At our salon, we never call it a price increase. We call it a promotion! We have a price ladder that goes up according to the nail technician’s experience, client retention, and education. We either send out postcards or post a certificate at the technician’s workstation that says she has been promoted to the next level. We receive continuing education several times a year; therefore our promotions are always earned and easy to justify.
Cari Baloun, Salon Nouveau, South Bend, Indiana
I send out a flier explaining that there is an increase in product costs so I will have to increase my service prices. The flier includes a chart of my old prices, the new prices, and service prices of salons in the area, and it shows that my clients will still be saving at my salon compared to others. The key is to increase prices in small increments, such as $2-$3 per service, no more than once a year.
Michelle R. Gould, North Shore Nails, Arlington Heights, Illinois
First, I tell my clients verbally that I am raising my prices, which is usually due to an increase in my rent. Then I’ll place a sign on my table that says, “As of (date), my prices will increase,” followed by a list of the new prices.
Lana Hawkins, A Touch of Nails, Medford, Oregon
About once a year, I place a sign at my workstation that says, “Due to the rising cost of supplies, I will have to pass along a slight increase in my service prices.” I’ll put up the sign at the end of August, for example, to let my clients know that the increase will be effective beginning in October. The majority of my clients stay with me because of the quality of work I do and because they hear that my prices, even with the increase, are lower than other salons in the area. I never raise my prices in January because everyone feels the pinch after the holidays.
Susan Discorfano-Caiafa, Oh! Susanah's Hair and Nail Salonm, Lodi, New Jersey
I haven’t raised my prices for eight years but plan to at the beginning of next year for two reasons. First, the cost of products has gone up and second, since I work alone, I need to reduce my clientele. I will place a notice on my workstation saying that I will raise my prices about 10% across the board in the next 4-6 weeks.
Pat Lane, Your Nails By Pat, Nicholasville, Kentucky