July 7, 2026

How NOT to Raise Your Prices

There are many ways to raise your prices that your clients and customers will generally accept.

Maybe even happily accept!

But there is one way to raise prices that will almost certainly torch all of your goodwill and potentially trigger a backlash.

And that way is...

(drum roll, please)

RETROACTIVELY!

I wouldn’t believe this if it weren’t told to me firsthand, but one of my coaching students recently got an invoice for services provided in the previous month.

It included this jaw-dropper of a paragraph:

This invoice reflects a rate increase that went into effect on June 1st. This adjustment accounts for the ongoing development of my teaching practice and relative inflation.

WTH?!

Let me translate that for you:

I want more money for stuff, so last month I decided to change our agreement without telling you. I’m sure you understand, because “inflation”. Also, the “ongoing development of my teaching practice” is sure to benefit you more than me. You’re welcome!

SMFH :face_palm:

To be clear, I have no problem with someone raising prices.

I DO have a problem with someone raising prices without telling their clients AND CONTINUING TO RACK UP HOURS AT THE NEW RATE!

Insane.

Don’t do it.

Come to think of it...

Don’t even bill in arrears at all.

Getting paid up front automatically solves this and a whole host of other problems for both buyer and seller.

Yours,

—J