Freelancers: would you discount your invoice for delivering a project very late?

[ReallyShouldBeDoingSomethingElse]

I am self employed. For personal reasons I have struggled to work for the past few months.

A longstanding client with whom I have had a good relationship for many years has been very patient while I have delayed further and further delivering each stage of a project. The work is now done and they are happy with the result, however I am hugely ashamed of my inability to deliver and sometimes to communicate over the past few months. I want to retain the client - I like working with them.

In this situation would you discount your invoice in view of the delays caused at your end?

Yes I’d say knock 10% off the final bill, shown on the invoice and when I invoiced I’d say why, thank them for their patience and assure them it was a one off and wouldn’t happen again

Thanks for replying. Yes, I think I'll do this. Does 10% seem about right?

I wouldn't. However, I would be sure to thank them for their patience and make noises about looking forward to working together in the future.

I am a freelancer and I employ many freelancers.

There is no need to do this if it’s a long standing relationship. We all fuck up occasionally, they are happy with the work now. Write an apology if you didn’t. If a discount did anything it would act as a reminder that you were late whereas you’d rather just draw a veil. If they’ve decided not to use you again a 10% discount is going to make no difference.

No bloke would even think about disadvantaging themselves like this.

I wouldn't unless they suggest it, why would you?

I think if they were happy with the work and you have explained, kept them informed and you have a longstanding work relationship
I would apologise again and give them a token thank you for their patience - bottle of wine
I would only offer a discount to an invoice if they had suffered a direct loss due to something I had done.
The problem with discounts and long term work relationships is that they may come to expect it on future projects and then be pissed when you don't
I am very careful with projects and timings and always say I cannot guarantee timescales for this reason - I'm a sole practitioner and I'm disabled so sometimes projects take longer and I don't have anyone to take up the slack.
I think in these situations communication is key and the token gesture is for not quite getting that right on this occasion.

Thanks everyone.

I suppose my reasons for giving a discount would be to show that I recognise my fuck up. However the reason I hesitated is it almost seems belittling to think that a 10% discount makes up for it.

I think I'll invoice the agreed rate but send it with a further final apology for the delays along the way.