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 Member
Posts: 24
Location: Deep South | My husband is a full time farrier and we have come to a decision that it is time to increase his fees due to economic factors such as fuel and supplies (shoes) increasing. He isn't the cheapest or the most expensive and we hate to do it, but don't see any other way. We have to pay bills too. I need help in wording a letter to his customers. Any suggestions are appreciated. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1224
 
| There are some great writers on here, but I don't think you gave enough info. for them to write the letter for you (which I am sure is not what you intended anyway). Perhaps you should write your letter and post it on here for some editing/critquing. Just an idea. |
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 We Have Poop!
Posts: 11225
Location: dead end road | Originally written by FastAsUCan on 2004-03-30 1:52 PM My husband is a full time farrier and we have come to a decision that it is time to increase his fees due to economic factors such as fuel and supplies (shoes ) increasing. He isn't the cheapest or the most expensive and we hate to do it, but don't see any other way. We have to pay bills too. I need help in wording a letter to his customers. Any suggestions are appreciated. I don't know what help I am going to be to you, but I would say be honest with them, and just tell them. They are all going to know that fuel prices are sky high and should understand. |
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 Nosey!
Posts: 6621
Location: Oregon | To Whom It May Concern: We value you as a customer and hope you understand that due to the rising cost of supplies and fuel we will be increasing our fees to $$ for trims and $$ for full set of shoes (or how ever his price list reads). We appreciate your attention and understanding in this matter. If you have any questions please call me at 123-456-7891 before 9pm. Thank you for your continued support The Shoer How is that for starters?
Edited by dollbaby 2004-03-30 2:05 PM
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 Ms Bling Bling Sleeze Kitty
Posts: 20904
Location: LouLouVille, OK | Dollbaby, that looked good to me, most of us understand stuff is gonna go up, well, everything but my hourly pay, But I think that is a nice well said note! |
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Member
Posts: 24
Location: Deep South | Thanks everyone! Doll, thanks, that can get me started! |
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Expert
Posts: 1224
| That was pretty good Dollbaby, to the point. I would say make it a little more personal, that would make your clients a little more receptive to the chance. |
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Nosey!
Posts: 6621
Location: Oregon | Thank you thank you .... It is a rough draft, if you will .. an outline!!!You may want to address each customer Dear _____, |
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Member
Posts: 24
Location: Deep South | Yes, I intend to personalize and expound on it! I just needed some kind of jump start! Thanks!!! I knew I could count on the board! |
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 Sexy Bee Yacht
Posts: 5849
Location: WA | Before I moved, my farrier had to raise his prices due to gas, etc. He told me on one visit and said he wouldn't charge me until he came again. It was all verbal. Now, it was only a $5 increase. I don't know how much higher you are going, but I felt the way he told me was fine and then we spent 15 minutes complaining about gas prices... this was last year. |
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Member
Posts: 24
Location: Deep South | He has started telling the customers that are present when he comes, but we felt a letter should also be sent. He does have some customers that he never sees. Thanks! |
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 Can Do It
Posts: 2738
Location: Hockley, Texas | Yep, that sounds good. I'd definately mention to them his plans in person (for those that he sees) so that it doesn't sound so cold to people. You don't want anyone to say "he just just out here last week and didn't say a thing and now this letter..." I think you're going about it the right way though. Very good business to alert customers of changes. |
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Veteran
Posts: 186
Location: Washington State | Okay, I work for Microsoft for God's sake and I can't figure out why my posts won't hold the spaces and punctuation I put in. Somebody help me.When I write a sentence and then hit enter to give a space in between to start a new one and then I post it, it all comes out in the same line.Help! |
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Veteran
Posts: 186
Location: Washington State | Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jones, It is with regret that we wish to inform our valued clients of a moderate increase to our farrier costs. As you can surely appreciate, the rising cost of living, fuel prices and supplies has driven us to this decision. We apologize for any hardship this may cause. We sincerely look forward to a continued partnership with you and your horse(s)Please feel free to contact me at 123-456-6789.Thank you for your understanding and loyalty.Regards,Jon Doe Ferrier |
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 Member
Posts: 5
Location: Montana | You know, I agree w/ whomever said, just tell (verbally) the customers! My Significant Other told all of his clients ---we need to raise prices. All have been understanding. Granted it was only $5 & some give him crap about it, it's all in jest. If your hubby is good @ what he does & people like his work, they won't want to lose him & a price increase will fit fine. IF not, then it's no big loss to your husband, he's not worth all the time & hardship on his body! Know what I mean?!?!
I still don't think mine gets paid what he's worth, but he likes the work & it all comes out in the end! So just tell them, "Hey, Price has gone up this year." That's what mine did last fall! Good luck! |
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Member
Posts: 24
Location: Deep South | Thanks folks, you all have been great! |
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Veteran
Posts: 186
Location: Washington State | Originally written by FastAsUCan on 2004-03-30 2:50 PM
Thanks folks, you all have been great! I think your idea of writing your customers is great. My farrier raised his prices last year. It really ticked me off that I wasn't fore warned. I would not get a new one over it, but when I'm writing the check, is not the time to say, "by the way, here's the new costs". Send the letter, it's a very professional way to do business. |
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Expert
Posts: 1224
| I agree, a letter is a good way to go about it since you say he doesn't even get to see some of his customers in person. He can verbally warn the ones he does get in contact with about the price hike too. I'm sure most people would understand your reasoning for the change. |
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Can Do It
Posts: 2738
Location: Hockley, Texas | Originally written by burn3wi on 2004-03-30 2:58 PM
I agree, a letter is a good way to go about it since you say he doesn't even get to see some of his customers in person. He can verbally warn the ones he does get in contact with about the price hike too. I'm sure most people would understand your reasoning for the change. I'm sure no one will like it although they'll understand, but his forwarning (sp?) and his professionalism with the letter, his customers won't mind it so much. |
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