livebooks blog

If you’ve ever struggled with the decision of whether or not to publish your prices online for all to see, you’re not alone.

No matter your industry or niche, there are a few important pros and cons to consider before determining if it’s a step in the right direction for your business.

Challenges of Listing Your Prices and Packages Online

1. Those who are just “shopping around” may pass you by, strictly based on price alone without meeting you or talking with you at all. Many business owners out there call this the “sticker shock” factor, and it’s a big valid concern.

2. Competitors may see your prices and undercut you. Although not guaranteed, this is a possibility, and it does scare entrepreneurs into keeping prices hidden behind closed doors.

3. You’ll have to manage your website pricing information on a semi-regular basis. Do you plan to change your prices every year? Although changing content on your website isn’t a terribly difficult task, it can be something you forget to do at the right time.

4. Listing prices or packages can be hard to do if you offer custom work or services. Whether your customers come to you for customizable options or each of your services may vary greatly in size and scope, listing only one or two prices can be a significant challenge.

Benefits of Publishing Prices and Packages on Your Website

1. Fewer emails from price shoppers. If you’re struggling to get inquiries as-is, this may worry you at first, but don’t be alarmed. By publishing your prices online, the inquiries you do receive will likely be more serious about purchasing from or hiring you. And you may even hear from people who would have assumed you to be out of their budget’s price range, but are now excited to speak with you after knowing your prices up-front!

2. You’ll be more transparent. Here’s the truth: customers of all kinds these days want pricing information, and not just those comparing rates left and right. The internet has made everything easier and faster to do electronically. By listing this information publicly, your potential customers will be more likely to appreciate the honesty.

3. You may gain more confidence. It might surprise you, but by putting your pricing out there and hitting the publish button, you might feel a bit more confident in yourself. Many entrepreneurs, especially those within the first few years of doing business, know the “panic” feeling of getting another inquiry in their inbox. Should they send the rate they sent someone else? Are they charging enough? Too much? Many of these doubts and fears may fade if you are more “sure” of your rates and list them online.

4. Others in your industry may not be publishing their prices. And by sharing yours, you may win out against them!

5. Publishing a starting rate can be a great compromise for businesses with customizable package options.

6. Less “sales”. Hate the process of “selling” your business? Cut out the initial portion of those types of conversations by listing prices on your website. By the time they speak with you, you won’t have to talk about pricing as much as you would have otherwise, and likely less time haggling with them.

7. You’ll save time and energy! 

Create an Impressive Website Today!

Whether you end up deciding if publishing your prices online is right for you or you’ve realized it’s not a good fit, be sure your website can help you seal the deal with all of your potential customers.

liveBooks offers mobile-responsive, customizable website templates for creative professionals and businesses worldwide.

The best part? Our website designs are ready for search engines and look great on any mobile device!

We’ve also got a top-notch support team who’s here to help you every step of the way. Start for free here.