You might be thinking – is now the right time to raise my prices? Should I be charging a COVID-19 fee? What will my customers think? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer here, and only you know what is best for your business and your clients, we laid out some pricing options to help you find one that feels best while staying safe and profitable during this time.
As the country looks toward reopening, companies in all industries are having to reexamine what their business will look like post quarantine – and your salon business is no different. We are facing the dawn of a new horizon. You have come so far and waded this quarantine with so much patience and strength. We know the world (and your studios) will look and feel very different as we reenter this new normal. The conversation has changed, the sanitizing protocol has increased, and both you and your customers will now be wearing masks and other PPE. The effort that you are taking to keep yourself and your customers safe is a huge undertaking in both your time and resources. The purchase of disinfectants, masks, extra towels, capes, gloves, face shields, phone sanitizers, contactless thermometers and more can be overwhelming.
A Blanket Price Increase To All Services
Add anywhere from $1 – $10 dollars to each of your services. In some cases, your clients may be so thankful to get in with you they may not notice! And if asked, simply explain that the increase is due to the additional effort and cost it now takes for you to operate your business safely. Your clients are loyal, and they want to do what’s best to help you get through this time. A small increase on each service can amount to a large increase week-to-week to help you adjust to the financial burden you’ve had to bear.
Add A COVID-19 Sanitation Fee
In most cases, you are no longer double booking so that you can control the number of bodies in the salon or barbershop at one time. You are taking extra time to clean and are purchasing more supplies than ever before. If it makes sense for your business, consider adding a “COVID-19 Sanitation Fee” to each customer’s bill. When asked about the extra charge, simply explain the steps you are taking to keep you and your customers safe so you can continue providing the excellent service they have become accustomed to.
Revamp Your Menu To Bundle Services ♀️
Decked out in full PPE, customers will be looking to get their services as quickly and efficiently as they can. If you typically offer services a la carte, it may be a good time to consider bundling the most common services together. As your menu will be completely new, now is the time to pad the pricing a bit in order to cover some of your new COVID-19-related expenses and give your customers more value.
Charge For Masks
Some states are requiring everyone to wear masks when they are in public. If your client arrives sans the proper facial protection, not all is lost. You can stock up on a supply of disposable masks and charge a small markup to ensure you keep your salon or shop stocked.
“The only thing we are charging extra for is $2 if they do not have a mask. This is by law no matter where you go in our city. We will have them, and if they [clients] do not have or willing not to wear one we will have to refuse service.” – Joey Figueiredo, @stylistjoey
“I have asked all of my clients to bring their own PPE and if they cannot, they will be given a mask at arrival for a $5 fee to be added to their service. I’ve made them aware of this necessity and they have all agreed.” – Morgan Abernathy, @colored.in.choas
Ask Clients to Pay With a Debit or Credit Card
There are many online payment options that you can utilize such as payment through an app such as Venmo or Zelle so you don’t have to touch a credit card of exchange cash at the appointment.
“I want contactless payment.” – Carlisha Nunnally, @sgnaturalhairstudio
No matter how you tackle your pricing strategy when you reopen, keeping yourself and your clients safe is our #1 priority. Many of your fellow stylists and barbers are going through the same exercise with their business, so be a sounding board for each other! Ask your neighbor what their plans are and where they have or have not had success. Huge thanks to our our friends at Sola for sharing their perspective.
