Best examples of notifying clients about price changes (with ready-to-use email wording)

Real-world examples of notifying clients about price changes

Let’s skip theory and go straight into what you really need: email wording. Below are several real examples of notifying clients about price changes, written so you can copy, tweak, and send.

Each example of a price increase email is slightly different in tone and structure, so you can match it to your brand and audience.

Example 1: Simple, honest price increase email for small businesses

Use this when you’re a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner and you just need a clear, human message.

Subject: Upcoming price update on your services

Body:

Hi [Client Name],

I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and support [short reference to what you do for them, e.g., “your monthly marketing campaigns”]. I’m writing to let you know about an upcoming update to my pricing.

Starting [date], my rate for [service/package] will change from [\(X] to [\)Y]. This adjustment reflects increased costs and the additional time and expertise that now go into delivering this service.

Your current agreement will stay at the existing rate until [date/end of current term]. After that, the new rate will apply to future work.

If you’d like to review your options, including smaller packages or adjusted scope, I’m happy to talk through what fits your budget.

Thank you again for your trust and partnership.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of notifying clients about price changes when you want to be straightforward without sounding stiff or corporate.

Example 2: SaaS or subscription business price change (with grandfathering)

For subscription products, customers care a lot about predictability. This example of a price increase email shows how to soften the impact by “grandfathering” existing users for a period.

Subject: Your [Product Name] subscription and upcoming price update

Body:

Hi [First Name],

Thank you for using [Product Name] to [main benefit, e.g., “manage your client projects”]. To continue investing in security, reliability, and new features, we’re updating our pricing for new customers on [date].

Because you’re an existing customer, your current plan of [\(X/month] will stay the same until [grandfather end date]. After that, your subscription will renew at [\)Y/month].

You don’t need to do anything right now. Your account and data remain exactly as they are. Before the new price takes effect, we’ll send a reminder and options to:

• Keep your plan at the new price
• Switch to a different plan
• Cancel before the change if it’s not the right fit

You can see our updated pricing and FAQs here: [link].

We appreciate your business and the feedback that helps us keep improving [Product Name].

Thank you,
[Name]
[Title]

If you’re collecting feedback about pricing, you can also link to a short survey. For reference on how consumers react to pricing and inflation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides context on price trends and the Consumer Price Index at https://www.bls.gov/cpi/.

Example 3: Professional services retainer increase (law, accounting, consulting)

Professional firms often struggle to justify higher fees. This is one of the best examples of notifying clients about price changes when you need to emphasize value and professionalism.

Subject: Retainer adjustment effective [date]

Body:

Dear [Client Name],

We value our ongoing relationship and the opportunity to support you with [legal/tax/consulting] services. Periodically, we review our pricing to ensure it reflects market conditions and the level of expertise required to serve you well.

After our recent review, we will be adjusting our monthly retainer for [scope of work] from [\(X] to [\)Y], effective [date]. This change supports:

• Continued access to senior-level professionals
• Investments in technology to improve accuracy and turnaround times
• Rising operational costs across the firm

Your current engagement letter remains in effect until [end date]. We will send an updated engagement for your review and signature before the new rate begins.

If you have questions or would like to discuss scope or budget, please contact me directly at [phone/email].

Thank you for your trust in our firm.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]

Notice how this example of a price increase email connects the higher fee to specific benefits instead of vague claims.

Example 4: Product-based business: materials and inflation explanation

If you sell physical products, clients often understand cost increases when you explain materials and supply chain pressure in plain language.

Subject: Updated pricing for [Product Line] starting [date]

Body:

Hi [Customer Name],

Over the past [time period], the cost of materials, shipping, and packaging for our [product type] has increased significantly. We’ve absorbed these increases as long as we could, while keeping the quality you expect.

To continue offering durable, reliable products, we’re updating prices on selected items in our [product line] starting [date]. Most prices will increase by [range, e.g., “5–8%”]. You can see the updated price list here: [link].

Orders placed on or before [cutoff date] will be honored at current pricing. If you’ve been planning a purchase, now is a good time to lock in the existing rates.

We appreciate your understanding and your support of our business.

Warm regards,
[Name]
[Title]

For context when you mention cost pressures, you can reference public data on supply chains and inflation from sources like the Federal Reserve at https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy.htm.

Example 5: Annual increase tied to a clear formula

Some companies prefer a predictable, formula-based increase, such as tying prices to an inflation index. This example of notifying clients about price changes works well for long-term contracts.

Subject: Annual price adjustment based on [index or policy]

Body:

Dear [Client Name],

As outlined in our agreement, we review pricing annually and may adjust it in line with [reference, e.g., “changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)”] and operating costs.

Effective [date], the rate for [service/product] will increase by [X%], from [\(A] to [\)B]. This adjustment reflects the [year] CPI change published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which you can view here: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/.

All other terms of our agreement remain unchanged. If you have any questions about how this affects your account, please contact [contact person] at [contact info].

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Best regards,
[Name]

This is one of the best examples of notifying clients about price changes when you want to reduce negotiation and emotion by pointing to a neutral, public benchmark.

Example 6: Tiered options instead of a flat “take it or leave it” increase

Sometimes you need to raise prices but also keep price-sensitive clients. Offering options can keep the relationship alive. Among real examples of notifying clients about price changes, this approach often leads to constructive conversations instead of cancellations.

Subject: Updating your [service] plan and options for [year]

Body:

Hi [Client Name],

I’ve really enjoyed working with you on [project/area]. As my business has grown, I’ve updated my pricing to reflect the time and support each client receives.

