How to go about raising my rates...
Hey Ladies,
I have been working as an independent now for about 7 months, and I have had a hard time nailing down my rates. After reading the sticky about calculating rates, I've realized that my rates are way too low for what I want to be making yearly(btw if anyone knows where I can get my hands on Amanda Brooks' book, please let me know). My current hourly rate is 220 and I need it to be 300. How should I go about raising my rates without scaring off regulars and potential clients?
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bella21
My regulars are always grandfathered in for pricing.
This. As frustrating as it can be to make less with older clients while making more with newer ones, it'll really turn off the loyal regulars to suddenly get a price hike.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
Yep. Raise your rates for new clients, grandfather your old clients. For a time. I usually stopped grandfathering about 6 months after each time I raised my rates, because by that time you have enough newer clients to replace the income from the earlier ones.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
These are all great suggestions, thank you. I was thinking of wording my announcement like this on my website.
"Hey Gents,
As of (insert date here) my rate structure will be changing. Regulars, don't worry you will be grandfathered in for the next 3 months(to be considered a regular you must have seen me 2+ times at my regular rate, NOT "special" rates). Also, as of (insert date here) ALL specials will be ending. My reviews speak for themselves, I no longer have to run specials to attract business. I look forward to hearing from you all! Enjoy the new photos ;) "
Sound good?
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
^^^
"Also, as of (insert date here) ALL specials will be ending. My reviews speak for themselves, I no longer have to run specials to attract business."
This sounds a little negative. It puts down ladies who runs specials, and references that you *needed* to run them before to get business.
Try something like this instead:
"Also, as of (insert date here) ALL specials will be ending. I prefer being a low-volume provider, so that I can give my full energy and attention to a few, select clients."
This compliments your clients and puts the emphasis on your superior service.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
lestat1
^^^
"Also, as of (insert date here) ALL specials will be ending. My reviews speak for themselves, I no longer have to run specials to attract business."
This sounds a little negative. It puts down ladies who runs specials, and references that you *needed* to run them before to get business.
Try something like this instead:
"Also, as of (insert date here) ALL specials will be ending. I prefer being a low-volume provider, so that I can give my full energy and attention to a few, select clients."
This compliments your clients and puts the emphasis on your superior service.
I like the way you worded that.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
I go to DC and NYC only and my rate is $400 hr. The agency I work for thought I should be making more so they got me a better website, photos, and outfits for the photoshoot. I've had alot of the same regulars for 3 years and they don't have a problem with my rate. If you give great sessions and are well-groomed, not to mention in the a good city you can raise your rate no problem. Beside anything below $300 and the clients are picky and demanding...
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
They really are! It's my own fault I let my rate come down so low. In the beginning I was at 300/hr, but I let hobbyists convince me that my rate was too high. Needless to say, I fell for it, but at the time it didn't matter because I was working full time as a nurse. Now, I'm not doing anything but escorting and these rates are killing me.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
Yeah, never ask the clients what your rate should be. They have no incentive to see you priced where you should be.
When I raised my rates, I said that if I hadn't seen you in the previous six months, then the grandfathering didn't apply. I had been in business for about 18 months at that point and didn't really want to deal with guys I had seen once over a year ago trying to claim the grandfathered rate.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ButterflyGem
They really are! It's my own fault I let my rate come down so low. In the beginning I was at 300/hr, but I let hobbyists convince me that my rate was too high. Needless to say, I fell for it, but at the time it didn't matter because I was working full time as a nurse. Now, I'm not doing anything but escorting and these rates are killing me.
Remember, as the old adage goes, eating fish doesn't make you a fisherman...lol... Never listen to a client about how to run your business. They will advise you to benefit them only. And most times other escorts are just talking to hear themselves talk and sound smart. Get a professional or consultant to help you. Just like an entertainer hires a stylist....
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
So do most only grandfather in those they have met with or all of those they had previously screened and approved but had not seen yet at old rates? I recently raised my and had the thought to gf in those I had met previously. But then one who cancelled at old rate and wanted to rebook balked at the rates. In fact, shamed me for having them where they are. Long story short, I gave him old rate. He increased donation nicely. But after his shaming I feel bad about asking my current rate.
Re: How to go about raising my rates...
Paid sex is always the cheapest.
Divorce/marriage/dating that stuff is so much more expensive and riskier.
The rate is a test - genuine clients pay it. Timewasters haggle.