Raising prices is never easy, but sometimes, it’s necessary. At Pizzana, Candace Nelson mentions how they did it the right way: with transparency, added value, and flexible options to keep things accessible. The key is clear communication and leading with empathy. Business owners, have you raised prices lately? What's helped you keep customer trust?
Let’s face it - at some point, you’ll probably have to raise your prices. 😳📈 At Pizzana, we did. With inflation, supply chain hiccups, and rising labor costs, there was no way around it. But here’s the thing: how you raise prices makes ALL the difference. The key? Communicate, communicate, communicate. 🔑 We were upfront with customers and paired our increase with new happy hours, smaller plates, and other options that kept the experience accessible for everyone. So if you’re facing this dilemma, don’t panic—we’ve all been there. Here’s how to raise prices without losing your customers: 📣 Be transparent. Share the “why.” People are far more open to change when they understand it. 👀 Check the market. If competitors are adjusting too, you’ll want to stay in line. Pro tip: never be the outlier—high or low. ✨ Add value. Upgrade menus, packaging, or service. If the experience feels five-star, the extra dollars won’t sting. 💡 Offer flexibility. Tiered pricing, smaller portions, or specials can soften the shift. At Pizzana, happy hour deals helped balance our price changes. When you raise prices with your community in mind, customers feel respected—and they’ll stick with you. Small business owners—have you had to raise prices recently? What worked, and what didn’t?