How Personal Errands & Concierge Services Can Raise Prices Without Losing Clients
For many personal errand runners, independent TaskRabbit operators, and senior companion service providers, charging what you're worth is tough. But raising your rates can feel even harder. This guide will show you exactly when and how to increase your prices so you keep your best clients and improve your bottom line.
READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Use the free LaunchAdvisor checklist to track every step in this guide.
The quick answer
You are likely charging too little if you're booking 8 out of 10 new personal shopping requests, if new senior companion clients have to wait over a month for an opening, or if no one ever questions your hourly rate for errand runs. Aim to raise your prices once a year. Give clients at least 60 days' heads-up. Your reason should be short and simple, like 'to continue providing top-quality errand support.'
Side-by-side breakdown
There are two main ways to raise your rates:
Small, regular bumps: Increase your hourly rate or package fee by 10-20% each year. Time this with annual renewals for recurring senior companion services or at the start of a new year. This is less jarring. It keeps your current personal shopping and errand clients happy. Over a few years, these small increases add up fast.
Big jump, new service: Raise your prices by 50-100% all at once. This usually happens when you also change what you offer. For example, you might go from basic errands to a full executive concierge service that includes travel booking or managing contractors. You might lose some clients, often those who demand the most last-minute tasks or low-paying simple pickups. But this frees you to focus on higher-paying, better-fit clients who value premium service.
When you should raise prices now
Increase your prices right away if:
You are signing up 8 out of 10 new clients asking for personal errands. You are fully booked and turning away new senior companion clients or recurring personal shopping jobs. You've gained new skills, like CPR certification for elder care, or invested in premium tools like a GPS tracker for efficient routes. Your operating costs have gone up. Think higher gas prices for those grocery runs, increased liability insurance, or new scheduling software fees. You set your first rate too low because you were unsure or just starting out.
When to wait
Hold off on a price increase if:
You are currently finishing a big project for a client whose reference or testimonial you really need. This could be helping a senior client move or planning a major family event. You are new to a specific area or offering a new specialized service, like high-end executive concierge. Building a reputation and client base matters more right now. You've recently lost three or more potential clients because they said your price was too high. In this case, raising prices would likely hurt more than help.
The verdict
Aim to increase your prices every January. Decide on your new hourly rate for errand running or your new package price for senior companion services. For clients already on recurring plans, let them keep their current rate until their agreement renews. All new personal shopping or concierge clients should start at the new, higher rate right away. You'll be surprised how quickly your income grows, and most personal errand services find they lose fewer clients than they fear.
How to get started
Start by drafting the email or message you would send to explain your new pricing. Even if you don't send it yet, writing down the 'why' will help you feel confident about the increase and how to talk about it. Then, try out your new rates with the next three new inquiries for personal errands or senior companion services. Don't start with your current, loyal clients.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
HoneyBook
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FreshBooks
Update recurring invoices and billing rates across active clients
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much notice should I give clients before a price increase?
60 days is the standard for ongoing retainer clients. 30 days for project-based clients. New pricing applies to all new proposals immediately — you do not need to notify prospects, only existing clients mid-engagement.
What do I say when a client says the new price is too high?
Say: 'I understand. My new rate reflects the scope and value we have been delivering together. If the new rate does not work, I am happy to help with a transition plan.' Do not negotiate unless you have a specific structural reason to. The clients who leave on a price increase are usually the ones taking the most of your time for the least margin.
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