How to price your services and show how long they take

Unclear prices lead to questions, and questions lead to messages, and messages are the thing you are trying to cut down. Putting a clear price and length on every service saves time and builds trust.

Show the price and the time

"Gel infill, 45 minutes, £24" tells the client everything. They know how much to bring and how long to set aside. It also tells you how long to block in your diary.

Price for your time, not just the job

Work out what an hour of your time needs to earn once you include products, travel, tax and the days you do not work. Then check that each service pays that back in the minutes it takes.

Keep the menu short

Four to six main services are easier to choose from than twenty. If you offer extras, make them optional add-ons rather than separate items.

Be careful with "from" prices

"From £25" can hide a range, and surprises at the end are awkward. If a service varies, explain why in one line, such as "Price depends on length and design".

Review prices once or twice a year

Costs go up. A small, regular increase with a friendly heads-up is easier than a big jump after years of no change. Your regulars will usually understand.

Do not apologise for your prices

Clients are paying for your skill, your time and your reliability. A clear, confident price list says that without needing to argue the point.

The takeaway

Honest times and clear prices help clients book and help you plan your day. In Bookable each service has its own length and price, so your calendar and your booking page always agree.

Keep reading

• Client notes: what to keep and what to leave out
• How to get clients to rebook before they leave
• Should you take deposits? When they are worth it