Why being called expensive isn't an insult

 Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer. 

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today’s topic:

Why being called expensive isn’t an insult

First, let’s start with some context. As a pet grooming salon owner, you have a lot of expenses to cover in order to provide a high-quality service to your customers. These expenses include things like rent, utilities, supplies, insurance, and  your employees’ wages. All of these costs need to be factored into your pricing structure, along with a reasonable profit margin.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. When a customer says that your prices are “too expensive,” it can be easy to feel insulted or defensive. After all, you’re providing a valuable service to their beloved pets, and it can feel like they’re not appreciating the time and effort that goes into it. However, it’s important to remember that their perception of what is “expensive” is relative to their own financial situation and what they value.

For some customers, price is the most important factor in their decision-making process. They may be looking for the cheapest possible option, and they may not fully understand or appreciate the value that your salon provides. However, other customers may prioritize quality, convenience, or other factors over price. These are the customers who are willing to pay a premium for a service that meets their specific needs and expectations.

So, what can you do when a customer says that your prices are too expensive? First, it’s important to listen to their concerns and try to understand where they’re coming from. Ask them what specifically they feel is too expensive, and see if there’s anything you can do to address their concerns. For example, you may be able to offer them your very best pricing or provide a more detailed breakdown of your pricing structure to help them understand the value that they’re getting. As for the very best pricing, this does not necessarily mean a discount. What this means is that your 4 week grooming price may be $100, and your 8 week pricing may be $200, therefore the 4 week grooming price is your very best price and it looks like the customer is getting a discount in their eyes.

However, it’s also important to recognize that not every customer is going to be a good fit for your business. If someone is consistently complaining about your prices or trying to haggle with you, they may not be the type of customer that you want to attract. Instead, focus on building relationships with customers who value the quality of your services and are willing to pay it.

Ultimately, the key to success in the pet grooming industry is to understand your target customer and their specific needs and preferences. While some customers may balk at the price, others will appreciate the value that you provide and be willing to pay a premium for your services. By staying true to your pricing structure and focusing on building relationships with the right types of customers, you can build a successful and profitable business that stands the test of time.

It’s also important to remember that price isn’t the only factor that customers consider when choosing a pet grooming salon. Customers may be willing to pay a higher price if they feel that they are getting a better overall experience. For example, if your salon provides a more comfortable and relaxing environment for pets, or if your employees are especially skilled or personable, customers may be willing to pay more for your services.

In fact, it can be a good strategy to focus on providing an exceptional experience rather than trying to compete on price alone. This can help differentiate your business from the competition and attract the types of customers who are willing to pay more for a premium service. By focusing on building a strong brand and reputation for quality, you can create a loyal customer base that will keep coming back, even if your prices are higher than other pet grooming salons in the area. 

It’s also worth remembering that the cost of doing business can vary depending on the location and the size of your salon. If you’re operating in a more expensive, or if you have a larger salon that requires more staff or equipment, you may need to charge more for your services in order to cover your costs and make a reasonable profit. Customers who are familiar with the pet grooming industry will understand this, and be willing to pay more for a service that is worth the price.

Being called “expensive” by a customer is not necessarily a bad thing. While it can be tempting to try to lower your prices to attract more customers, this may not be the best long-term strategy for your business. Instead, focus on providing an exceptional experience for your customers and building a strong brand that emphasizes quality and value. By doing so, you can attract the types of customers who are willing to pay a premium for a service that meets their specific needs and expectations. 

Being called “expensive” by a customer is not necessarily an insult. It’s simply a reflection of their own priorities and financial situation. As a pet grooming salon owner, it’s important to understand the value that you provide and to price your services accordingly. By focusing on building relationships with customers who appreciate your quality and value, you can create a successful and sustainable business for years to come.

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, why being called expensive isn’t an insult. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming