I just raised my prices back in Oct. 2008! Yes, right in the middle of
a recession. Typically I'll stagger price increases, such as natural
nail services go up 1 year, then 2 years later the enhancement prices
go up. This way everyone is not hit at once, so it cushions the blow
(as the client perceives it).
A month or more away from the price increase I'll post 2 notices at my
stations saying something like this (can't recall it exactly).......
"As of Oct. 1st 2008 some prices will be higher due to the rising
costs of supplies. Pedicures: $45 ($2 increase)
Spa Pedi's: $48 ($3 increase)
Specialty Pedi's: $50 ($5 increase)
Thank you all for your understanding. I appreciate your continued help
in running my business as smoothly and efficiently as possible."
Keep it short and sweet. No one likes to read a lengthy essay when
they come to get their nails done. I'd also leave out any negative
word, such as "neglected" (per someones suggestion)...."neglected"
could make the client wonder if since you "neglected" this aspect of
your business, what other areas are you neglecting, too?
If anyone asks, then you elaborate on how every last one of your
supplies went up when the price of gas skyrocketed and you absorbed
the cost as long as you could. Clients are not fools or children. They
understand basic economics of supply and demand. They are used to
seeing increases in groceries and clothing and everything else in
life. I didn't have anyone object, but then again, I have ALL good
clients.
If a client of yours gets testy about it, just remind them that WE do
not get a yearly cost of living raise like the rest of America. WE do
not get training provided to us by our companies.....WE have to pay
for ours. And please do NOT feel like you should have to apologize for
running your business effectively. And yes, you may lose 1 or 2
clients, but that will open up spots for those new clients who are
more than willing to pay your prices.
Do you think that men in business worry over this sort of thing? Heck
no! Because they know it's just business.....nothing personal. Women
fret about "what will my clients think of me?". Simply look at it from
a business perspective and raise your prices. Then get in the habit of
raising them every 2 years, even if it's just by $1. Clients will get
accustomed to that routine and it won't be such an ordeal for everyone
(including yourself).
You know what we call nail techs that don't raise their prices to keep
up with the cost of inflation? Ex- nail techs!
Remember.....you run a nail business, not a nail charity!
Sincerely, Jill Wright
Jill Wright Spa for Nails
728 Chestnut St. suite 200
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 799-3637
www.jillsnails.com
[email protected]
On Feb 16, 7:39 am, Diana Bonn <[email protected]> wrote:
> okay, our booth rent goes up $20 a week April 1st. A big jump, but
> they gave us a 3 year contract when we first started with a gawd
> awful low deal we all couldn't refuse. Well the 3 years are up!!!
>
> I have slowly notified my clients that I am raising my prices, but
> haven't decided how much yet. I have not raised my prices for years
> because of well, these clients have been with me for years and when I
> moved to this salon, my costs went down, so I didn't raise
> prices(enhancements only, I did raise prices on mani and peds)) I
> know, I know maybe I should have raised enhancement prices, but I
> didn't, that is in the past now.
>
> Now probably 25% of my clients gave me "raises" by extra tip money
> over the years. I have 2 clients that give me ZERO tips. One that
> can't afford it, the other one is rich, and thinks she can't afford
> it and also thinks that since I am not an employee that I am
> "pocketing" all this money as income (with no expenses), yeah right.
>
> 95% of my clients write checks, a couple of charges, the same amount
> week after week, tips included. I put this in the bank, so basically
> except for these two clients the cost of the service plus the tips
> covers my expenses and income.
>
> So my question is, when you raised your prices, did they continue to
> pay you the same or did they up your amount on the check/charge? I
> am thinking here, everyone is on a tight budget, If I raised my
> prices by lets say $2, I could actually see these clients paying me
> the same exact amount, (lowering my tip) and with my two zero tip
> clients, I would be gaining $4.00 a week!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOL
>
> I know the old saying, never count on tips as income, price what it
> takes now, then tips are gravy. Well I realized over the years that
> the tip added, that I have used this amount as part of doing
> business,(my gross). What a mess this is. You also have to realize,
> that I hardly get any walkins, maybe 5 a year. All are referrals
> from my clients or stylists.
>
> Anyone have any suggestions on this mess I am in, $20 a week is
> something I have to come up with. somehow. and right now in an
> extreme case, I am thinking I will gain $4 a week. thanks for any
> info. diana from indiana
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