Do you think offering discounts as a photographer is a good way to get customers?

Let's put a different perspective on it than the last posts. Discounts are provided to nonprofits at times, and to individuals who impress me and need the discount because of their financial situation. Let's revision what discount is; it doesn't mean for free and costs need to be covered. Discounts are given because I choose to offer. People seeking discounts are not less than as described above. Some people still can't afford my discount and then I wish them well. At times, a discount is giving to the community or to someone who has had a lost. We recently had fires that destroyed people's homes and lives. I offered my creative support to some who needed my help.  Sometimes it is the least I can do. Giving of ourselves is different than a discount one would receive in a five and dime store. We don't discount because we need to move stock. I discount out of compassion. I also adjust prices based on the whether I am working with a company for a one time job or a year long contractual job. Adjusting prices is not discounting, it is good business with a stable contract.

I think that you should determine prices that cover your costs and return a little toward maintaining your business and yourself.  And then keep those prices as long as customers show up and pay them.  Discounts and coupons become a trap and a path to a downward spiral.  People only shopping for bargains will not be the customers that will keep you in business.  Concentrate on the quality of your work and your products - and encourage happy customers to tell their friends about you.  I hand out business cards - and encourage customers to share them.  I also hand our a really great gel/ballpoint pen that people love and it has my business contact information on it.

I offer a reduced session fee for military and first responders. Otherwise, I don't offer "discounts". I do however, offer incentives, in the form of gift prints, additional album pages, etc., to push my clients to the next sales level.

We never offer discounts ... We will sometimes offer an extra print or upgrade to a larger portrait if we want to do something special for a client. We found that discounting only lead to people always wanting more and telling their friends to ask for them as well. 

On rare occasion maybe (specific reasons/events), but generally speaking, nope!

No

Great customer service and professional marketing.

I don't, (and totally understand "the idea" of discounting to attract customers), but besides valuing my work more than that, I feel that as professionals, we have to separate ourselves from our society where everyone has a very good camera (with effects) on their phone. Obviously, there's so much more that we offer (I make corporate films for the most part), but unfortunately, most folks can't see the difference. However the answer is not to give in, but educate folks on what you bring...and not have your art become a commodity. Best of Luck!

I do mostly family photo shoots and weddings. I don't offer "discounts" so to speak. I offer Mini Sessions. So, usually I charge a set price for an hour photo shoot- say $100. A lot of family sessions do not take a whole hour but I charge the whole price even if we only take photos for 30 minutes. So, I offer mini sessions. They pay a fee, say $50 and only get a 30 minute sessions and only a few edits. This allows me to set a whole day aside for customers (who usually come back) and I can fit more people in!  

I think offering a discount on photography services is a great way to attract discount clients and harm your business and reputation in the process.

In the past I offered discounts however those that were looking for discounts were also the same clients who didn't want prints and only wanted digital. Hard to make a living as a shoot and burn photographer so no, I no longer offer discounts.