8 Signs It's Time to Raise Your Prices (And How to Do It)

Let's be honest: you've been thinking about raising your prices for a while now.

Every time your rent goes up, you think about it. Every time a product costs more, you think about it. Every time you see another shop charging more for the same work, you definitely think about it.

But then you don't do it. Because what if clients leave? What if they think you're getting greedy? What if business dries up?

These fears are normal. They're also usually unfounded. The truth is, most barbershops wait too long to raise prices—and underpricing slowly kills profitability while you're not paying attention.

Here are the signs it's time.

Sign 1: You haven't raised prices in over a year

Inflation isn't optional. It happens whether you acknowledge it or not.

If your prices are the same as they were 12+ months ago, you've effectively given yourself a pay cut. Your rent went up. Your supplies cost more. Your energy bills increased. But your revenue per service stayed flat.

The math is simple: standing still means falling behind.

The fix: At minimum, raise prices annually to match inflation (typically 2-4%). This isn't a raise—it's maintenance.

Sign 2: You're booked solid but not making money

This one's sneaky. Business feels good because the calendar is full. But when you actually look at the numbers, there's nothing left over.

Full books with empty pockets means one thing: you're trading time for too little money. You've hit a ceiling where the only way to earn more is to work more—and you're already maxed out.

The wake-up call: If you're working 50+ hours a week and still stressed about money, the problem isn't effort. It's pricing.

Sign 3: Clients never complain about your prices

This sounds backwards, but hear me out.

If literally no one ever pushes back on your prices—not a single comment, not a raised eyebrow, not a "that's a bit more than I expected"—you're probably too cheap.

Healthy pricing means some people will think twice. Maybe 5-10% of prospects will decide you're not for them. That's fine. That's actually the goal.

When everyone says yes immediately, you've left money on the table.

Sign 4: Your best clients would pay more

You know your regulars. The ones who've been coming for years. The ones who always tip well. The ones who recommend you to everyone.

Ask yourself honestly: if you raised prices 10-15%, would they leave?

For most of your best clients, the answer is no. They come to you because of the relationship, the quality, the experience. They're not comparison shopping. An extra $5-10 per visit won't change their behavior.

The clients you'd lose are often the ones you'd be okay losing anyway.

Sign 5: New barbers in your area charge more than you

Pay attention to this one. When a new shop opens nearby and their prices are higher than yours, it tells you something important: the market has moved.

If someone with no reputation yet can charge more than you—and stay in business—then your pricing is based on outdated information.

You're not being humble by staying cheap. You're signaling that you're worth less.

Sign 6: You've gotten significantly better

Think about your skills two years ago versus now. The courses you've taken. The techniques you've mastered. The experience you've accumulated.

Your prices should reflect your growth. If you're meaningfully better at your craft than you were when you set current prices, those prices are lying about your value.

Skill increases should translate to price increases. Otherwise, what's the point of improving?

Sign 7: You feel resentment creeping in

This is the emotional signal that's easy to ignore but important to recognize.

When you start feeling undervalued—frustrated that clients don't appreciate the effort, annoyed at how much you give versus what you receive—that's data.

Resentment is your subconscious telling you the exchange isn't fair. You can either ignore it and burn out, or adjust the equation.

Sign 8: You're attracting the wrong clients

Low prices attract price-sensitive clients. Price-sensitive clients are more likely to no-show, complain, and leave for someone cheaper.

If you're constantly dealing with difficult clients who don't value your time, check your pricing. You might be filtering for the wrong people.

Raising prices doesn't just increase revenue—it changes your clientele. Higher prices attract clients who value quality over cost. These clients are easier to serve, more loyal, and more pleasant to work with.

---

How to Actually Do It

Recognizing you need to raise prices is the easy part. Actually doing it is where people freeze.

Here's a step-by-step approach that works.

Step 1: Decide on the increase

For annual maintenance: 3-5% For a meaningful adjustment: 10-15% For significant repositioning: 20%+

Most shops should be in the 10-15% range if prices haven't moved in a while.

Step 2: Give notice (optional but recommended)

Two weeks to one month warning is professional and reduces surprise friction. But don't over-explain or apologize. A simple announcement is enough.

"Starting [date], our prices will be updating. Here's what that means for your services..."

Step 3: Update everywhere simultaneously

Price list. Website. Booking system. Social media. Everywhere prices appear, they should change on the same day. Mixed messaging creates confusion and awkwardness.

Step 4: Train your team

If you have staff, make sure everyone knows what to say if clients ask about the increase. The script is simple: "We've updated our pricing to reflect [increased costs / our continued investment in quality / market rates]. We're confident you'll continue to love the experience."

No apologizing. No over-explaining. Matter-of-fact confidence.

Step 5: Don't negotiate

This is crucial. If someone pushes back, don't immediately offer a discount. That signals that the new prices aren't real.

You can acknowledge their concern: "I understand. Our prices reflect the value and experience we provide. If it's not the right fit, I completely understand."

Most pushback disappears when they realize the price is the price.

---

What Actually Happens When You Raise Prices

Here's what most shop owners discover:

First week: Anxiety. Watching every client interaction for signs of displeasure. Probably unnecessary.

First month: A few clients mention it. Most don't. One or two might not come back. Significantly more just pay the new price without comment.

Three months later: You can't remember what the old prices were. The new prices feel normal. Revenue is up. Stress is down.

The fear is almost always worse than the reality.

The Permission You Might Need

If you've read this far and you're still hesitating, here it is:

You're allowed to charge what you're worth. You're allowed to make a profit. You're allowed to build a sustainable business that doesn't require you to grind forever.

Raising prices isn't greedy. Underpricing and burning out is bad for everyone—you, your family, and eventually your clients when you can't continue.

Charge what allows you to do your best work for the long haul. That's good for everyone.