Question:

Is it a violation of USPAP to offer as a marketing tool for my services a coupon for a 10% discount off the cost of an appraisal to potential clients such as mortgage lenders and the general public?

Response:

No. The use of a coupon as a marketing tool would not be a violation of the ETHICS RULE. However, a coupon for a reduced fee would be a thing of value connected to the procurement of an assignment. Therefore, proper disclosure must be made in the certification of the report and in any transmittal letter in which value conclusions are stated.

The Management section of the ETHICS RULE states:

The payment of undisclosed fees, commissions, or things of value in connection with the procurement of an assignment is unethical. (Bold added for emphasis)

Comment: Disclosure of fees, commissions, or things of value connected to the procurement of an assignment must appear in the certification and in any transmittal letter in which conclusions are stated.