Yes that sensitive topic… Price increases ! I know this blog might be a bit lengthy, but I’m genuinely passionate about it because I’ve been in the trenches myself. I’ve felt that fear of raising prices, worried I might lose clients, upset clients, get the 3rd degree why prices are going up, or face the classic dilemma that so many groomers struggle with—being empaths who care deeply about our furry clients and their owners. But there’s so much more to the story of why price increases are essential, and I’m here to break it down for you.
2025 is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to reflect on your grooming business and the importance of keeping your prices up to date—not just matching inflation but going beyond it. Inflation impacts every aspect of our lives, from supplies to energy costs, and, yes, it's vital to keep up with it. But there’s another issue at play here to and thats BURNOUT !
Pet Groomers often quit the industry because of burnout. More than ever, I’m witnessing so many talented groomers leaving our industry due to burnout and struggling to make ends meet. It’s heartbreaking to see dedicated professionals who have so much passion for their work feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. We work so hard, and we're empaths, and it’s so easy to push ourselves beyond the limit just to keep our clients happy, especially at this time of year. But if you're underpricing your services, it can start to feel like you're working more and more while getting less and less in return. And before you know it, you begin to resent your clients, you may loose interest in your craft and worst case leave the industry.
If your business is facing financial challenges or rising operational costs, a higher percentage price increase could be necessary to keep your services sustainable. However, setting your prices confidently often requires not only covering costs but also staying competitive in your field.
This means price increases should cover more than just inflation; adding an extra 10-20%— often more—is common. Why? Because that additional percentage reflects your investment in ongoing education, upgraded equipment, and, yes, profit. It’s an unspoken necessity in our industry that allows you to continue delivering quality services without sacrificing your own financial growth. Large corporations approach pricing this way—they don’t just adjust for inflation, but strategically set their prices to stay profitable and stay ahead of the competition.
Now we all know that grooming prices can vary widely across different states, cities, and rural areas. While a client in the city might happily pay $150 for a grooming, someone in a country town may not share the same expectation for the same groom. Then on the other hand I know groomers living in country towns that charge more than city prices due to their services being highly sought after. So It’s crucial to evaluate your experience and expenses to ensure you’re not just breaking even and charging accordingly.
Adjusting Your Grooming Prices: A Simple Example
Pay attention to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which indicates how inflation affects our spending power over time. From 2020 to 2024, the cumulative inflation rate in Australia has been *approximately 21.79%.
As an example lets say a small groom price was $75 in 2020, the below calculation to find the new price reflecting the cumulative inflation would be:
Summary
Original Price: $75
Inflation Rate: 21.79% (or 0.2179)
Inflation Increase: $75 × 0.2179 ≈ $16.34
New Price Calculation:
New Price = $75 + $16.34
New Price ≈ $91.34
Profit Margin Consideration:
For a 10% increase on the new price of $91.34: $91.34 × 1.10 ≈ $100.47.
For a 20% increase: $91.34 × 1.20 ≈ $109.61.
So if a groom in 2020 cost $75, to stay up with just inflation, todays cost could be approximately $91.34, now that is without adding a percentage margin. Factoring in an approximate 21.79% inflation rate along with a 20% increase (adjustable to suit your own increase percentage) to maintain profitability the grooming price that would be charged today would be approximately $109.61.
For further details on inflation trends, check resources like the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Inflation in 2025: Why You Need to Stay Current
Australia, like much of the world, is grappling with significant inflation. Inflation affects the cost of everything from fuel and electricity to grooming supplies and rent.
For businesses like ours, this means operating expenses are rising—often faster than we realise. Holding off on price increases can strain your business financially, especially if your profit margins are already tight. So when you don’t adjust prices to reflect inflation, you’re effectively earning less while paying more.
Groomers are generous souls, often raising their prices merely to cover expenses while neglecting to increase their wages! But we also need to look after ourselves financially. You shouldn’t be absorbing all these increases alone—it’s perfectly reasonable to pass a portion of these costs onto clients, especially if you’re transparent and fair about it.
