What to Say When Raising Your Rates
Telling clients your prices are going up can feel nerve-wracking, but a confident, clear message makes it far easier than you think. Here's how to say it without over-explaining or apologizing.
Use these when
- Notifying existing clients of a price increase
- Setting new rates for future projects
- A client asks why your prices changed
- Repeat clients on outdated pricing
Skip these if
- Don't over-justify or apologize excessively
- Don't spring it on someone with no notice
- Don't discount immediately if they push back
15 replies to choose from
Wanted to give you a heads-up that starting [date], my rate will be [amount]. Let me know if you have any questions.
Clear, gives advance notice.
Just letting you know my rates are updating to [amount] starting next month — wanted you to have plenty of notice.
Confident tone, no apology needed.
Hey! Small update — my rates are going up a bit starting [date]. Wanted to give you a heads-up since you're a regular.
Warm tone for long-term clients.
I wanted to reach out personally to let you know my rates will be adjusting to [amount] as of [date].
Personal touch shows you value the relationship.
Quick heads-up — my prices are bumping up a little starting next month, wanted you in the loop early.
Low-key, good for casual client relationships.
New rate starting [date]: [amount]. Just a heads-up.
Efficient for busy, transactional clients.
As of [date], my rate is increasing to [amount] to reflect demand and experience. Excited to keep working together.
Gives a confident, brief reason.
I know price changes are never fun to hear about — just wanted to be upfront that my rate is going to [amount] starting [date].
Softer approach if you're worried about pushback.
Effective [date], my rate is [amount]. Let me know if you'd like to continue at the new rate.
Very direct, useful for a client who's been difficult.
Fair warning: my rates are getting a glow-up starting [date]. Nothing personal, just inflation and skill points.
Light way to soften the news.
My rates reflect the results I bring, so starting [date] they're moving to [amount].
Firm and unapologetic.
I hope this doesn't come as a surprise — my rate will be [amount] starting next quarter.
Gentle framing, still clear.
Wanted to personally give you a heads-up before it goes out to everyone else — my rates are updating soon.
Makes loyal clients feel prioritized.
This rate has been overdue for an update for a while now — new pricing starts [date].
Use when you've undercharged for too long.
Rates are updating to [amount] on [date]. Thanks for understanding.
Short and matter-of-fact.
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How much notice should I give before raising rates?
- 30 days is standard for ongoing clients so they can plan accordingly.
- Should I explain why I'm raising my rates?
- A brief, confident reason is fine, but you don't owe a lengthy justification.
- What if a client says they can't afford the new rate?
- Offer to revisit scope rather than reverting the price, so the value stays consistent.
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