What Would You Do: We Raised Our Prices and Our Clients Are Triggered!
It takes a lot to make a business for yourself behind the chair. Education, product knowledge and being up on trends are just part of what it takes to be successful. But what happens when you raise your prices to reflect growth and your clients FREAK? A member of the BTC community asked for advice when this happened in their salon, and the BTC community responded with words of encouragement and praise. Scroll down for all the details!
“We just raised prices in our salon (we have not done so in 3 1/2 years). We only raised our prices by $2 for each service and our clientele is not happy. How do we explain this to them? We’ve tried saying about product cost etc. but they don’t believe that should affect the pricing and that it’s our job to supply product. I’m so hurt by this, we even compared prices to surrounding salons and we are equal to or less than those.”
It’s Not Just About Getting a Raise
“This is always a tricky subject. One approach to take for explaining your increase is that the national cost of living raise is 1.5% per year. You have not raised yours in 3 years, so if you do not increase your prices your business will not survive. It can be disheartening when clients complain about price increases but you also have to realize that creates a space for new clients who are willing to pay. In the end people will complain either way, but be firm in your belief and your value.” – @matt.swinney
“Here is our method: We raise prices EVERY SINGLE YEAR, but just a slight percentage. When clients ask ‘Why?’ We explain our costs and also explain that instead of giving them a huge jump in price every 2-3 years, we would rather keep it a little less ‘traumatic’ and raise customer prices by literal cents every year. I don’t know if that helps, but it has worked for us and honestly the clients we MAY lose by raising prices, probably weren’t that loyal in the first place.” – @jccamp14
“They get it, they just don’t want to pay it. Prices go up, it’s a fact of life in any business.” – Kim Stair
“I work at a SalonCentric and we get this question a lot. A big thing that has helped has been to say that part of the price of the service goes to continuing education for the stylists. People tend to have a better reaction to that than the typical ‘product cost’ increase.” – @teenagedea7hgirl
“It’s not just about covering the costs of products that increase in price. Rent goes up every year too, it’s cost of living. Don’t let them dictate your income.” – @Nikkinikkk
“There’s always going to be clients that complain and there will be clients that expect increase in prices. Don’t forget your skill level and experience increases every year, and that should be taken into consideration for price increases. Clients who value your work and time will always pay. On another note, people complain about anything that increases in price (gas, rent, food, etc.) but that doesn’t stop them from buying these things. People love to complain just to complain.” – @samidoeshair
“I just had this conversation with a coworker who is thinking about going up. We do not simply ‘cut hair.’ We are (hopefully) educating ourselves on the latest trends, paying for products, rent, and insurance. If we are commission our employer usually takes half. We spend a ton of our free time, posting and watching other stylists on social media. All of these things go up every year and it is the only way we get a ‘raise’ is to raise our prices slightly. But if you lose a client or two don’t fret… do the math. Tally up your week at your usual pay. Then, tally up that week with the $2 extra. How does that math work out for you? Making more money, right? Those people you lost? You will gain more. No walk-ins? Social media and word of mouth. If you are a hard-working stylist you will replace those you lost and hopefully gain some who are willing to pay YOU for your expertise! ❤️” – @shalenestyles
Set The Right Tone
“Sometimes it’s just how the message is delivered that sets the tone. Go from: ‘I’m raising my prices because we’ve experienced growth… it will be effective this date, thank you for your continued support.’ To: ‘This is why I’m raising it- hope you’re cool with that.’ Be confident and affirmative!” – @hairby.marin
“BE HONEST! ‘We are adjusting our prices to better reflect our recent added education and increased color costs.’ New techniques and products cost more!! Also, you weed out the clients who aren’t willing to pay for YOUR time and that’s JUST FINE.” – Alex Jones
“My success formula: Only raise one service at a time! Then integrate price increases on other services in the following months. Lose the word ‘raise’ and use ‘adjust’ instead. Always back it up with ongoing education, so when they ask what’s new you can tell them about a recent class. Spend and invest in education. Work to refine your craft. We ARE the coolest people they know. Never talk about getting clothes on sale, it creates a negative vibe about our premium prices. Make them feel valued EVERY TIME. Guide them to a better decision; they are informed, but we are the experts. Stop seeking their approval, seek their admiration and loyalty. Referrals will follow.” – @philipmovius_liquid
“I put a sign up for two months prior saying, ‘We appreciate you and because we want to keep doing our best for you, expect a slight price change coming in 2 months. Thank you for your business.’ Something like that and I don’t think I had a single complaint.” – @Jaciechristyne
“I found that it helps to tell them, ‘This service will be the old price but your next appointment will show the increase.’ That way they feel better getting a deal and the increase isn’t sprung on them.” – @sarahjayne_whovier
Know Your Worth & Your Clients Will Too
“It’s hard when we as stylists get attached to our clients. In many cases we start to see them almost as friends or family. So, when it does come time to raising our prices and they react that way, it tends to truly hurt our feelings. The thing we HAVE to remember is that this is a business. We need to do what’s right for us to keep our heads above water. If that relationship is true, they will understand and if they leave someone will always be there to fill their spot. Sad to see them go, but I’d rather have a person in my chair that encourages and inspires me than one that’s nagging the entire time trying to catch a deal.” – Adán Branchal
“If your clients love the quality of your work, they will continue to come. They will complain all the way to the chair, but they will be in your chair. Don’t worry about those that complain and leave, spend your time focusing on those clients that remain and build off of them! You’ll be fine! ❤️❤️”– @nwahaircouture
“Let them complain. You are valuable and keep being excellent!” – @groovessalon
“I just went through the same thing! I raised my prices $5. Maybe just tell them that they will be charged more on their next appointment instead of blindly giving them the new price or send out an email or text reminder. Do not let them make you feel bad about it though! It is called inflation and that’s just how the world works!! You are worth every dollar and they get what they pay for! Stay strong and know your worth!” – @kjscosmetology
“Better to lose people like that than to lose what you know you’re worth! And if it’s the same price or lower, they’re definitely not going get a better deal anywhere else lol.” – @anna.danielle.b
“You will attract a new, better clientele by raising your prices. Have faith! People come and go. There is never a shortage of hair to do. Be comfortable and confident in your pricing and stand behind it. You got this!!! ❤️❤️❤️” – @mar_cellie_fleur
“If they won’t pay two dollars extra, they can’t be very loyal to your brand. I’ve always believed you find out your customer loyalty when you raise your price. Build a brand don’t focus on being cheap but instead raise your game and raise your standards :).” – @mrlazarou
“If they stray, they’ll pay. It’ll solidify the relationship. They’ll be back.” – @kellysalonexpert
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