How to Raise Prices Without Losing Clients: 5 Practical Steps for SMEs

Raise Prices Without Losing Clients (5 Steps)

Price rises feel risky—but handled well, they improve margins and retain trust.

Step 1: Segment your customers

Identify your most price-sensitive vs value-driven segments. Start with the least sensitive first.

Step 2: Add value before you ask

Tighten response times, improve packaging, add a small bonus (setup, training, priority support). Tell customers what’s improved.

Step 3: Choose the method

• Grandfathering: Keep existing clients at old rates for X months—great for loyalty.
• Tiering: Add a higher-value tier; migrate best-fit clients.
• Small, regular increases: 3–7% annually is easier to accept than big jumps.

Step 4: Communicate clearly

• Give notice (30–60 days).
• Share why (inflation, improved service, sustainability).
• Offer options (stay on old tier, commit for a term, switch plans).

Sample email line:

From 1 July, our Professional plan moves to £X/month. We’ve added A, B and C, and kept D included. If you prefer, you can stay on your current tier until 30 September.

Step 5: Track churn and feedback

Watch cancellations, average revenue per client, and upgrade rates. Adjust messaging or tiers if needed.

Keep it simple…

Price rises done right strengthen your business and customer relationships.

👉 Want a pricing review and comms script tailored to you? Contact us.