Menu Price Increase – How To Tell Your Customers Without Making Them Mad
The time has finally come to let your customers know about your menu price increase.
Although they might have expected it, as a business owner, you’ll still need to reassure your customers that it’s the best (and right) decision for your business!
If you’re worried about how to do so, have no fear – we’re here to help!
Share the news to your customers (without making them mad) by taking these steps to soften the blow.
1. Be transparent with your customers
2. Contact your customers directly
3. Let your customers know in advance
4. Explain the reasoning behind the price increase
5. Remind them that higher prices mean better quality
6. Align your team
Be transparent with your customers
The clearer you are with your customers, the less potential there will be for misunderstandings – so don’t hide price changes.
Show both old and new prices, as well as the percent increase.
Transparency will help your customers make an informed decision to continue supporting your business.
Contact your customers directly
Personal attention makes your communication more valuable – especially when it comes to sensitive topics like price changes.
Address your customers directly by call, SMS, or email. You can even share your product price increase on social media to notify them of the change.
Let your customers know in advance
Give your customers time to come to terms with the price increase.
They may need to reassess their budget, so you should keep them in the loop once you’re made aware of the situation.
Try encouraging them to make one or more product orders before the price increase kicks in.
Explain the reasoning behind the price increase
Be honest and explain what caused the price increase.
Here are common reasons you can address:
- Increased material cost
- Change in operating cost
- New service, product options, or hires
- Supply chain disruption
If customers know the reasons, they won’t feel cheated. Such reasoning makes it clear that you’re not chasing profits, but merely responding to the market environment.
Remind them that higher prices mean better quality
The necessity for a price increase can be confusing for customers so make sure you stress the importance of product quality.
It’s vital you convey that you are upgrading the quality of the product or at least committed to maintaining the same quality in the future.
Align your team
It would be embarrassing for your staff to charge a customer the wrong price because you failed to notify them of the change.
Make sure your team is aware of the situation and are on the same page in terms of :
- Cost difference
- Reasoning
- Logistics
That way, your business has a consistent voice on the matter.
Be authentic and empathetic!
It’s never easy to give or receive news that your favourite café / restaurant will be increasing its menu prices!
So make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute. Instead, inform your customers in advance and communicate with them clearly so they have ample time to make a decision.
With time, your customers will come to understand your situation and be willing to stay loyal to your business.
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