Discounts: Overview, definition, and example
What are discounts?
Discounts are price reductions offered on goods or services, either as a promotion, an incentive for bulk purchases, or a reward for early payments. Businesses use discounts to attract customers, increase sales volume, or encourage timely payments.
For example, a supplier might offer a 10% discount to a retailer that buys in large quantities, reducing the overall cost per unit.
Why are discounts important?
Discounts help businesses drive sales, build customer loyalty, and improve cash flow. For buyers, discounts reduce costs and make purchases more affordable.
Common types of discounts include:
- Volume discounts – A lower price per unit for buying in bulk.
- Seasonal discounts – Reduced prices during specific times of the year, such as holiday sales.
- Early payment discounts – A price reduction for paying an invoice before the due date.
- Promotional discounts – Temporary price cuts to attract new customers or clear inventory.
For businesses, offering the right discount strategy can increase revenue while ensuring profitability. However, excessive discounting can reduce margins if not managed carefully.
Understanding discounts through an example
Imagine a manufacturing company sells equipment at $5,000 per unit. To encourage bulk orders, it offers a 15% discount for purchases of 10 or more units. A customer buying 12 units would receive a discount of $750 per unit, lowering the total cost from $60,000 to $51,000.
In another case, a consulting firm issues an invoice for $10,000, due in 30 days. The invoice offers a 2% discount if the client pays within 10 days. If the client takes advantage of the discount, they pay $9,800 instead of $10,000, saving $200.
An example of a discounts clause
Here’s how a discount clause might appear in a contract:
“Seller agrees to provide Buyer with a [X]% discount on purchases of [Y] units or more. Any discounts applied shall be reflected on the final invoice and are subject to the payment terms outlined in this Agreement.”
Conclusion
Discounts reduce costs for buyers and help businesses boost sales, manage inventory, and improve cash flow. Whether offering or receiving discounts, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions to avoid misunderstandings.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.