When a place near you starts a new offer, some of your customers may try it. You do not have to match it. Look at what your own customers come for. If an offer makes sense for you, make it real. Give it a clear price and dates. Then tell your customers.
Sunita runs a bakery near a school. A bakery down the road started a "two puffs for ₹40" offer.
Sunita did not want to cut her prices. But she knew parents came to her for fresh cakes.
She ran her own weekend offer: a box of cookies with every birthday cake order. She posted it on her listing and sent it to her customers on WhatsApp.
This is an example, with a made up name and business.
Fix it yourself
- Stay calm. One offer nearby does not mean you must react. Many customers stay for quality and trust.
- Know what your customers value. Taste, speed, service, a special item. Ask a few regular customers.
- Decide if you want an offer. Only run one you can afford for the full dates.
- Make it your own. Use your own idea, your own words and your own photos. Do not copy the other shop's offer.
- Write it clearly. What the customer gets, the price, the start date and the end date.
- Post it on your listing. Our guide on posting on your Google listing shows how.
- Tell your own customers. Send it on WhatsApp only to people who already message you.
- End it on time. Remove the post when the offer ends.
Rules to keep
- Never post a fake offer or a price you will not honour.
- Never name or criticise the other shop.
- Never copy their post, photo or price list.
Common questions
Should I always cut my price when others do?
No. A price war can hurt you both. Sometimes a small extra works better than a lower price.
How long should an offer run?
Short is easier. A weekend or one week is enough to start.
Will my offer bring customers back?
Nobody can promise that. A clear, honest offer gives customers a reason to choose you.