you ask for distance, confirm price, and communicate professionally, you protect your time and build trust.

Balozy is here to support you with verified profiles, sample pricing, and WhatsApp-first booking. But the way you speak to clients—that’s your superpower.

So before you leave for a job, ask the right questions, confirm the price, and walk in with confidence. You’re not just doing a service—you’re building Kenya’s future, one verified booking at a time.