How to Announce Price Increases
Timing your price increases can really shape how clients respond. Bi-annual, smaller increases can be effective if done consistently and can help you avoid the need for larger hikes down the line. The best times to raise prices are when demand is high, like early December or January, when warmer weather brings more clients. Raising prices when you're busy signals success and demand, while doing so during slower periods may lead to negative perceptions. Here’s some suggestions on how to approach it:
1. Give Advance Notice: Always inform your clients ahead of time, I normally allow a grooming cycle of my regulars which is generally 6-8 weeks—whether it’s through email, social media, or a printed notice in your salon or mobile. A month or two of notice gives them time to prepare for the changes.
2. Be Transparent: You can mention rising costs due to inflation, the higher prices of supplies, furthering your education and the need to maintain a sustainable business. When you’re honest, clients are far more understanding.
3. Emphasise Value: Clients appreciate the level of service you offer. Highlight what makes your business so exceptional.If the price increase is linked to improvements you’ve made—like investing in better tools, using higher-quality products, or furthering your education to stay on top of grooming trends—let them know. You can highlight how these investments improve their pet’s grooming experience.
4. Set Regular Price Reviews: Rather than large, unexpected increases, consider implementing smaller, regular price reviews either annually or bi-annually. This makes the transition smoother for clients and helps them adjust their budgets accordingly. If your plan is to raise your prices for example $15 you can implement a rise in January of $7.50 then again in July of $7.50 It’s much easier to handle a small increase every year than a huge hike every couple of years.
Staying Profitable as a Groomer in 2025
To thrive in the grooming industry in 2025, committing to continuous education and skill enhancement is essential. Groomer Nation offers a variety of online tutorials, courses, and personalised training that you can access from home, mobile or your salon, helping you refine your techniques and stay updated with industry trends. Investing in your education not only boosts your skills but also empowers you to charge what you’re worth, ultimately leading to greater profitability.
With economic uncertainties ahead, here are some strategies to help keep your pricing competitive and your business flourishing:
Education: Stay ahead by continually enhancing your skills and knowledge.
Monitor Market Trends: Stay informed and highlight your unique offerings and remain relevant.
Offer Exciting Packages or Memberships: Bundle services or introduce a membership program to provide clients with added value while creating a stable income stream. Check out this Groomer Nation blog for ideas www.groomernation.com.au/post/unleashing-business-success-the-power-of-client-rebooking-in-dog-grooming
Value-Added Services: Enhance your clients' experience by offering specialised treatments such as:
Skin Restoration treatments with premium products like Iv San Bernard.
Hand Stripping for breeds that require this technique.
Day Spa Packages that include grooming, massages, and skin restoration.
De-Shedding Treatments to keep shedding under control.
Pawdicures for a fun finishing touch.
These are just examples of personalised add-ons not only elevate the grooming experience but also create opportunities for additional revenue.
To help you along your way here is an example of a Client Price Increase notice you can use for your business.
To My Wonderful Clients 🐾✨
Thank you for your continued trust and support of [Your Business Name]! I truly appreciate each and every one of you and your fur kids!
Its nearly time for a small adjustment to ensure I/we can keep providing the exceptional, personalised grooming services your pets deserve.
Starting [date], there will be a slight price increase of [X amount].
I’m also thrilled to share that ( add here anything new or exciting that has happened or added to your business for example you or your team has recently completed a new grooming course, attended a seminar, had hands on training, participated in a grooming competition, learnt hand stripping , new products, new equipment etc) , ensuring that I/we are up to date with the latest grooming trends, techniques and products so your beloved pet always feels pampered and looking fabulous.
If you have any questions about the new pricing, please don’t hesitate to ask. I look forward to continuing to care for your pups in 2025 and beyond!
Thank you once again for choosing [Your Business Name]! 💖🐶
Warm wishes,[Your Name]
As we navigate this ever-changing industry, remember that price increases are not just necessary; they’re essential for growth and sustainability. Remember, you’re worth it! Your skills and dedication to grooming are invaluable, and your prices should reflect the quality you provide. Don’t hesitate to make the changes necessary to ensure the long-term success of your business. At Groomer Nation, we’re dedicated to supporting your journey with valuable education and resources.
Together, let’s empower each other to thrive and create lasting success in our craft. Explore our tutorials and discover products that inspire your passion for grooming. Your journey matters to us ! Reach out to us anytime, you can find us at www.groomernation.com.au 💖
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