Library › Sales AI › Freelancers and creators

Decline a rate cut and offer two smaller scopes

  • For Freelancers and creators
  • You practice Setting limits and rules
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Mara Okafor wants her brand package for $1,000. You won't change your $75 hourly rate. Write a plain-text email under 100 words that says so politely, then gives exactly two lines starting "Option 1:" and "Option 2:", each showing hours x $75 = total for a smaller scope. Both options must fit under $1,000. Sign off as Jo.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Cutting the rate. The AI offers a small-business discount. Try: Add: "The $75 rate stays; offer only smaller scopes."
  • Options over budget. The AI offers 14 hours = $1,050. Try: Add: "Both options must total under $1,000."
  • Wrong math or invented hours. The AI uses hours that aren't in the breakdown. Try: Add: "Remove whole items from the scope breakdown and show hours x 75 = total."
  • Long, formatted email. The AI writes a long email with bold options. Try: Add: "Plain text, under 100 words, signed Jo."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Keeps the rate
  • Two options
  • Shows math
  • Under budget
  • Plain text and cap

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises