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Guide · As the provider
How to tell clients you’re raising your prices
Raising prices is normal. Here’s how to say it without over-apologizing.
Give notice
A month or more lets clients plan.
What you might want to sayStarting tomorrow, prices are going up.
Porcupine · Soft start-up“Starting tomorrow” gives them no time. A month ahead does.
What might land betterI wanted to let you know a month ahead: my rates change on March 1.
State the new price plainly
The new price and when it starts, without a pile of apologies.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to saySo sorry to do this, I really hate to, but I might have to charge a little more soon if that’s okay??
Porcupine · Observation, feeling, need, request“So sorry… if that’s okay??” turns the new price into a question. $65 from March 1 states it, kindly.
What might land betterStarting March 1, my rate for a standard cut will be $65, up from $58. I wanted to give you plenty of notice.
Explain briefly
Rising costs, more training or more demand. One sentence is enough.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayEverything’s expensive now, you know?
Porcupine · Explain the impact“Everything’s expensive now, you know?” is a shrug. Products and rent are the reason.
What might land betterMy costs for products and rent have gone up this year.
Thank them
Say you value working with them.
Us against the problem ›What you might want to sayAnyway, that’s the news.
Porcupine · Say what you appreciate“Anyway, that’s the news” ends on the price. Thanking them ends on them.
What might land betterThank you for being such a great client.
Hear their concerns
Some may be surprised. Listen, and answer their questions.
Understand before answering ›What you might want to sayWell, that’s just the price.
Porcupine · Validate the feeling“That’s just the price” shuts down questions. Saying it’s a change, and offering answers, keeps them talking to you.
What might land betterI understand it’s a change. Happy to answer any questions.
Offer options, if you can
A shorter service, a package, or the old rate for bookings made before the change.
Ask, don’t pressure ›What you might want to sayTake it or leave it.
Porcupine · Make it a shared problem“Take it or leave it” is an ultimatum. Keeping the old rate for early bookings gives them a soft landing.
What might land betterAny appointments booked before March 1 will stay at the old rate.
If someone moves on
Some clients may leave. That can be part of pricing your work fairly, and it makes room for clients who are a better fit.
Agreement isn’t the only good ending ›
The common mistake
Apologizing for your prices
Saying sorry again and again can make the increase sound like a mistake, and invite pushback. A plain, friendly note says it’s a business decision, which it is.
Honest and hearable ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayThat’s a big jump.
You could sayI understand. I’ve held my prices for two years, and this brings them in line with my costs.
If they sayCan I keep the old price?
You could sayBookings made before March 1 stay at $58. After that, it’s $65 for everyone.
If they sayI might have to go somewhere cheaper.
You could sayI understand, and I’d be sorry to see you go. I’d love to keep working with you.
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to saySo sorry, I really hate to do this, but my prices are going up a little soon, if that’s okay? Totally understand if you need to go somewhere else!
Porcupine · Observation, feeling, need, request“Totally understand if you need to go somewhere else” talks them out the door. The new price, the date, a reason and thanks say it with confidence.
What might land betterStarting March 1, my rate for a standard cut will be $65, up from $58. My costs have gone up this year, and I wanted to give you plenty of notice. Thank you for being such a great client.
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Common questions
How much notice should I give?
A month is a good minimum. For regular clients or a big change, more is kinder.
Should I raise prices for everyone at once?
That’s simplest. Some providers keep the old price for bookings already made, or phase it in for long-time clients.
What if a client pushes back?
Listen, and hold the price kindly: “I understand. This is my rate now, and I’d love to keep working with you.”
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).