Your experience needed.

[Southern Lawns]

Hello all! My search was unclear to my question so here goes.
It's time to increase rates, what have you found to be the best way to break the news? Did you call? Did you send a letter with their monthly statement explaining an increase in charges? Not sure what the older folks in the business has found to be the best way to approach this, with the least resistance. I was going to increase 4% and make it effective 1 April with a letter enclosed with the statement. Before I do that.........I want to hear from you!
Thanks, Raymond

[Kent Lawns]

I would notify the month before the increase.

[stslawncare]

letter with invoice sounds, good, make sure its a month ahead of course

[marc]

Send a letter ahead of time explaining why you need to increase prices. When I raise rates, I try to keep my senior citizens increase a little lower than other customers just because I know that they can't afford too much of a increase. Don't feel bad about increasing rates though-especially if you haven't increased them in a while.

[rodfather]

I use a handwritten note personally from me on the monthly statement one month before. And yes I sign it, Rod.

[Bladewielder]

We tell people face-to-face. We feel that is the most honest and fair way to do it. After all, the agreement is between you and them. I think in the end people will be happier that the two of you discussed it in person.