Raising rates ,need suggestions

[Jasmine]

A little background, in April of 2006 I raised my rates from $60 to $70 for an 70 min full body massage and $50 to $60 for an 50 min upper body massage. At the time I was raising my rates at a clip of $5 every two years, give or take a few months.
So what is the problem? At the time I felt a ten dollar increase for my long term clients seemed excessive so I grandfathered those clients in and only raised them $5.00 to $65 and $55, respectfully. With that rate increase , I also became the most expensive massage in town. No issue there on my part.
With a rate increase coming soon, I would like get all my clients on the same pay scale, but that means looking at a a $10 increase for my long time clients to get everyone to $75 dollars and $65 accordingly.This also puts me at $15 dollars over other therapists in town, which to the general public is HUGE.
I'm usually an outside the box thinker, but I'm stymied by this and you can't really ask clients for advice regarding this matter. Thanks in advance.

 

[JoAnna]

I'd consider raising your rates to where you want to be for the next five years or so, instead of every 2 years. The jump will be a bit more than normal, but then everyone will be hiked accordingly.

You can just say - rates are $xx now. But of course in a nicer way.

 

[ken.hero]

You might give a heads-up to your existing clientele, saying "My rates will be xxxx as of this date: xxx xx, 2008."

If you sell gift certificates or packages, let them know they can purchase as many sessions as desired prior to the rate increase, then redeem them as desired. This will give them a chance to lock in some sessions at a lower rate, hopefully easing the transition for some of them.

Good luck!