Starting [date], my standard rate for [service] will be [$X]. To make sure you still have a good fit, here are a few options:

• Full support at [$X/month] – includes [brief list of deliverables].
• Core support at [$Y/month] – a slimmer package focused on [key deliverables].
• Project-based pricing – we can scope specific projects at a flat rate.

I’d be happy to jump on a quick call to walk through these and find what works best for you going forward.

Thank you for being a valued client,
[Your Name]

This example of a price increase email acknowledges that not everyone can absorb a higher fee and gives them a dignified way to stay.

Example 7: Short notice for time-sensitive or volatile costs

In some industries (like freight, construction, or commodities) prices can change fast. You still want to be as fair and transparent as possible.

Subject: Notice of temporary price adjustment

Body:

Dear [Client Name],

Due to recent volatility in [specific cost, e.g., “fuel and raw materials”], we are implementing a temporary price adjustment on [product/service] effective [date].

New orders placed on or after [date] will reflect an increase of [X%] over current pricing. Quotes issued before [date] will be honored through [expiration date].

We are monitoring market conditions closely and will review this adjustment by [review date]. Our goal is to return to standard pricing as soon as it is sustainable to do so.

If you have open projects or upcoming orders, please contact [contact person] so we can plan together.

Thank you for your understanding,
[Name]

Among real examples of notifying clients about price changes, this one is more matter-of-fact, which fits industries where volatility is normal and expected.

Example 8: Price decrease or value-add (to balance past increases)

Not all examples of notifying clients about price changes are about raising prices. Sometimes you can lower a rate or add value, which builds goodwill and makes future increases easier to accept.

Subject: Good news: updated pricing for your account

Body:

Hi [Client Name],

I’m reaching out with an update on your pricing for [service/product]—this time in your favor.

Thanks to [reason, e.g., “improvements in our processes” or “better supplier contracts”], we’re able to reduce your rate from [\(X] to [\)Y], effective [date], while maintaining the same level of service.

You’ll see this reflected on your next invoice. There’s nothing you need to do.

We appreciate your loyalty and are glad to pass this improvement along to you.

Best,
[Name]

This is one of the best examples of notifying clients about price changes if you want to remind them that pricing can move both ways—and that you’re on their side.

How to choose the right example of a price change email for your situation

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of notifying clients about price changes, let’s talk about how to pick and adapt the right one.

Think about three things:

1. Your relationship with the client
A long-term B2B client deserves more context and a collaborative tone than a one-time retail customer. For deeper relationships, lean toward the professional services or tiered options examples above.

2. How big the increase is
A 3% annual adjustment usually needs less explanation than a 25% jump. The larger the increase, the more important it is to:

• Explain the reason in plain language
• Connect the change to value (better service, more features, higher quality)
• Give advance notice and options where possible

3. How predictable the change is
If you know you’ll adjust prices every January, say so in your contracts and client onboarding. Then use examples of notifying clients about price changes that reference a clear policy or index, like the CPI example.

For guidance on transparent business communication in general, you can look at resources from universities like Harvard’s Program on Negotiation at https://www.pon.harvard.edu, which often discusses fairness, framing, and long-term relationships.

Key ingredients all the best examples of notifying clients about price changes share

Look back at the examples above and you’ll notice a pattern. The strongest emails tend to:

Lead with appreciation.
They start by thanking the client and recognizing the relationship, not by dropping a new number in the first sentence.

State the change clearly.
No vague hints. They say: “Your rate will change from [\(X] to [\)Y] on [date].” That clarity builds trust.

Give a reason without oversharing.
They don’t dump the entire P&L on the client, but they do give a simple, honest reason: higher costs, improved service, inflation, market alignment.

Offer timing and options.
Good examples of notifying clients about price changes usually include:

• When the new price starts
• Whether current quotes will be honored
• Whether the client can adjust scope, switch plans, or cancel

Invite conversation.
They close with an open door: “If you’d like to review options…” or “Please reach out with any questions.” Even if few clients respond, knowing they can talk to a human reduces frustration.

If your business touches on health, wellness, or medical services, be especially careful about clarity and fairness. Clients may be anxious about both health and money. For trustworthy health communication standards, organizations like the National Institutes of Health at https://www.nih.gov and Mayo Clinic at https://www.mayoclinic.org offer good examples of plain-language communication—useful inspiration when you’re writing about sensitive topics.

FAQ: Common questions about price increase emails

Q: What are some good examples of subject lines for price change emails?
Some practical examples include: “Upcoming update to your [service] pricing,” “Your [Product] subscription and new pricing,” “Notice of price adjustment effective [date],” and “Changes to your [year] service plan.” Aim for clear and calm, not clickbait.

Q: How much notice should I give before a price increase?
For ongoing services or subscriptions, 30 days is a common minimum; 60–90 days is even better for large increases. For one-off or volatile products, you may have to give shorter notice, but try to honor recent quotes for a set window so clients feel treated fairly.

Q: Can I mention inflation or rising costs directly?
Yes, and many of the best examples of notifying clients about price changes do exactly that. Just keep it simple: one or two sentences, ideally with a focus on how you’re maintaining quality or service standards.

Q: Is there an example of a very short price change email that still works?
Yes. For smaller, routine adjustments, you might write: “This is a quick note that, starting [date], the price of [product/service] will change from [\(X] to [\)Y]. Existing quotes are valid through [date]. We appreciate your business and are available for any questions.” Short, clear, and respectful.

Q: Should I apologize for raising prices?
You don’t need a dramatic apology, but you should show empathy. Phrases like “I understand that price changes can be difficult” or “We know budgets are tight” acknowledge the impact without undermining your decision.

If you keep these patterns in mind and adapt the real examples of notifying clients about price changes in this guide, you’ll be able to write emails that feel fair, confident, and respectful—without spending hours wrestling with every sentence.