rate increase

[Derrick]

I finally raised some of my prices. Not all, and a couple services actually went down. I was worried about clients fussing. OMG! Every single one has said "its about time!" One even asks every week "are you SURE this is enough? I will be more than happy to give you more" i have the best clients! I did some research on spas in all surrounding areas, and made sure my prices were lower. they seem to go up every year, this is my 1st increase in 3 years. yeah, some may say I'm losing money, but I bet i have more repeat customers and more faithful clientell than those spas!

 

[kity]

Congrats!

You have learned a valuable lesson. Charge what you are worth!

Too many MTs sell themselves short or think they have to compete with the lowest priced operation in town.

Competing on price in the service industry is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Come to NEW R&S Chat!]

Congrats!

You have learned a valuable lesson. Charge what you are worth!

Too many MTs sell themselves short or think they have to compete with the lowest priced operation in town.

Competing on price in the service industry is a recipe for disaster.

Amen to that!

I must say I haven't gotten QUITE as many new clients since I recently raised my own rates, but those I HAVE gotten are awesome! To me, it's all about quality over quantity. I'd rather see 10 ppl a week that I really enjoy treating than 13 a week that I don't as much.

Just my thoughts,
~Jyoti

 

[Angel Heart]

Whenever I raise my rates, I like to do something different that makes it seem like my clients are getting more for their money. Last time I increased the variety of scented oils I carry. When I raise them again in November but give my current clients the same rate until March 07, I will have my new specialty foot treatments, custom scenting of oils (for extra $), working on seeing how a fleece bottom sheet would work (so I could use them all the time), and I will start offering packages including a package that is only available in December of each year (buy X and get 1 free.)

Christine

 

[Tim C]

I am just curious as to what was the price difference that you increased the price by? I definitely think after 3 years you were ready for an increase!

Definitely charge what you are worth. I charge what I know is reasonable for all the amount of time and money I have put into my education and experience. I will not undercut myself, unless I am running a special, if I want to!!! I will not expect a tip on top of what I am charging, and I figure in what I am making now per hour, plus tip, expenses, and rent. I don't want to be making less than what I am now as an employee!!!

And if they think you are charging too little... they are writing you the check, they can always write it for a larger amount if they want to!!!

 

[AVRIEL]

I'm thinking of doing a rate increase again. When I opened my doors in October 2004 it was $30 for a half hour, $55 for an hour and $70 for an hour and a half.

In October 2005 I went up to $35/30, $60/60 and $85/90 (I charge $75 for an hour hot stone and $95 for a 90 minute hot stone).

I'm thinking of raising them this October, but just charge $90 for 90 minutes and raise the stone prices another $5, but I think I might just keep the prices the same for now...or I'll just charge new clients the new rates and keep my old clients the same, but that doesn't seem fair.

 

[murphdog6]

bodymovers, how did you go about doing market research to find out what others are charging? did you just search other sites, ask here or what? i'm curious!

congratulations on your understanding clients!

amanda

 

[buttercup.]

Oh guys help me Im still scared to raise my prices. There is so much competition in my area that Im afraid to raise them. So you think $5.00 to each service is enough or not enough? :? Im right where every one else is and have been for 4 years now. : No one has went up on there prices yet. But boy my over head has went through the roof.

 

[babyboysanchez06]

Im right where every one else is and have been for 4 years now.

And all of you are in the same boat, scared to fire the first shot.

The others will thank you when you do.

 

[mommy2b 7 days left :)]

A client of mine is a business coach and motivational speaker. I talked to her at length when I raised my rates 2 years ago - agonizing over client reaction to the increase, etc. Her reply was short, sweet, and much to the point: "How long have you been in business? How much education outside of school do you have? At what level are you perceived by your clients and colleagues to be - good, bad, fair, great, what? If you have a fabulous reputation [which you do, my dear] then charge what you are worth - or in the case of this county - as close to it as you know you will be able to - and SHUT UP! Your clients know the cost of doing business is going up, so just adjust the rates and get on with your life!"

And I did, no one bellyached about it and life is happy all the time!

J

 

[Ladyhawke]

i raised my rates and lost two of the most annoying clients because of it. they're an attorney and his wife. they were on a package rate of buy 5, get a 6th free. the increase was approx. $8 per service for their package... noone else said boo about it.

 

[Kiki]

Rates

Charge what you are worth, but keep in mind the market prices around you.

I used to charge $50 for an hour. Last December, I went up $10. I sent out letters teling my clients of the new rates and included a coupon for $10 off a visit during December (the month the rates went up).

The thing is that I went up because I think people were looking at my rates and saying "$50 and hour. You must not be very good if that's all you charge." I have news for those people... I'm damned good (and modest too). I just don't believe in charging the world as I am in it for the healing, not the money. I am still low in the market, but closer to average rate. The average for my area is $65 to $70.

I try to keep my rates affordable. I have several clients that could not afford me if I went higher. And I'm not going to charge using multiple rate scales.

 

[peter_unk]

I live in a SMALL town, alot of farmers & such. I didnt do "market research", so to speak. I got online, made some calls, and listened to my clients. I alos popped in a few places, got a tour (didnt tell them who I was, just wanted to peek!) & brochures. And a massage here & there to try out the competition. My prices ARE lower, but not because Im not as good a therapist. I do offer my weekely clients a discount, IMO, its a nice way of saying "thankyou". I stick to my guns concerning no-shows, though. Lost an annoying client out of that! yay! Raising prices is a scary thing, but your clients will understand. Yes, we love what we do, but we have bills to pay, and niceties to buy for our business as well. The valued clients we have will understand!

 

[Lee P]

Oh guys help me Im still scared to raise my prices. There is so much competition in my area that Im afraid to raise them. So you think $5.00 to each service is enough or not enough? :? Im right where every one else is and have been for 4 years now. : No one has went up on there prices yet. But boy my over head has went through the roof.

When I raised our prices (a year ago), I raised them $15+ dollars. Longer sessions are charged more and not less.

I did loose a few clients, but I too must admit that wasn't a bad thing in the long run. Most people were "it's about time", and a few were having a hard time with it as it was a bit jump. But, I hadn't raised prices in 7 years and I don't plan to again for about another five.

JUst jump in and raise them what you think and tack on a few extra dollars, because as therapists we seem to sell our selves short.