Price increase letters and texts you can copy

Word for word. Change the parts in brackets and send it. Written plain, the way people talk.

First, the one rule

Say what the work costs now. Do not blame your own costs.

A study followed 1,600 customers through real price rises. The people told “this is the going rate now” stayed far more often. The people told “our costs went up” left just as often as people told nothing at all. Most templates online get this backwards.

Journal of Marketing (2026) — 10-month test with 1,600 customers

Text message: first notice

Fast, and most clients read it. Keep it short.

Hi [First Name], this is [Your Name] at [Company]. Starting [Month Day], your [service] goes from $[old] to $[new] per visit. Same day, same crew, same work. You don't need to do anything. Call or text me at [phone] if you have questions. Thanks for sticking with us.

Letter or email: first notice (best version)

Send it on its own. Never attach it to a bill. This wording tested best.

Dear [First Name],

Thank you for letting us take care of your [lawn / home / pool].

Starting [Month Day], your price goes from $[old] to $[new] per visit.

Here is why. This is what this work now costs in [your town]. We held your price as long as we could.

Nothing else changes. Same day. Same crew. Same work.

You don't need to do anything. Your first bill after [Month Day] will show the new price.

Call or text me at [phone] if you want to talk it over. I'm happy to.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Company]

Phone call: your oldest clients

Call these folks before any letter goes out. They should hear it from you.

Hi [First Name], do you have two minutes?

I wanted you to hear this from me instead of getting it in the mail. Starting [Month Day], your price goes from $[old] to $[new]. That's $[difference] more each visit.

You've been with me [X] years and I held your price the whole time. This is what the work costs now. I can't hold it any longer.

I want to keep taking care of your place. Are we good?

[Then stop talking. Let them answer.]

They say: "That is too expensive now"

Do not say sorry. Say what they get.

I hear you, and I get it.

Here's where it comes from. This is what the work goes for around here now. I held your price for [X] years before this.

For $[new] you still get [number] visits, [what's included], and me picking up the phone when you call.

If money is tight right now, we can look at every other week, or fewer visits. What would work better for you?

They say: "Someone quoted me cheaper"

Do not match the price. Let them go, kindly.

They might be cheaper. Some guys do charge less.

Here's what you get from me for $[new]: [number] visits a year, the same crew every time, and I show up when I say I will.

If their price covers all of that, take it. I won't be upset with you.

If it doesn't work out, call me. I'll put you back on the schedule.

They say: "Then I am done"

Ask one question before you let go.

I don't want to lose you. Can I ask you one thing?

If the price wasn't the problem, would you want to stay with us?

[If yes:] Then let's find a way. I can move you to every other week, or drop to [number] visits a year, or hold your old price if you pay for the season up front. Any of those work?

[If no:] That's fair. I'll keep your spot open for 30 days in case you change your mind. No hard feelings.

They say: "I am on a fixed income"

Give them two real choices, not a lecture.

Thank you for telling me. I don't want to put you in a bind.

Here are two things I can do.

One: we go from weekly to every other week. Your bill goes down and I keep taking care of you.

Two: I hold your old price until [Month Day], then we move up.

Which one sounds better to you?

Text message: reminder a week before

Send this so the new bill is never a surprise.

Hi [First Name], quick reminder from [Company]. Your new price of $[new] starts with your [Month Day] visit. Nothing else changes. Call or text me at [phone] with any questions. Thanks!

When to send it

Give people 30 to 60 days. Send the note on its own, never stapled to a bill. Call your longest clients first so they hear it from you. More on picking your number.