Pricing question...

I

imported_Ivan Rajic

New member
I have a couple regulars who come to me twice a year... the "problem" now is that I charged them very little a while back when I first started out detailing and now that my prices have increased, and are still fair compared to others, I don't know what to do with those older clients...



I have charged 2 so far the same price as I have before, and those prices were about $40-60 less than my regular prices.



Do I simply let them know due to increase in prices they will have to pay more, or do I suck it up and just use old prices ??



These clients are the type of people who would probably understand the price increase, but I'm curious to find out how other's have done it, as I'm sure many here have gone from $100 Full details to $250+



Thanks
 
Personally the customers that have been with me from the beginning still get the same pricing that they did on day 1. The way that I figure it they took a chance on me when I was completely unkown and they have stayed faithful, I owe it to them to continue with my original pricing. Of all of my customers I only have 5 like that, basically I just suck it up.



The only thing I do is ask them not to discuss their cost for my services when referring a possible new client. For example I still have my very first customer that I go see every 3 months to re-apply sealent, leather treatment etc. I only charge him $100 for the basic upkeep detail. In the very same garage I have a new customer whom I charge according to my newer prices, $175 for the same service. I imagine that if customer #2 were to find out what customer #1 is paying I would probably be in some hot wter.



Hope this helps.

P.S. this might go better under the professional detailers forum.
 
I think that is the reason I have always charged by hour. But you can tell them that your prices have increased dramatically, and you do not want ot lose them as customers. Tell them because of that, you will split the difference with them, and then you keep them on.
 
LastDetail said:
Personally the customers that have been with me from the beginning still get the same pricing that they did on day 1. The way that I figure it they took a chance on me when I was completely unkown and they have stayed faithful, I owe it to them to continue with my original pricing. Of all of my customers I only have 5 like that, basically I just suck it up.



The only thing I do is ask them not to discuss their cost for my services when referring a possible new client. For example I still have my very first customer that I go see every 3 months to re-apply sealent, leather treatment etc. I only charge him $100 for the basic upkeep detail. In the very same garage I have a new customer whom I charge according to my newer prices, $175 for the same service. I imagine that if customer #2 were to find out what customer #1 is paying I would probably be in some hot wter.



Hope this helps.

P.S. this might go better under the professional detailers forum.
Click to expand...



That's exactly what I planned on doing... as long as they keep costs private I am fine losing $200-400 a year for loyal clients... well even if they don't haha, but it's easier this way
 
joshtpa said:
I think that is the reason I have always charged by hour. But you can tell them that your prices have increased dramatically, and you do not want ot lose them as customers. Tell them because of that, you will split the difference with them, and then you keep them on.
Click to expand...



Unless the increase is VERY dramatic, I see the cost splitting same as just charging them current prices... I understand your point though
 
Yea I originally would do full exterior for $125 with interior vac, now for that its a minimum of $200, generally more, but I think if you gradually raise your loyal clients prices as time goes by they will understand, just tell them that you are better at what you do now so your services are worth more.
 
This is the exact reason I recommend that people starting off charge full right off the bat! Now I say your stuck with the orginal prices.
 
I'm faced with the same problem, and my first loyal customers keep sending me more biz so I just left their price alone. Like someone mentioned - I told them that they were special to me because they took a chance and the send me customers - therefore their price will be different than others and to please NOT discuss what they pay. They understood and I think they feel special. I started out charging a lot less than what I should in hopes of getting some business referrals - sometimes it works and sometimes you just bust your butt for 85 bucks! I'm not completely where I want to be with a large number of accounts - but it's getting there.
 
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