Alternatives to “the price is firm” at work

Say this instead

1. 01

   Thank you for your note. The quote reflects the work involved, so the price isn't something we can change. If the budget is tight, I'm happy to look at a smaller scope.

   Client · Email

   Fits a client asking for a discount when you want to hold the number and keep the relationship warm.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Hi Aaliyah, the quote of $450 is our final price for this job. It stays open until Friday if you'd like time to decide. Dan

   Customer · SMS

   Good for a quick follow-up text because it states the price plainly and gives the customer room to think.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   I'd suggest we hold the rate on this one. It's our standard for this scope, and I'd rather trim the scope than cut the price. Okay with you?

   Boss · Chat

   Use it to get your manager's backing before you reply to a request for a lower price.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   If the client brings up the rate on the call, please say it's our standard rate for this work and we can't change it. You can offer to talk through scope options instead.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Gives your team member a clear line for the call along with the reason, so they understand it.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Heads up: the price on this proposal is fixed, so please don't offer a discount if they ask. Just pass it to me and I'll pick it up from there.

   Coworker · Chat

   Helps a colleague who is in touch with the client stay consistent without feeling put on the spot.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   Thanks for sharing the range. My expected base salary is firm at 18 lakh a year, so I can only go ahead at that figure. I'm still very interested in the role.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Suits a recruiter who pushes for a lower number when you want to stay interested without moving.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Thanks for asking. That's our set price for this item, so I'm not able to adjust it. I can go through exactly what's included if that helps.

   Customer · Chat

   Right for a live chat where a customer asks for a better price and you still want to be helpful.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Saying “that's the best I can do right now” when you can't move at all invites another round of haggling.
• Piling on apologies or “unfortunately” can make the price sound open to negotiation.
• A long, defensive explanation weakens your position, and one clear reason is enough.
• Blaming someone else, such as “my boss won't allow it”, sounds like you could be talked round.
• Offering a smaller scope or other option only makes sense if you are genuinely able to deliver it.

Related phrases

• Better ways to say “can the offer be higher”→
• A kinder way to say “is the price okay”→
• How to say “no raise this year” professionally→
• A kinder way to say “your account is on hold”→
• “I can't negotiate”: how to say it politely→
• What to say instead of “you're stubborn”→