Need advice on raising rates

[~chalbri~ loves AmStaffs]

Okay, I have decided to raise my massage rates for a deep tissue massage.  My rate now is $50 hour.  From my experience recieving massages from other therapists, I am very thourough and do far more work than the average therapist.  I have decided to raise my rates up $5.  However, today I had a new client and she loved my massage, when she was done asked me how much she owed and I told her $50.  She said what?  That's it?  She went on to say she recently paid $75 dollars for a massage that was no where near as good.  She said I do not charge enough.  My question to everyone is, I already planned on raising my rates.  Would it be inappropriate to charge my regular clients one rate and raise new clients even more.  In other words, starting in September my rates will be $55 for a deep tissue massage.  Would it be wrong to charge new clients $5 more?  This is not the first time a client has told me I do not charge enough.  For the first time I felt like i am selling myself short.   How much should I be charging?  I want to be paid what I am worth.  I work so hard and have built a very successful business.  What should I do?

 

[Beastly]

Need advice on raising rates

Sandylmt, First of all I think $50 is very reasonable! I live in a small city in Wisconsin, and at the salon where I worked we charged $55 for regular swedish.Why don't you raise the rate to $60/hour for the deep tissue and then give your "regulars" coupons for $5 off their next massage when they make a referral... or donate canned goods to your favorite charity... So that way you get new clientele at a higher rate... and keep the old at a rate you think they will be able to afford. I think this would also nix the problem you might have with some older clients referring new clients and quoting your lower price.Or set it up where your regulars get a "punch card" which has 12 boxes, one for each month. When 11 of the boxes are punched (they received a 1 hr or longer massage) then they get one hour massage free... thus you would be giving them about $5 back per massage or $60... in the end. Each massage could be paid for at the new "deep tissue price" at the time it was received- the "pay off" is that if they stick with it they get a reward in the end!Hope that has given you some thoughts to mull over.-M

 

[excitednewparent]

Sandy,I agree with Maestra...raise your rate to $60, no one will even flinch with a rate increase of $10...especially if you've never done one or haven't done one in over 18 months.  When I raised my rate, I raised it effective immediately for new clients and gave my existing clients a few months at the old rate and allowed them to buy packages at the old rate before putting the new price into effect for them. I hope that helps you!

 

[Ryan-HxC]

Need advice on raising rates

Here in Naples, FL $50 or even $60 is down right cheap for deep tissue.

It depends on where you live. I would do some research. Call spas and salons in the area, see what they are charging. If you are charging too little new clients may think you are not up to par.

Regular sweedish starts at $65/hour and only goes up. Deep tissue is $75 or high an hour.

Check out these prices... this is a popular spa in the area!

http://www.daniellespa.com/pages/spa.htm#massage

 

[SamSongs]

Thanks for your replys.  The going rate in our area is $45 for a swedish massage.  That's on the low end.  You are right though.  $50 is very low for a deep tissue massage.  Especially the one I give.  I am going to raise my rate up to $60 and keep my swedish massage at $50.   Although, I do not do too many light massages, it's time for me to charge what I am worth.   Thank you.

 

[jumpxit]

I think you definately should charge more for deep work.  It is harder on you and very common to have different rates.  If most of your clients are receiving deep work and you raise your rates by 20% it may be too much for some.  Not that it isn't justified but may cause some to go elsewhere.  Not many businesses would raise rates 20% in one jump.  Tough decision to make.

 

[JUSMI]

Thanks for your input.  I have thought about it and I haven't been charging enough for a long time.  My clients are from upscale communities and can afford it.  I have gotten compliments for years that I am different than other therapists and far more thorough.  A new client told me yesterday that she was blown away by my massage.  (her words).  I just do more than what other therapists are offering their clients.  If I lose any clients over my price increase than they don't value my work enough and they can go and pay less and get less.  I am sending all my regular clients a letter stating my new rates and thanking them all for their business.  I also put in the letter if for some reason they would like to see another therapist, I would be happy to help refer them to someone new.  I think some of my clients need to try someone else to see what's really out there.

 

[MAR2009]

I agree with Mimi  ;DI also don't think that is to much to charge people. As a client I would have no problem paying around $60 to $70 a massage... acually that is what I paid before going to Massage school.  

 

[Mindy joy]

Okay, I did it.  I raised my rates effective Sept. 1st.  I sent all my regular clients a letter and so far they have all been positive comments.  One client said, "It's about time!"  Go figure!  Matter-of-fact,  I raised my rates for everything.  check out my website:integrity.iwantamassage.comthanks for all your advice!

 

[random.nagger]

Good for you!

I work at a gym in an affluent community, and we charge $75 an hour and $47 for a half hour.  As for my privates, if my commute is less than 20 minutes I charge $65 for an hour, and $45 for a half hour for swedish.  But definitely if I have to do any deeper work the price goes up since it is hell on my body!  When I was in school, they firmly stated that you should NEVER charge less than a doller a minute!But you did the right thing... don't ever doubt that it was the wrong thing to do... and you were only cheating yourself!  

 

[chrissybabie]

This has made me think about adjusting my prices.  I am contemplating an increase, but with a twist.  Here is my idea...  give notice to all salon/spa clients of the price change for one month in advance, and notify them that if you rebook before leaving you get the old price...  I am thinking this will be an on-going reward for the already established regulars, and will encourage others to become more regular.Opinions??

 

[puredagnastyevil]

Need advice on raising rates

Nanette, that sounds like a great idea!

 

[I Need Coffee]

We are raising our rates from $65 to $70 / hr on Oct. 1.  In September we are are instituting a pay in advance discount program, buy 6 at 10% off.  All existing clients will have the opportunity to buy a package at 10% off the $65 rate.

 

[qwerty]

Need advice on raising rates

Also, I've heard of coupons for the old clients, like free 15 minute foot massage with purchase of any regular full hour massage (at the new price of course), or free sauna/steamroom with purchase of full hour massage.  Everybody likes freebies... ;D

Very nice idea. Keeps all the $$ in your pocket, plus your clients may find out they like the extra 15-minute treatment they get for free so much that they'll ask for it (and pay for it!) next time.

 

[canmad7]

Need advice on raising rates

Love it!