I increased my rates in January. I email a monthly newsletter. In the October newsletter, I mentioned that I was going to increase my rates. In the November one I told them how much. In December, I reminded them and told people in person as well as handed out a quarter sheet to people as they came in for their appointments with the new prices. Very easy transition to the new prices. Hope this helps.
We start letting our clients know about a price increase approximately 2 months beforehand. Our prices have only changed twice in 13 years so it’s an adjustment for everyone. We made a printed menu of the hourly and package rates so our front desk can easily show the options. We also use DemandForce for client communication and send out an announcement to all clients via email. This makes the transition much easier for clients and Soulstice staff.
When I finally raised prices after 15 years, I let regulars know it was coming. I also sent it out in an email. After the increase I let returning customers know when they called to book and again before doing the massage so there were no surprises. If I had it to do over again, I think I would raise prices $1.00 every year instead of in a bigger jump.
I let my regular clients know pricing is changing generally give them a month or 2 grace period. While automatically implementing it for all new clients and adjusting my online prices to reflect it. Generally if they get a grace period they feel special and adjust to the new pricing just fine. I have adjusted pricing several times over my years in business.
When you have them feeling Really good! Seriously, if your prices have always been under market and they enjoy your services, it’s no big deal, but it’s always a good idea to increase the value in someway if you have to increase prices, even if it is just perceived value.
I send it in a newsletter twice. Once with advance notice, and another with a reminder. I allow people to buy multiple sessions at the old rate before the increase. I also remind them in person when I see them, and post a notice on the wall for all to read.
I consider “my client” as the one in my chair or on my table. At the end of their service during rebooking I “explain” that as of ... my prices will increase. It’s also good to have it printed out (a little note), and point to it as you’re discussing it. 1 last thing, it’s a good move to put it on your website’s scheduling page.
Send out a nicely worded email to all your clients stating why you are doing it and when it will happen and how much they will now have to pay. You should have all that information assembled and well written. Give them a couple weeks or even a month before you raise your rates to give them time to adjust. You can also tell each client as they come to see you that as of such and such a date you will be raising the rate to whatever it will be. Making sure you do both to keep people from saying they didn't know about the rate hike.
You can also post a note on the door of your office or by the front desk or somewhere people will see it stating the above.
Business from Franklin, MA
Answered on Feb 2nd, 2019
There are some great how-to answers here (Chris Ackermann rocked it), and some "why" answers . . . But regarding the 'why' I have a suggestion or two. Use plain and simple language. Language like:
"You know how your cost of utilities, food, taxes, etc. has been going up? I hear you! And I'm sorry to say it's the same for me, which is leading me to a modest increase in my rates. I try very hard to manage my costs but inflation has taken a toll. I'm happy to answer any questions, but thank you in advance for understanding."
I'm also going to throw in my two-cents regarding pricing increases. As long as they don't put you out of step with your competition, take small changes with relative frequency. It's a lot easier to get customers used to a small increase every year or two than a big one every 10. Whenever possible, stay ahead of your expense load, not behind it. If you end up with more money than you'd like, donate it to charity and use that toward building good will, reaching new customers, and ingratiating you with your current clients.
Hey there! I would most likely send out an email at least 2 months in advance giving them a heads up, then mention it in person when they visit to confirm they got the message. When I was working in a clinic, they would print out a notice and put it in each treatment room to provide as much notice as possible. Have a great day😊
Join Your Local
Business Network
Connect & get quality referrals
from Small Business Owners
Answers (1-10)
I increased my rates in January. I email a monthly newsletter. In the October newsletter, I mentioned that I was going to increase my rates. In the November one I told them how much. In December, I reminded them and told people in person as well as handed out a quarter sheet to people as they came in for their appointments with the new prices. Very easy transition to the new prices. Hope this helps.
We start letting our clients know about a price increase approximately 2 months beforehand. Our prices have only changed twice in 13 years so it’s an adjustment for everyone. We made a printed menu of the hourly and package rates so our front desk can easily show the options. We also use DemandForce for client communication and send out an announcement to all clients via email. This makes the transition much easier for clients and Soulstice staff.
When I finally raised prices after 15 years, I let regulars know it was coming. I also sent it out in an email. After the increase I let returning customers know when they called to book and again before doing the massage so there were no surprises. If I had it to do over again, I think I would raise prices $1.00 every year instead of in a bigger jump.
I let my regular clients know pricing is changing generally give them a month or 2 grace period. While automatically implementing it for all new clients and adjusting my online prices to reflect it. Generally if they get a grace period they feel special and adjust to the new pricing just fine. I have adjusted pricing several times over my years in business.
When you have them feeling Really good! Seriously, if your prices have always been under market and they enjoy your services, it’s no big deal, but it’s always a good idea to increase the value in someway if you have to increase prices, even if it is just perceived value.
I send it in a newsletter twice. Once with advance notice, and another with a reminder. I allow people to buy multiple sessions at the old rate before the increase. I also remind them in person when I see them, and post a notice on the wall for all to read.
I consider “my client” as the one in my chair or on my table. At the end of their service during rebooking I “explain” that as of ... my prices will increase. It’s also good to have it printed out (a little note), and point to it as you’re discussing it. 1 last thing, it’s a good move to put it on your website’s scheduling page.
Send out a nicely worded email to all your clients stating why you are doing it and when it will happen and how much they will now have to pay. You should have all that information assembled and well written. Give them a couple weeks or even a month before you raise your rates to give them time to adjust. You can also tell each client as they come to see you that as of such and such a date you will be raising the rate to whatever it will be. Making sure you do both to keep people from saying they didn't know about the rate hike.
You can also post a note on the door of your office or by the front desk or somewhere people will see it stating the above.
There are some great how-to answers here (Chris Ackermann rocked it), and some "why" answers . . . But regarding the 'why' I have a suggestion or two. Use plain and simple language. Language like:
"You know how your cost of utilities, food, taxes, etc. has been going up? I hear you! And I'm sorry to say it's the same for me, which is leading me to a modest increase in my rates. I try very hard to manage my costs but inflation has taken a toll. I'm happy to answer any questions, but thank you in advance for understanding."
I'm also going to throw in my two-cents regarding pricing increases. As long as they don't put you out of step with your competition, take small changes with relative frequency. It's a lot easier to get customers used to a small increase every year or two than a big one every 10. Whenever possible, stay ahead of your expense load, not behind it. If you end up with more money than you'd like, donate it to charity and use that toward building good will, reaching new customers, and ingratiating you with your current clients.
Hey there! I would most likely send out an email at least 2 months in advance giving them a heads up, then mention it in person when they visit to confirm they got the message. When I was working in a clinic, they would print out a notice and put it in each treatment room to provide as much notice as possible. Have a great day😊