Communicating your prices: clear, fair and no arguments
Many self-employed people would rather not put prices online. For fear of looking expensive, or because every client is different. Yet a clear price is often exactly what tips a client over. Uncertainty about the price is one of the reasons people don't book.
Show a fixed price where you can, "from" where it varies with a short explanation why, and "on request" only for genuine custom work. If you sell to consumers, show prices including VAT. Announce price changes in advance and let people who've already booked pay the old price.
Three kinds of price
- Fixed price: for anything that's roughly the same every time. A men's cut, a 60-minute sports massage, clipping a dog's nails. Clearest for the client.
- From price: when the price depends on length, size or time. Say briefly what it depends on: "from €65, depending on hair length".
- On request: only for genuine custom work, like bridal hair or a wedding shoot. Let clients book an intro meeting instead of the service itself.
Including VAT for consumers
If you sell to consumers, the price you show must be the total they pay, so including VAT. If you mainly work for businesses, you can show prices excluding VAT, but say so clearly. If you're unsure about the rules for your sector, check with your accountant or the Belgian FPS Economy.
Price and duration belong together
"€70" says little. "€70 for 60 minutes" says a lot more. Clients don't just compare prices, but also what they get. Show the duration with every service and say in one sentence what's included: "including wash and blow-dry", "with a short consultation".
Raising your prices
Everyone raises their prices at some point. Announce it, ideally a few weeks ahead, and honestly: "Because of higher product and energy costs, our prices change from 1 March." Let anyone who's already booked pay the old price. It's fair, and it avoids arguments at the till.
Discounts without undermining your price
A permanent discount is just a lower price. Use discounts in a targeted way: for a first appointment, a quiet day or loyal clients. A discount code with an end date works better than "always 10%". And reward regulars at least as well as new clients.
How to do it in mijnklant.vip
- For each service you choose fixed, "from" or "on request", with duration and a short description.
- A new price only applies to new appointments.
- Discount codes with an end date, per service and for new or all clients.
Written by Moof, the team behind mijnklant.vip in Rekkem. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.