The cheapest quote wins the worst customers. Here is a pricing method that keeps you busy and profitable, with Jamaican examples.
Step 1 — Your floor
Add up monthly costs, divide by the hours you can actually sell (usually 60% of your working hours), add 30%. That hourly number is the floor; never quote below it.
Step 2 — The market
Three competitors' prices, quietly. You want to be in the top third, not the bottom.
Step 3 — The ceiling
What is the result worth to the customer? A logo that lands a contract is worth more than the hours.
Step 4 — Three packages
Basic (anchor), Standard (what most should buy), Premium (makes Standard look reasonable). Name them by outcome, not size.
Step 5 — Deposits and terms
50% to start on custom work; full payment for standard jobs; written scope.
Step 6 — Publish it
Starting prices on the website filter tyre-kickers and pre-sell the rest.
Worked examples
- Salon: Wash & style J$3,500 · Style + treatment J$6,500 · Full day J$12,000.
- Contractor: Quote per job with a 40% deposit; itemise materials separately.
- Consultant: Discovery J$15,000 · Project from J$85,000 · Retainer J$45,000/mo.
- Price list and rate card designed — from J$2,500
- Website with prices and WhatsApp quotes — J$35,000
- Copy for a pricing page that sells — from J$5,000
Frequently asked
Should I show prices on my website?
Yes — starting prices attract serious enquiries and save you time.
How do I raise prices without losing customers?
Announce it a month ahead, honour quotes already given, add a small extra to the middle package.
What if a competitor is much cheaper?
Let them have the customers who only care about price.