While some clients may not like the idea of having you raise your hoof-care prices, there’s probably never been any other time when they’ve been as aware of the impact of rising costs on your business. As an AFJ reader recently explained, the days of cheap shoeing are going out the door forever and customers must adjust.

Faced with rising costs in every area, shoers are taking a much closer look at costs. Since clients are paying more for fuel for their own vehicles they already understand your need to boost prices. (See “Fuel Crisis Requires Cost-Cutting Strategies.”) They’re also aware that you can’t subsidize their hobby and need to boost prices.

You Could Be In Europe

If it’s any consolidation, Reg Wil Bax says diesel prices in The Netherlands average out to $7.83 per gallon while gas prices run $9.31 per gallon.

Many shoers indicated that customers have been very understanding when it comes to raising prices. They report losing very few due to charging more.

Jim Goede says all costs have gone up. “As a horse owner, I’ve seen feed costs shoot up nearly 30% in the last few months, and my shoeing clients feel this too,” says the Norco, Calif., farrier. “But I have a business and bills to pay like everyone else. So I’ve got to raise my prices just to stay even. It’s competitive in this area, so I have to be careful not to charge too much or I’ll lose customers.”

John…