how to set prices for your products or services

Setting the right price for your product or service is a balance between covering your costs, staying competitive, and maximizing profit—without scaring customers away.

Jun 24, 2025 - 10:46
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Heres a complete step-by-step guide to help you price confidently and strategically:


? How to Set Prices for Your Products or Services


? 1. Know Your Costs (Break Even First)

Before you make a dime, you need to cover all your costs.

For products:

  • Direct costs (COGS): materials, packaging, shipping

  • Indirect costs: rent, utilities, software, salaries

  • Dont forget taxes and transaction fees

? Formula:

Break-even price = Total Costs Number of units/services sold


? 2. Understand Your Market and Competitors

Research what others are chargingbut dont blindly copy them.

Ask:

  • What do similar businesses charge?

  • How is your offering different (better/faster/unique)?

  • Are you positioning as budget, mid-range, or premium?

? Look at online listings, reviews, and pricing pages to compare real examples.


? 3. Choose a Pricing Strategy That Matches Your Brand

Strategy Use When Example
Cost-plus pricing You want to guarantee a profit margin $50 cost + 40% = $70 price
Value-based pricing Your service delivers strong results or ROI Business coaching = $1,000/session
Competitive pricing You want to match or undercut market rates Your $99 service vs market avg $120
Tiered pricing You offer options for different needs Starter ($99), Pro ($199), VIP ($399)
Psychological pricing You want to influence buyer perception $49.99 instead of $50

? 4. Factor in Your Time (for Services)

Your time is valuableeven if you enjoy the work.

Use:

Hourly rate = (Target annual income + expenses) billable hours/year

? If you charge per project, build in extra for revisions and scope creep.


? 5. Test Different Price Points (Smartly)

Pricing is not set it and forget ityou can test and adjust.

Try:

  • A/B testing price tiers

  • Introductory pricing or launch discounts

  • Raising prices for new clients

  • Bundles or package pricing (e.g., 3 sessions = 10% off)

? If demand stays high at a higher price, youre likely underpricing.


? 6. Offer Value Justification (Not Just a Price)

Tell customers what theyre getting and why its worth it.

Highlight:

  • Benefits over features

  • Testimonials and results

  • Guarantees or bonuses

  • Limited-time offers or urgency

? People will pay more when they understand the value clearly.


? 7. Avoid the Race to the Bottom

Low prices = low profit = burnout.

Instead:

  • Focus on service, experience, or expertise

  • Offer a freebie (like a sample or consultation) to attract trust

  • Charge fairly and confidently for your value

? Remember: You dont need to be the cheapestjust the most valuable.


? Example: Product Pricing Breakdown

Item Amount
Material cost $12
Packaging & shipping $5
Platform fees (10%) $2
Time (15 min @ $20/hr) $5
Total cost $24
Markup (100%) $24
Final Price $48

? Bonus Tips