In the luxury lighting and chandelier installation world, the expectation should be one of professionalism, trust, and expertise. Unfortunately, over the years, I’ve encountered several situations where affluent clients attempt to negotiate my prices down under the guise of being “builders,” offering minimal help, or assuming future favors.
Two recent examples highlight exactly why I stand firm on my pricing and no longer entertain negotiations.
Case 1: The $1.6M Homeowner Who Wanted a $500 Discount
Recently, I was approached by a homeowner living in a $1.6 million house who needed a chandelier lift installed. He had already attempted to bypass part of my service by having his own crew install the chandelier—only to realize that it needed to be removed in order to install the lift properly. Despite this error, he asked me to lower my already discounted $1,600 installation fee to $1,100. His justification? That he’s a builder and “won’t share the price with anyone else.”
This isn’t a volume contract, it’s a one-off request for a complex job involving attic access in July, electrical work, lift mounting, and precision installation. The part alone (a wireless remote module) was provided at cost, with no markup. Yet he was effectively asking me to lose income to make his luxury project more affordable.
Case 2: The Repeat Bulb Replacement Request
His brother, another wealthy client, once called me back not once, but three times to replace light bulbs in a chandelier I had already installed. When I informed him there would be a charge for a return visit, he was offended. Keep in mind: this isn’t an oversight, it’s a boundary. My business is not a free on-call service, and my time is valuable.
Here’s What People Often Don’t Understand:
- I don’t offer discounts because my rates are already fair and often below market for the level of quality and expertise I provide.
- If you’re hiring a professional with 15+ years of experience, you’re not just paying for time on site — you’re paying for everything that prevents costly mistakes.
- I do not use or rely on your crew. That is not helpful; it’s a liability. My process is mine for a reason.
Why the Installation Costs $1,600 — A Breakdown of What You’re Really Paying For:
- Pre-job consultation and planning
- Travel to the residence with tools and equipment
- Accessing and working in a hot, fiberglass-insulated attic (often during peak summer)
- Creating a secure platform and mounting point for the lift
- Running or modifying electrical wiring to meet power and safety requirements
- Safely wiring and installing the lift system
- Connecting and lifting the chandelier precisely into place (after it has been removed by others)
- Clean, professional finish without damage to ceiling or surrounding fixtures
- Work performed by a fully insured professional with zero claims history
Choosing a seasoned expert means fewer mistakes, faster installs, and no callbacks — which actually saves money in the long run.
This pricing reflects efficiency, safety, and quality work performed by a licensed professional—not day labor.
What I Offer Instead:
- Clear, upfront pricing.
- Professionalism from start to finish.
- Precision, care, and long-term reliability in every installation.
If you want your chandelier installed correctly, with structural safety and high-end finish quality, I’m the person to call. But if you’re looking for someone to undercut themselves so you can preserve your lifestyle margins on a luxury property — I’m not the right fit.
And I’m more than okay with that.
Client Testimonial:
“Shawn’s professionalism is unmatched. He installed our chandelier lift flawlessly — and saved us from a DIY disaster.”
— L. Thompson, Atlanta
Final Thought:
Respect for skilled trades should not be conditional based on zip code or net worth. My clients who value my work never question the price. And they’re the ones I show up for — every time.
Need a Safe, Professional Lift Install? Chandelier Installation Pricing – Accurate Quotes For Expert Service Contact •
