"I don't pay rent, so I can charge less." STOP. This sentence is the reason most mobile stylists burnout in 18 months.
You might not pay rent to a landlord, but you pay a "time tax" that salon stylists don't. If you drive 30 minutes to a client, do a $40 blowout, and drive 30 minutes back... You just spent 2 hours for $40. After gas and product, you are making minimum wage.
The "Mobile Tax" Formula
You are a luxury convenience. Convenience costs extra. Think about Uber Eats. Does the burger cost less because it came to your house? No. It costs more.
Your Price Formula: (Hourly Goal) + (Product) + (Travel Fee) + (The "Luxury Tax")
1. The Hourly Goal
Do not base this on what you think people will pay. Base it on what you need to live. Let's say you want to make $50/hour.
2. The Travel Fee (Non-Negotiable)
You are not an Uber driver, but you need to think like one. Time is money.
- Flat Fee: "$20 travel fee for anywhere within 10 miles."
- Hourly: If it takes 30 mins to get there, charge $25 (half your hourly rate).
3. The "Luxury Tax"
Clients are paying to stay in their pajamas. That is a premium service. Add 20% to your base salon price. If a salon blowout is $50, yours is $60 (+ travel).
"But clients will complain!"
Let them. The clients who complain about a $10 price difference are not your target audience. Your target audience is the busy lawyer, the new mom, the CEO who values her time more than $10.
How to Raise Prices Without Losing Clients
Send this email (using Miali):
"To continue providing the premium mobile experience you love, my service menu is being updated on [Date] to reflect increased travel and product costs. Thank you for valuing my craft and time!"
Do not ask for permission. Inform them.
Conclusion
You are a business, not a charity. Price like a CEO, not like a struggling artist.
Track your new revenue. Use Miali to manage your new pricing structure. Set different prices for different service areas instantly.