If you’ve been a salon industry professional for a while, you may know the pain of struggling to keep up with the ever increasing cost of living. You fret over whether you should pass that cost on to your clients, who have come to rely on your great service but also may be accustomed to your current prices. It might be time to raise your prices, but you could be afraid to do so.
It’s important to realize you’re providing a high-value service for your clients, and they understand the cost of living (and doing business) affects you, as well. There’s no need to hesitate to raise your prices when it’s necessary. In fact, you should be proud that you offer a valuable service deserving of a higher rate.
At National Salon Resources, we know your worth as a beauty industry professional. Here are our top considerations when determining how and when you should raise your rates:
When is the right time to increase?
There are two times during the year that work better than the rest. One is just before the Holidays, around October 1st. No one wants to change their hairstylist going into the Holidays. The other time is at the start of the new year, because your clients expect prices to go up at that change.
How often should you update your prices?
The best way is to do annual increases at the same time each year. The benefit is that your clients will be expecting it, and you can keep the increases minimal because you are doing them annually.
Should you notify your clients in advance?
You might be worried about your clients getting an unpleasant surprise at their next appointment, but you don’t have to be. You can give your clients advance notice on social media and/or post a notice at your station 30 days before the rate change will take effect. Generally, the simpler the better. (Example: “Effective May 1, all service prices are increasing $5.”)
You deserve a comfortable living.
Your best clients value what you do. That’s why there’s no need to apologize for a rate increase. You offer a higher level of expertise, and with every year of experience as a beauty industry professional, your level of skill increases. Once you’ve made the decision, stand behind it.
Give each of your clients the best salon experience.
Part of providing high-quality beauty industry service means treating every client the way that you did when you met them for the first time. You asked them questions about what they liked and didn’t like. You asked about their routine and how much time they are willing to spend maintaining the style and look that you create for them. When you serve your clients, show them the value in your rates.
It’s not hard to explain your costs.
Most of your clients will be happy for you, but you may run into one or two that push back or question you about it. If you do find yourself needing to explain your rate increase, feel free to let your clients know that your costs have gone up too. Talk about the quality of the products that you use on their hair, additional training you’ve received, and increased cost of doing business, like rent.
Professional Salon Products for Salon Professionals
When it comes to offering the best products for your salon services, National Salon Resources offers a wide range of high-quality salon supplies. Whether you’re looking for professional hair care products, hair extensions, or the best hair color products, we’ve got plenty of options. We also offer classes for salon professionals to help you to provide your clients with a higher level of service. To browse and learn more about our large selection professional salon products, tools, and classes, create an account online or connect with an NSR beauty industry expert by calling or texting us at 1-800-622-0003. We’re here to help!
