The excuse "I was just following orders" is pretty discredited these days.

For a Nazi before a war tribunal, yes.

For an employee who by following company orders makes the price negotiation more difficult for a customer, no.

The difference is probably based on price negotiation not being percieved as a moral problem. Thus the employee removes some of your possible utility, but he is not doing anything immoral. Following orders which are not considered immoral is still an acceptable excuse.