Pricing structures...

[Seahorselady]

Hello All,

I understand we are not to discuss specific pricing, so that is not my intention with this post. I am starting a new mobile business and trying to formulate a pricing structure. Do any of you offer a discounted price for clients willing to go onto a weekly or every two week schedule? Obviously it could be worthwhile in the long run to do so by providing an increased income over a period of time and less work/time for each visit, compared to a monthly or six week schedule. What I've not been able to come up with, is a way to sort of enforce it. What would keep those folks from canceling/or pushing back an appointment at the last minute? Can/do you offer a few day window? Then, what about the agreed, discounted price? How/at what point would that be adjusted?

Any advice/suggestions will be appreciated and considered. Thanks in advance.

cp

[Canopener Sally]

I'm not fond of discounts. Well maintained pets will cost less than pets that are groomed less frequently. I don't think of this as discounting just pricing by the job and I definitely wouldn't say "discount". I wouldn't want people expecting a discount in the future, or their friends calling thinking they can get a deal.

I like the idea of weekly and biweekly clients paying in advance. Seems like they'd stick to schedule. Anyone doing this, confirm?

[Mamabearwith2]

Seahorselady, please read this thread. Personally, I never offer a discount for anyone. I offer a luxury service and so the word 'discount' doesn't occur in my day to day operations.
Lots of good advice from sevral seasoned mobile groomers.

http://www.petgroomerforums.com/chat/showthread.php?p=383001#post383001

[kats_melody]

If our customers commit to a six week or less schedule, booking at least six appointments in advance, we give them a "Preferred Customer" discount.

We give a military discount only if the customer has one of our coupons from one of the military oriented web sites we advertise on.

That's it. No other discounts.

[Jedd]

I have just recently started giving out a 'damn, I cut all the hair off your dog's tail' discount. But only to qualified members of the 'damn, I cut all the hair off your dog's tail' club.

Problem is, nobody comes back to claim it.

[Debbiedogs]

Jedd - hahahahaha

I have just recently started giving out a 'damn, I cut all the hair off your dog's tail' discount. But only to qualified members of the 'damn, I cut all the hair off your dog's tail' club.

Problem is, nobody comes back to claim it.

Love it - LMAO.