Right to Set Prices

• Business owners have the right to raise prices for services or goods, as long as price increase does not interfere with an existing contract with clients or consumers. For instance, if a contract guarantees a client or consumer a monthly rate for a period of time, then the business owner cannot violate this agreement. Once the duration of the contract has expired, or if no contract or agreement exists, the business owner can triple or quadruple the price, if he or she so desires. Business owners also retain the right to reduce the price of service or goods, as long the service or product is not regulated by state law. Cigarettes and alcohol, for instance, have minimum prices fixed by the law.
  
  

Right to Dictate Terms of Employment

• Business owners have right to freeze or decrease employee wages at any time and for any reason, unless a contract provides otherwise. Many employees think they are guaranteed wage increases or cost of living adjustments, but this is erroneous. Further, business owners reserve the right to terminate employees, especially in "employment at-will states." At-will employment means that an employee can be dismissed or demoted at any time, for any reason except for illegal reasons, such as discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, physical disability or sexual orientation. Small business owners, which is defined as those employing less than 50 workers, are also entitled to decide whether or not employees will be offered benefits, such as health insurance and paid vacation days. It is typical for small business owners to extend some sort of benefits package to full-time workers, but they are not obligated to do so.
  
  

Right to Religion and Free Speech

• Business owners have the right to free speech and the practice of religion. For instance, business owners are protected by law to hang a cross in the window or to display Bible verses on the property. They are also protected by law to sell religious goods as desired. However, business owners may not deny employment on the basis or religion or prohibit employees from practicing religion. As an example, a Christian bookstore cannot deny a Muslim employee from wearing a burqa to work, if her religion requires such attire.
  
  

Right to Offer Promotions to Certain Groups

• Business owners also enjoy the right to offer special discounts to certain classes of people. Even though businesses are legally prohibited from refusing service to certain classes of people, they can extend special offers to groups, such as children, senior citizens, veterans, students, teachers, firemen, clergy or local residents. Bars and restaurants often host "ladies nights," on which females are admitted free or at a discounted cover charge. Such promotional policies are lawful, if unfair.