How to Know if It's Time to Increase Your Prices

Selling your product on the cheap could be a significant detriment to your business. On the other hand, realistic pricing is a sure way to success.

 

Determining the best price for your product isn't always straightforward. 

Many new companies and small businesses start with lower prices to get a foothold on the market. But if this approach is maintained for too long, constantly underpricing could harm the business gravely.

The thought of raising your prices can be frightening, as some business owners become wary of driving customers away. But if you can realistically adjust the prices to the market, it will help your business grow.

Luckily, some tell-tale signs will inform you when a change is needed.

 

Sign 1. Rising Demand and Increased Workload

A sure sign you need to raise prices is if your company starts facing more demand than it can handle. Having an abundance of new orders is excellent, but if you're overworking all of the time, it might mean your services are too cheap.

People find affordable prices very tempting and might disregard the quality of the service in favour of a lesser cost. But, if you're confident in your company’s work, somewhat heftier prices will let you keep the respectable customers and attract new ones. At the same time, the workload could diminish while the profit remains the same.

Going for reasonable prices that take the quality, the work, and expenses into account will leave you with a manageable number of customers. These are also the customers who will stay with your company longer, and both sides will be more satisfied.

 

Sign 2. You Have the Cheapest Offer on the Market

Keeping track of what the competitors are doing is always recommended. It's useful to be aware of the strategies and models that others employ so you can adjust and improve your business.

The same goes for pricing. 

It might seem counter-intuitive but having the lowest price out of all competitors won't benefit your company in the long run. People associate low prices with cheap service and will rarely opt for such companies. 

A medium price range is the most attractive, and even companies with higher prices can achieve great success, depending on how well they build their brand.

Being the cheapest might get you some customers at first, but the reputation that comes with it will eventually harm your business.

 

Sign 3. You've Kept the Same Prices for a Long Time

While it's not obligatory to raise prices yearly, it's a prevalent practice. This happens due to the way markets evolve and changes in inflation and living standards.

Successful businesses make small adjustments to accommodate these changes, so a keen awareness of market trends is necessary. If it's been some time since you've last made a price change, it could be worth consideration.

But beware not to compensate with large price movements. Instead, create a plan of smaller but consistent increases.

 

Realistic Prices Can Advance Your Business

There's a sweet spot between going too high and too low with your prices. And if you get it right, your company will continue to grow and develop. 

Don't fear losing customers over a higher price. Set it up realistically and you'll start attracting the ideal customers for your business.

 

For more info on starting or managing your business, why not read some of our other blogs to help simplify things.

If you have any questions, do feel free to get in touch with us!

Have a great week,

Ben & The BR Team.