Business

How do you announce service price increases?

May 01, 1999 | Bookmark +

Readers respond: How do you announce service price increases?

Answer

I posted a typed note stating that my new prices were effective immediately. Then I offered a three-month grace period for my existing clients. For the first time in 12 years, no one complained.

Lisa Ross

Salon Panache (Ventura, Calif.)

I’ve been doing nails for 11 years and have kept a lot of my first-time customers. They know that I don’t often have price increases and that product prices don’t remain the same, so when I do have an increase, I simply tell them and post a notice of the new prices. Clients fully understand. And they’ve continued to come back.

Kathleen Collado

Nails by Kathy (New Rochelle, N.Y.)

In the salon, we post price increases a month ahead of time on our workstations and at the front desk. As clients come in, we tell them that there will be an increase and that we are lucky our supplies haven’t increased more than they did. This makes clients feel that they have received a bargain

Shar Stewart

Merle Norman (Exton, Pa.

When I announce a price increase to my clients, I send them a letter informing them of the increase and give them a discount on their next two disappointments.

Annette Sather

Just Nails (Madison, Wis.)

After 11 years and three price changes, we have found that posting a sign two months ahead of time works best, and the best time to post these increases is the first of the year.

Paul Parrott and Gayla Rottgering

The Beauty Shop (Paducah, Ky.)

We place notices in nice frames stating new promotions and price increases, and then place them around the salon. We do this several weeks in advance so that our clients can prepare.

Kellie McCarron

Ultimate Image (Jeffersonville, Pa.)

Since many clients write their checks in advance, we try to alert them one-month ahead of time. We have our notices professionally done and place them at each workstation. Also, when we increase our prices we try to make it a positive experience by adding new products to our existing lines.

Carole Fortin

The Nail Gallery (Portland, Maine)

I like to post a letter on my manicuring table or on my retail shelf stating the price increase at least a month ahead, so that clients have time to adjust.

Kimberly Newell

Hair By An Angel (Mendham, N.J.)

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How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?

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As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?

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What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?

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Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.

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Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits?

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