Notifying clients of increase rates

[Pompal 09.]

Next month, I plan on increasing my rates from $40 to $45 for a 30 min session, $70 to $85 for an hour and $100 to $115 for 90 min session. I'm torn between notifying clients via email or just verbally telling them when they come in/call for their next session. Or post it in the office. Also, for my regular existing clients ( weekly, bi weekly and monthly visits), I am thinking about keeping them at the current rates as an incentive to coming frequently. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Carla Rawr]

Notifying clients of increase rates

Here's what I did. I sent and email, posted a sign, and posted on my website a month before hand. And I reminded people throughout the month

 

[raiders_fan479]

Notifying clients of increase rates

I always send out a letter when we raise rates. Last time was a number of years ago. I think it lends toward a more professional feel, and gives the client some time to digest the new increase.


For wording, you may want to check out this thread: rate increase wording


Here's what my letter looked like last time I raised rates in 2005 (from an older thread: Raising fees- do you verbally inform, or send out a mailing?):

My letter from 2005 - I haven't raised rates since that time.

Dear clients,

In the seven years since our office moved to our current location in 1998, we have successfully kept our services at the same rates.

Effective November 1st, 2005 we will have new rates:

All massage and therapeutic bodywork
1 hour - $75
1 1/2 hours - $115
2 hours - $160

Please forgive us the inconvenience.

Sincerely,

nnn

 

[Top Cat]

Notifying clients of increase rates

Ahh this is great. Thank you both so much and for the link! The other question is, for my regular existing clients ( weekly, bi weekly and monthly visits), should I keep them at the current rates as an incentive to coming frequently? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sankofa

 

[Vina]

Notifying clients of increase rates

Give them the option of prepaying for sessions at the current rate.

 

[KOTU]

Notifying clients of increase rates

Give them the option of prepaying for sessions at the current rate.

I second that! What if they could prepay for 1, 5 or 10 sessions in a Special package at the older rates? And make that offer available just until you get the new rates.

Then it would feel more like they are saving money, instead thinking about paying a higher price soon.

 

[Seema]

Notifying clients of increase rates

Give them the option of prepaying for sessions at the current rate.

I second that! What if they could prepay for 1, 5 or 10 sessions in a Special package at the older rates? And make that offer available just until you get the new rates.

Then it would feel more like they are saving money, instead thinking about paying a higher price soon.

I tend to do rate increases in either Sept or Oct for NEW clients (ie. new rate posted on website) and let existing clients know that I've increased but the new rates won't apply to them until after New Years. This gives them a few months of feeling they are getting a "discount" and since I sell special packages during December for the holidays (I sell packages year-round, but in December the discount is deeper) this gives them the ability to carry the old rate into the new year. It's been very effective in my practice.

I love the grandfathering of previous clients. It makes your clients feel important (as they should) and they know that they are getting a bargain. Good thinking! :grin: Win-win for all.