Finally going to increase some rates

[Dani G]

I decided to finally do this. I haven't increased my rates in a few years. Some services will stay the same but massage and shiatsu will increase. Some of my other services (hot stone) I did increase about a year ago and will leave those prices alone.

There will be a sign posted in my room with an effective date of July 1. I will also email clients to notify. No all clients have given me email addresses so I am wondering if I should also mail something??? What do you think? I really prefer to not, but if so, maybe combining it with a summer coupon??

Thanks!

 

[casinobar]

I wouldn't do the coupon, personally. That would effectively "nullify" the rate increase, wouldn't it? I think that if you send out the email announcement, and have the sign posted, folks will get the picture. For those who didn't give you an email address, and just in general, you might want to consider asking them when they call to book "... and are you aware of the rate increase going into effect July 1st?" If they didn't know, then they will now. If they did know, they will likely just say "Yes", and not think twice about having been "reminded".

 

[piscesram30]

I'm going to increase my rates as well by $10 in June when we (hopefully) move into our new building. I have a bulletin board in my room where I will post the coming increase for all my regulars to see. I also plan on sending postcards to all my clients informing them of the move, introducing my son, and rather than saying my prices have increased, just list our services with the payment amount.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I raised my rates on Feb 1, and informed people directly, starting about 1 month before the rate increase. For anyone who schedules at least every couple of months, I told them when I saw them. Post-Feb 1, if someone came in who hadn't been told, but had been in at least once in the previous few months, I informed them, and charged the old rate one last time "as a courtesy."

I thought about a coupon, but didn't want those trailing in for the next year. I like Grace's idea of a postcard with the new info, and the rate list. Seems like a very easy way to get the job done. Maybe a postcard or newsletter? You could put your rates list in there, then in small print below, "all prices effective July 1." Who knows, you might get a little burst of scheduling from people who want to get in one more time at the old rate?

 

[Lyn badz]

When I have raised rates in the past, I have always mailed a letter to everyone. Not only does it serve as a reminder that you are "avaliable" if it's been a long time since the client has been in, but I also believe it is an important part of providing important information to the client that they may otherwise be caught off guard about on their next visit, if they haven't been in for quite some time.

Using a $-OFF coupon may also re-activate some people who would normally not come in, just because they would like to get in before the price goes up.

05/04/09 edited for a typo!

 

[Yep]

Whenever I have a rate increase, I allow clients to pre-pay for sessions at the old rate. That can soften the news for some. A mailing is always a great idea, both to new and old/non-active clients. Gets them to think about you and coming in again.

 

[astutewoman]

I've raised my rates many times, and found "simple" to be the best process for me. I put a sign up 2 months ahead of time, and do no mailing. My clients are all regulars, so this gives them all a chance to see it, and to prepare. It makes the raising of rates "no big deal." Just a natural part of doing business. The only way I would recommend a mailing, is if you're trying to reach out to inactive clients. Then, like Breathe says, it gives them a chance to schedule before your rates go up. I definitely vote against the coupon. Like others have said, that sends a mixed message. It's like an apology for raising your rates.