Sending a price increase letter is like telling your best friend you’re borrowing their car and returning it with a new dent. You know it’s not great, but you have to do it anyway. The dance is all about tone—some companies do it gracefully, others make it feel like a breakup text from a robot.
I once got a price hike email that started with, “We value your loyalty…” and immediately I knew the loyalty was about to be taxed. They might as well have written, “We value your wallet, and we’re taking a little more.” But if they do it right, you almost forgive them.
Why We All Wince (And Then Relate)
The first mistake most companies make is pretending the price hike is a surprise. It’s like when your friend says “I’m not mad, just disappointed,” but you both know they’re livid. Customers smell inflation from a mile away because we’re living it too.
Remember last month when a bag of chips became a half-bag of chips for the same price? That’s called “shrinkflation,” and we hated it. Then your internet bill crept up, and your gym membership added a “maintenance fee.” The letter is just the cherry on top of a very expensive cake.
So the wise business owner writes their letter with the same energy you use when explaining why you’re late for dinner: embarrassed, honest, and promising you’ll make it up. “Hey, we know this stinks. Our costs went up, and we tried to absorb it, but we can’t.” That actually works.
Inform Your Clients About A Price Increase (+Free Template)
