how do I explain my price to a client?

[sodabubble]

a few months ago, a lady started coming to me for a chin wax. At the time I was working for a salon - they always had waxing on half price, so it was about £2.20 for a chin wax.

Now I have left the salon and gone mobile - but I also have a little cleaning job at a car showroom near me for 3 hours a week. The chin wax lady works at the showroom on reception.

She has asked me to continue waxing her chin, which I agreed to do - BUT! there is no way I am going to travel 2 miles or so to her house to wax her chin for two quid!!

I want to charge at least a fiver, to make it worth my while.

She originally wanted me to go over to her house tonight to do it, but cancelled as shes going out, so she will re-book next week.
Thing is I dont know how to tell her that my prices are different from salon prices? hellllllp! xx

 

[louiser]

I would make sure she knows before you arrive. It will be more difficult to explain I think once you are there.

When she phones next time I would say "I can't remember if I mentioned it next time but due to me having to travel now I have had to increase my prices"

And honestly, if she has a problem with it and makes you feel bad like you said it really isn't worth you doing it for less so the client would have to go.

xxx

 

[sodabubble]

I would make sure she knows before you arrive. It will be more difficult to explain I think once you are there.

When she phones next time I would say "I can't remember if I mentioned it next time but due to me having to travel now I have had to increase my prices"

And honestly, if she has a problem with it and makes you feel bad like you said it really isn't worth you doing it for less so the client would have to go.

xxx

yeah, you're right! Thing is, I did not set the prices at my old salon, my bosses did, but now I am working for myself......I have to make a living, I'm not playing at shops anymore!!

Maybe when she approaches me next week to make the appt, I will say "It's £x now, because I have to travel and I am self employed. I think the old salon still does cheap waxing so if you think £x is too much you could always go there"

 

[Chameleon]

I find £2.20 absolutely ludicrous for a lip wax

Stick to your guns,you are making a business,not a charity....

 

[sodabubble]

I find £2.20 absolutely ludicrous for a lip wax

Stick to your guns,you are making a business,not a charity....

thanks for the advice wish I was as confident as you!!:hug:

yes, my old salon was VERY cheap......and when they put the prices back up to full price, and the clients stopped coming in, well, that was MY fault, for being a rubbish therapist.......

 

[hippy-chick]

give her a price list and tell her to have a look at it, as she may want something else whilst you are there or for future reference.

stick to your guns now soda, and don't apologise! You are running a business.

Blimey! I wouldn't pick up my car keys let alone get in the car for £2.50.

 

[sodabubble]

give her a price list and tell her to have a look at it, as she may want something else whilst you are there or for future reference.

stick to your guns now soda, and don't apologise! You are running a business.

Blimey! I wouldn't pick up my car keys let alone get in the car for £2.50.

thanks hippy :hug: xx

 

[VHunter]

When I first saw the title to your post, my answer was
"You do NOT have to explain anything!!"
And truly, you do NOT have to explain the why's and wherefor's.

You need only bring to her attention the difference in price, and that's it.

When we start explaining, they start looking for loopholes to get a cheaper rate.
My answer to "why" is "I am different and so is my business. I am not them".


hth's
:hug:

 

[sodabubble]

When I first saw the title to your post, my answer was
"You do NOT have to explain anything!!"
And truly, you do NOT have to explain the why's and wherefor's.

You need only bring to her attention the difference in price, and that's it.

When we start explaining, they start looking for loopholes to get a cheaper rate.
My answer to "why" is "I am different and so is my business. I am not them".


hth's
:hug:

:hug: thanks victoria xxx

 

[JoJoPearce]

I woud just say it as it was, that the salon had a promotion offer on waxing and give her your pricelist.

I think £5.00 is a blinking good price, let alone £2.50.

 

[Bev Rose]

I'd give her my price list when I saw her at her place of work, before your appointment.
That way, she can see for herself. Plus all the other stuff you do.:hug:

 

[FOUNDATIONS]

Hiya, Try telling her there is a aminimum £10 charge for mobile treatments if she wasnt to have somthing done, or she can ask a friend if they do, to make up the money then thats fine... that way you mght get even more cients/money or even sugest a girly night to her and see what she says. Its worth a go.
OR you could ask her to come to you for £2.50 (same price vice-vera) and if she wont then tell her it'l be a min charge of £10 and she might see your point!
Good luck
CAZ X

 

[marie111]

It might be a good idea to set a minimum charge, many mobile therapists do this as its not worth travelling out for less than xxxxx
Mine is £20.

 

[hippy-chick]

It might be a good idea to set a minimum charge, many mobile therapists do this as its not worth travelling out for less than xxxxx
Mine is £20.

I was just thinking this Marie. If I was doing beauty mobile I would definetly set a minumum call out charge, perhaps not as high as £20 but some figure that you feel happy with.

when I did mobile holistics, my cheapest treatment was £15.

 

[soriminah]

I have a minimum call out price too. Some people have no clue and think you'll travel anywhere for a pittance. Time is money (as they say)

 

[littlegrohl]

your saving them time, energy and money by going to them.. believe me its a relief to find a good mobile therapist.. set yourself a call out fee.. 10 pond seems to be the going rate.. If she says no.. 2 others will say yes eventually..
good luck x

 

[nicjill]

I agree with the minimum call out fee. About £10 seems to be the norm. Take a price list with you and let her take a look. I'm sure she can't expect you to do the wax for £2.20 now you are mobile, thats just ridiculous. At least in the salon you could leave your wax pot set up so it only took a few minutes, when mobile you have the extra time it takes to set up as well as travelling. You need to charge for your time as well as products. I would say you need to confirm the price on the phone though so it doesn't come as a surprise when you ask for the money. If you have already agreed to go and haven't confirmed the price, you could maybe do it anyway without the call out fee as a one-off. Charge your usual price but explain that in future there will be a minimum call out and maybe she'd like an extra treatment in future to make up the minimum fee? If not, maybe she'd like to invite one of her friends to have a treatment.

If she won't cover your costs, it isn't worth doing, you will just end up working for nothing.