fee increase letter

[grapeford]

anyone out there got a fee increase letter that will make have your loyal customers not only understanding, sympathetic, but willing to make a charitable donation in your name to the salvation Army. Just kidding, give me what you guys use.
Thanks

[escient]

I prefer the fuel surcharge, because it relates to a "monthly price" instead of a 'per cut' price. It's easier to swallow... Never had a cancellation from it...

Also, put in some positives instead of simply saying "we're jacking up the prices" - this helps...

Finally, if you go this route, after a year or so, you can send another out changing it from "surcharge" to rate increase" - and word it as though you're doing away with the fuel surcharge, and simply changing the rate to accommodate the fuel surcharge as "gas is forecast to stay at its current levels or higher"





To our valued customers:

It’s that time of year again! Spring is upon us and the weather is getting warmer.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and business. We would also like to take this time to share some changes for this upcoming year.

With our monthly billing cycle, we offer bill dates on the 1st (due the 16th) or 15th (due the 30th) of each month. Please call us if you would like to change your current billing cycle date.

Secondly, while most lawn care companies raise their prices an average of 8% per year, we will NOT be raising prices this year, and have no plans to do so in the foreseeable future. However, due to the rising cost of fuel over the past several months, in addition to the forecast of oil prices this year, we will begin charging a $7.50 fuel surcharge per month beginning in May, 2008. This minimal surcharge will be reduced in the autumn months, as the frequency of lawn service decreases. We are committed to reasonable rate pricing and this allows us to continue service without raising our “per cut” prices.

Also, if you have other services you need performed throughout the year, such as window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter installation and repair, tree removal, etc. please call us if you need a referral to a qualified company. We work with many other companies who can provide these services to you if needed.

Once again, thanks for your continued support and business.

We hope you have a great summer!