N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 73
on productivity—a full appointment book or a
long waiting list signals time for a price increase.
These approaches have merit, but the best approach
may be to assess multiple factors. Collecting
some key data can help you arrive at the decision
to move ahead or wait on a price increase.
From your salon software or booking records,
review what percentage of the schedule is typically
booked. If you are consistently booked for 80–85
percent of your available time over a 2–3-month period,
your demand is beginning to exceed your supply.
When you have a long waiting list, you can't fi nd an
open appointment for a new client, or you fi nd yourself
booking appointments 6–8 weeks out due to limited
availability, it's time to raise prices. Staff schedules and
availability may be impacting your ability to fi ll your
appointments, and this should be considered as well.
Make a list of your price increases for supplies,
shipping, labor, cleaning supplies, insurance,
and other nonnegotiable increases. How much
have the increases been? What is the average
percentage of these increases? If you have just been
absorbing these increases, you are not positioning
your business for growth or profi tability. And
when was the last time you raised your prices?
If it's been a while, it's time to raise prices!
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