Business

How Do I Inform My Clients When I Raise My Prices?

February 1, 1994

Just recently, I increased the price of fills from $22 to $25. I explained to my clients that I raised the price because I was using a superior, more expensive product that would benefit them in the long run. It has been over a month now, and I have not lost any customers.

Susan Moore

Ricard & Company Hair & Nails

Boynton Beach, Fla.

I send out a flier to my clients informing them of price increases at least 30 days in advance. I also post small signs at each station that reflect the increase.

Brenda Lee Bollard

Bren’s Nails

Conroe, Texas

I raised my prices in January, but I had posted the increase the previous November. I explained to my clients that as the cost of living goes up, so must the cost of nail services. In this industry, the only way to get a raise is to increase prices and increase your referral rate.

Stephanie Logue

Artistic Reflections

Decatur, III.

I would send a letter to my clients about the price increase. If I were increasing the price because of higher manufacturer costs, I would explain that. If more and more customers were asking for a particular service, I’d explain that the purpose of the increase is to keep up with the demand in the marketplace. I would also do research in the area to make sure my prices are not too low or too high.

Michelle Jones

Nails By Shann

Southfield, Mich.

I usually have a talk with all my clients at least a month before a price increase, and I remind them about it during their appointments. I never raise prices without informing clients first. I think you should give clients the option of choosing another nail technician if they don’t want to pay the higher price. I don’t like to be surprised about prices when I have my nails done, so out of respect, I don’t surprise my clients.

Jacklyn Mallonee

Nail Biz

Kennewick, Wash.

Our salon usually announces price increases two to three months in advance and I put them on my price list. I set my prices so that they’re competitive with other salons. I make sure my service is excellent so I don’t lose clients who think they can get the same service for less somewhere else.

Denice Matsumoto

Mon Coiffeur

Fresno, Calif.

Topics:raising prices service pricing

More FAQ

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?... read more

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment?

How should I deal with a customer who cancels four hours before her appointment? I have a client who has done this to me on several occasions. Should I require payment up front from now on? Or a deposit? Or get her to book on the day? Or fire her?... read more

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?... read more

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?

How can I get my more conservative clients and businesswomen clients to try nail art?... read more

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do?

How do you handle a client who constantly tries to correct you or tell you what to do? Things like: “Don’t I need a base coat?” “Did you put two coats on?” or “You need to go over that again!” I’ve done nails for a long time and I know what I’m doing.... read more

How Do I Guide an Uncomfortable Conversation Into a New Direction?

How do you turn a conversation with a client in a new direction when it’s going into uncomfortable or negative territory?... read more

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?... read more

Q&A with Patti Biro of Patti Biro and Associates

Q: Im a solo nail tech. What’s the best way to dip my toe into selling retail without a huge cash outlay to start with? And what should I sell? ... read more

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.... read more

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? ... read more

What are reasonable terms for a non-compete contract?

Q: I live in a small town with two other nails-only salons that are not reputable and a lot of full-service salons that don’t do much with nails. I’ve been working for over six months now and just got asked to sign a non-compete contract. I’m curious about the terms of a normal non-compete agreement. The one they are asking me to sign is for three years with a 50 mile radius, which seems excessive.... read more

What do you charge a client with super long nails?

What do you charge a client with super long nails? I have a client who gets acrylics with gel-polish on top. Her nails are triple the length of the average client. I feel like I’m using almost a full bottle of gel-polish and at least double of all the other product. And she never tips. How would you charge? And if I charge her more, how do I tell her?... read more

Prev Next