What to Charge? A Practical Guide to Pricing Hairdressers & Stylists Services in New Zealand
Pricing hairdressing and styling services in New Zealand involves considering your skill level, overhead costs, and the unique demands of your clients. This practical guide provides friendly advice to help hairdressers and stylists charge fairly and competitively, while growing their local clientele sustainably.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Understand Your Business Costs Fully
Calculate all expenses like salon rent, products, tools, cleaning supplies, and continuous education.
For example, Auckland salons usually face higher rent than those in smaller towns like Nelson.
Knowing your full costs helps set sustainable and profitable prices.
2. Research Local Pricing Trends
Review competitor pricing on Yada, TradeMe, and salon directories to understand the market.
Prices often reflect regional differences; Wellington rates tend to be higher than in provinces.
Understanding local trends guides you in setting fair, competitive fees.
3. Set Prices According to Service Type
Differentiate charges for cuts, colour treatments, styling, and special occasion hairdos.
A Christchurch stylist might charge $50-$70 for cuts, $120+ for colouring, and more for bridal styling.
Clear service categories help clients understand your pricing.
4. Factor in Experience and Reputation
Seasoned stylists with a strong client base and portfolio can command premium rates.
A Tauranga stylist known for creative colour work might charge above average fees.
Showcasing your expertise justifies higher pricing.
5. Include Consultation and Prep Time
Price your work to cover consultations, hair assessments, and prep required for treatments.
Wellington salons typically add consultation time into the overall cost.
Weirdly enough, these parts of your work are crucial but often overlooked in pricing.
6. Be Transparent About Extra Charges
Notify clients upfront about fees for add-ons like specialised products, extra length charging, or rush appointments.
Nelson stylists commonly apply surcharges for thick, long hair or last-minute bookings.
Transparency builds trust and avoids surprises.
7. Showcase Certifications and Portfolios
Highlight any recognised training, awards, and client photos on your Yada profile and marketing.
An Auckland hairdresser with salon awards and a strong Instagram portfolio can justify premium pricing.
Professional presentation builds customer confidence.
8. Gather and Promote Testimonials
Ask satisfied clients for reviews and feature them on Yada and social media.
Positive testimonials boosted bookings for a Christchurch stylist significantly.
Social proof resonates strongly in NZ’s close communities.
9. List Services on Trusted Platforms
Increase visibility by listing on Yada, TradeMe Services, and regional directories.
Yada’s no-fee platform means you keep more income and can price honestly.
Its mobile-friendly system facilitates easy client bookings and chats.
10. Personalise Pricing and Communication
Use Yada’s chat or calls to tailor quotes to client hair type, style, and event needs.
A Dunedin stylist often adjusts pricing based on specific client requirements.
This personal touch boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
11. Avoid Undervaluing Services
Compete on skill and client experience rather than just price.
Fair pricing helps Christchurch stylists maintain steady bookings and long-term clients.
Clients trust professionals who charge fairly for quality.
12. Review Prices Regularly
Review and adjust pricing annually to reflect your growing experience and market changes.
Use Yada’s ratings and booking trends to guide your pricing updates.
Regular updates keep your business competitive and profitable.
13. Build Referral and Local Networks
Partner with bridal shops, makeup artists, and local fashion events for client referrals.
An Auckland stylist expanded their business through collaborations with wedding planners.
Strong local connections sustain client flow and justify your rates.