Email template
Price increase email
A price increase is easier to accept when it arrives early, explains the reason and tells the client what stays the same. This template does that in a short email, with an invitation to talk if the client has a question.
When to use it
Send this at least 30 days before the new fee takes effect, after the firm has reviewed the scope and the cost of the engagement.
A change to your {{service_name}} fee
Hi {{client_name}},
I am writing to let you know about a change to the {{service_name}} fee, effective {{effective_date}}.
The new fee will be {{new_fee}}. The change reflects {{reason}}.
The scope and the service you receive stay the same: {{what_stays}}.
If you would like to talk through the change, reply to this email or call me at {{phone_number}}.
Thank you for your continued trust, {{firm_name}}
Replace the placeholders in braces with the client's details. Keep the client's tax ID or account number out of the email.
Notes before you send
- Send the email at least 30 days before the new fee.
- Give one clear reason, not a list of excuses.
- Say what stays the same, so the client is not guessing.
- Offer a conversation instead of apologizing repeatedly.
Questions about this template
How much notice should a firm give for a price increase?
Thirty days is a common minimum, and the engagement letter may require more. The notice should be long enough for the client to budget and respond.
Should the email apologize for the increase?
A short acknowledgment is fine, but repeated apologies weaken the message. State the reason, the new fee and the effective date clearly.
What if the client objects to the increase?
Ask what would make the engagement work and consider a smaller scope or a different tier. Do not reduce the price without reducing the scope.
Does the engagement letter need to change?
If the fee or the scope changes, send an updated engagement letter or an amendment. The client's signature keeps the record clear.