Did raising your rates hurt your bookings?
I'm thinking about raising my rates from $22 to $24. When you raised your rates, did you find it hurt your bookings with new clients?
13 Answers
No, not at all. I think most people believe you get what you pay for.
I raised my rates for this summer as I only accept one dog at a time now, and it actually brought me more business.
I recently raised mine, and it actually helped! Since my prices were a little below the standard, I think it left potential clients wondering what was it about the service that devalued it enough for the price to be lowered. Said in a different way, I think it made potential clients think that there was something worse about the service I would be providing compared to the quality of service everyone else would be providing. Am I making any sense? So essentially, I was coming off as a worse dog sitter than my competitors because there must be something wrong with me that made me need to lower my prices. Now that I am competitively priced, I think I come off as a competitive in the quality of service I provide.
Recently raised mines and got a bit of a negative feedback from some owners. I’m not apologetic. I’ve become more busy lately and my past rate just wasn’t going to cut it. So far I haven’t had the crazy amount of requests that I usually had but I rather not be “shopped” for. I’m confident in what I do. Good owners who want a good sitter will pay more if it means better service.
There is a rule of thumb of sort in real estate property management suggesting that if your rental units are 100% occupied, your rents are too low. I created a profile with DogVacay in 2011 with the highest rates in the area, wasn't sure that I really wanted to be a host. I still have the highest boarding rates in my locale of 500-750K people though I have so much repeat business now that I am becoming overwhelmed. And I hate turning repeat clients away. Of course I note the low-ballers in the area, and the clients who are shopping for a "deal". Seems like my business is going to continue to grow, and I have searched Rover FAQ's and this community for guidance regards "growing pains", how to be more selective with clientele, different rate structures, etc, not much information available. I am reasonably comfortable with three guest dogs, today I have six with yet another reservation request. I know that there is a Rover Match service to help clients find the right though it would be nice to know a few other hosts in the area (I don't) to whom to refer overflow, and vice versa. Plus, having too much business can be exhausting, how do I find the energy or even the interest to clean my home, walk ways, etc knowing they will be filthy again in a matter of days?
I haven't so far experienced a rejection or cancellation regarding my rates changing to a much pricey cost than usual but I have had a repeat client contact me to inform in advance of their arranged schedule and wanted to know if the rates would be any different around the time they booked. As I occasionally change my rates I don't find it necessary to constantly remind my previous clients. If your clients love the quality of your service they'll always come back no matter the price. And any client can be that client if you give them the benefit, that's why at times I lower my rates below my original rate to allow everyone whom are interested the chance to personally experience my service. I see it as a fair opportunity, and a great way to bring in more clients. And for repeat clients I offer promotional discounts randomly as an appreciation for their dedication to my service.
As you raise your rates also pay attention to your other service rates: Additional Dog, Extended Stay etc. You want to make sure that your extended stay rate is not such that the dog being left an extra day ends up being basically free. The math can get tricky but work out different scenarios on paper to figure out what makes sense.
Yes and no. It does attract more responsible owners though.
I had to raise mine when other sitters started matching them. I believe that some people see perceived value in a higher rate. Depends on the client.
I raised my rates twice since I started Rover in Jan 2016, didn't lose a client!! Don't devalue the service you give to your clients, good clients are willing to pay reasonable rates knowing their fur babies are well cared for. I set my rates after looking at what the independent pet care companies charge in my local area. I used to look at Rover sitters but there are too many folks low balling and that hurts everyone in the community
Comments
A thousand times THIS!! My area has become ridiculously saturated with Sitters. Using price as a competitive edge is a losing proposition. I prefer to offer other perks, like flexible pick-up/drop-off times. Much better strategy to differentiate yourself based on service rather than price.
No, it did not. I made a gradual rate increase as I got more customers and reviews. I kept the old rate for my old customers as a curtesy that they helped me start my business. For all new clients a new rate. People are fine with that.
Is there a way through Rover to have old clients at the old rate or are you manually adjusting it for them?
I'm new, so I don't know how to ask a question, but I accidentally chose the wrong answer on a question (why are you signing up/reason for profit) how do I change that?
Hi Becky, you manually adjust the rate for your legacy customers.
Is there a way to tell if they are a repeat client? This is the only issue I've had with the rover system... I don't remember every client and as far as I can tell the only way to see if they are a repeat client is to check your past bookings (which can take forever!)
When I get a client I save them into my phone under their name. If I get a request from someone and they already have a name assigned in my phone I know theyre a repeat.
I keep a ledger of clients , I like the phone Idea I will have to start trying that as well.