People will only pay if they believe the value they receive is equal to or greater than what they’re spending. This concept is known as price discrepancy.
When sellers hesitate to pay us what we’re worth, it’s often because we haven’t effectively shown them our value. In other words, we’ve been commoditized.
A commodity is something interchangeable that competes primarily on price. If a seller goes with someone who “does it for less,” that’s a sign we’ve been commoditized—sometimes a necessary reality check. (Though, yes, some people do prioritize price alone.)
Commoditization works fine for unchanging products like limes or apples —but it’s not ideal for services and expertise.
Enter the commodity continuum:
Commodity = interchangeable, low value
Premium Product = extra features, unique branding
High Value = competes on unique value, minimal competition, solid offers, and unique experiences
So, how do we set ourselves apart? By creating a core offer packed with bonuses and guarantees. That way, when someone asks, “What’s your fee?” we can confidently say:
“Let me share my offer with you first. Would you like to see it?”
There’s no need to name a price bc there’s no offer, yet. They don’t even know what you provide so how can you put a price on it?
Here’s what happens:
You instantly stand out from the competition
You take back control of the conversation. Remember: the one asking the questions leads the discussion.
You can now present your core offer, showcase its benefits, back it up with guarantees, and sweeten the deal with bonuses
And that’s how you eliminate the competition and elevate your value.