6 Commonly Asked Questions About Hourly Pricing

Hourly pricing is a new and more clear payment method being used in more salons today. Most salons offer a la-cart pricing. This method can be confusing and leaving the client in shock by the end of their service. 

First, let's go over the difference between a la-cart and hourly pricing. At Brooke Bauer Boutique, we offer hourly pricing. The price of our services depend on time. Stylists vary in skill level and price range. Hourly rates vary from $50/hour to $200/hour. This hourly rate is a flat rate so you know exactly what you're investing in every time you book a reservation. With a la-cart pricing, there are add on services, extra charges, along with a tip.
 For example, you book a reservation with hourly pricing. Your reservation is set for 4 hours and the stylist you went to charges $100/hour. Your total investment is $400 flat, no tip needed and all of your hair needs are met during your reservation. Now, let's say you booked at a salon with a la-cart pricing. You were quoted $250 for a balayage and haircut. However, your balayage is $100, your toner is $60, your hair treatment is $40, your haircut is $40, your blowout is $60, and your curls are $10. You are now paying $310. If you are a person who tips, let's say 20%, your grand total is $372. That is a $60 difference, this is called sticker shock. 

Pricing options are not usually looked at in depth by the guest, so this sticker shock issue raises questions about hourly pricing from guests. These questions should not be left unanswered, so as a stylist here are 6 commonly asked questions about hourly pricing?

1. 1.How does hourly pricing work?

Hourly pricing is simple. It is a flat rate based on time. For example, you go to book a reservation online. Your stylist charges $100/hour. This price includes lightening, color services, haircut, personalized shampoo and hair treatment, and a blowout+style. Your reservation will take 4 hours. Your total investment comes to $400. There are no add ons and no added tips/gratuity. 

1. 2.So, you don't accept gratuity?

No, with hourly pricing gratuity is not accepted. We feel that when a stylist charges hourly, the time and services are paid for and there is no need for a tip. Due to hourly pricing being based on time, your reservation is 100% one on one with you and your stylist so all of your hair needs are met.

1. 3.Why do you offer hourly pricing?

At Brooke Bauer Boutique, we feel that services should be paid for by time, not by product. It is a more clear way to set up reservation time and there are no crazy price jumps by the end of your service. 

1. 4.What services would I be able to receive?

At Brooke Bauer Boutique, we offer a variety of services. Blonding, fashion shades, color touch ups, brunettes, red heads, and hair extensions. We offer services to all hair types and you can book with any stylist depending on your budget. Stylist's prices range from $50/hour to $200/hour.

5. Is added time considered an added on service?

Not necessarily. Let's say you book your reservation for 2 hours at $100/hour. You end up being at the Boutique for 2 hours and 15 minutes, your investment goes from $200 to $215.  This all depends if hair treatments or added services such as a haircut is needed. 

1. 6. Your hourly rate is too high for me, but i love coming here. What do I do?

Luckily, every stylist has a different hourly rate. This is commonly seen when stylist's have a price increase. Instead of paying $70/hour you're now paying $100/hour and this can interfere with your budget. If this happens, just ask your stylist what they can do and we will find a way to fit into your budget.

I hope this blog helped you get a better understanding of hourly pricing. This new method is clear and simple to follow. Booking a hair reservation has never been this easy!

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