The Invisible Risks of Inflation and “Unchanged Prices”
Prices are continuing to rise worldwide.
Japan is no exception, and the cost of everyday goods and services is gradually increasing.
Yet, haven’t you noticed shops or services whose prices haven’t changed for years?
At first glance, it may seem “kind and considerate.”
But is it really so?
The Hidden Side of Keeping Prices the Same
When prices remain unchanged, it means profit margins are inevitably shrinking.
This always creates “strain” somewhere.
- The owner’s share decreases
- Employees’ salaries are suppressed
- The quality of services or products declines
Especially in salons, where “time,” “tools,” and “chemicals” are directly connected to the customer’s body, the effects become very apparent.
The Reality of Having to Take More Clients
For example, let’s say a salon used to operate sustainably with 5 appointments per day.
But if inflation raises the cost of materials and utilities, they’ll be forced to take 7 or 8 appointments just to earn the same profit.
That leads to――
- Less time available per client
- A drop in the quality of each service
- Accumulated exhaustion for staff
Ultimately, this results in a “burden on the customer.”
Impact on Equipment and Products
There’s another hidden risk.
That is “equipment” and “products.”
- Unable to repair or upgrade aging equipment
- Unable to keep using high-quality chemicals or shampoos
If material costs rise from 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen while prices remain the same, quality inevitably has to be cut somewhere.
And that directly affects the customer’s hair and scalp.
Price Increases Are Not a Bad Thing
Raising prices is not a “loss” for customers.
In fact, “appropriately raising prices allows us to maintain quality.”
What matters is――
- Providing services and skills that justify the increase
- Making continuous efforts to be chosen by customers
- Maintaining a mindset that prioritizes true value
Personally, I limit myself to just 2 clients per day.
This is because I prioritize “preserving quality over taking more clients.”
An Era Where Only Genuine Work Survives
In the coming era, superficial cheapness or unchanged prices won’t hold value.
Amid inflation, what survives without being weeded out is “genuine work.”
- Those who keep honing their skills
- Those who evolve their services
- Those who value the essence
It is this kind of work that will be chosen and will endure.
And I want to be one of those people.
