rescheduling discounts

Hi friends and Happy June! I wanted to know if anyone had any advice on my current re-booking discounts. I offer a 20% discount to all of my clients who rebook their next appointment. It's worked out great and I always have a great return rate. I am getting new customers daily but if I tally up my discounts I get sad at the amount I could have brought in. I wanted to change my re-booking discount to 10% for all new clients and allow my old clients to keep their 20% off because they are the ones who continue to fuel my business. What is the best way to advertise this without worrying my old clients? Thanks all and Happy June!

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on June 5, 2013 at 6:52am

I do agree. I think sometimes a menu change with price increases can be a good "reset" button that customers do understand, and can conceptualize (especially if there is a really good reason - i.e., we did menu increases in 2009 in response to fuel prices when all our suppliers raised their rates or shipping rates; 2011 to make my time more premium than that of my employee estheticians', and will do so again this year in response to payroll tax increases.

When you raise prices, you have the opportunity to reward your existing clients by keeping them at the same price for a set period of time. I like to use 6 months for this. You must point it out by saying, "and we have had a menu price increase on this service, but since you've been so good to me, I have arranged with the front desk to keep you at the old price for six months." Then they go from feeling jilted to feeling like they got a bonus.