I actually lowered my prices by $5, in hopes of trying to fill some empty spots in my appointment book. I am re-building clientèle and had to come down slightly to compete economically with some of the lower priced shoers here in my area.

This area here is overrun with cheap and increasingly cut-throat shoers. I felt like I have to sacrifice a little now, then raise my rates when I have that option with a full book in the future. Rebuilding a clientèle during these hard times has been hard work. I have had to be very aggressive with marketing, and surely be 'Johnny on the Spot' returning calls. I am really taking extra-good care of the clients I do have, so they don't dump me for the guy running around here offering 'Name your Price' Trims.....

Stay safe out there!

Trev.

T. Wm. HALL wrote:
I raised prices to most clients...so that I might better enjoy the empty slots.

I raised my prices as of Jan 1. I assumed I would lose some clients, because this area also has some really cut-throat trimmers and shoers. I raised my prices about 8 %, hoping that I would lose less than 8 % of my horses, the break even point. I only had one person complain, but she so far is still using me. Funny thing is that this particular client is one of the ones I have given the most breaks to over the years, not charging extra for extra services, etc.
I have also picked up a few new horses since the first of the year. I think if you give quality service, as others have said ( includes returning calls promptly, being on time, focusing on the horse etc.) people appreciate it. In some cases price is a specification and folks think you're worth more if your price is higher. This isn't true in my case, but I'll take it.

I raised my prices across the board twice last year as fuel went nuts..... with fuel under 2 bucks it's like I got a $600/month raise. Soooooooo...if fuel stays reasonable, I have decided not to raise my prices this April on my regular shoeing services. However, I am going up 20% on my labor rate on my Vet referral work. I price this work at an hourly labor charge plus 1.5 times material cost.

Dave

I raised my prices ($10 shoes $5 trims) in January because everyone on the boards here were whining about the end of the world and we are all gong to die and starve.
One client said "Oh my!" and as I knew her political leanings I just reminded her that our President has asked us all to sacrifice.

I will being going up alittle on my old clients, depending on the situation.
Made new pricing list, we'll see.
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