How to reply to "how much?": 13 price texts for salons and clinics

A message lands while you have foils in your hands: "hi, how much for a color?" Answer with a bare number and you lose the chance to explain value. Answer too slowly and they book somewhere else. These 13 replies give a real price with what it includes, an honest "starts at" when the price varies, a consultation line when you cannot quote fairly, a deposit message, and calm answers to "can you do it cheaper?". Clinic versions name no procedure and promise no result. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, Instagram or any other app in one tap.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.

Prices that are fixed

One fixed price

EssentialPro
Hi {{name}}, thanks for asking. A cut and style is {{price}} and includes a wash and blow dry. It takes about an hour. Want me to look for a time this week?

When to send: When the service has one clear price.

Why it works: The price comes with what is included, so it reads as value and not just a number.

Menu on the way

Of course, {{name}}. I'll send the full menu as a photo in my next message, so you can see everything in one place and tell me what interests you.

When to send: When someone asks "what are your prices?" without naming a service.

Why it works: They get the whole picture, and the question hands the next move back to them.

Prices that vary

Honest "from" price

EssentialPro
Hi {{name}}, color starts at {{price}}, and the final price depends on your length, your starting shade and the amount of product. I can give you an exact figure after a quick look. Shall I book you in?

When to send: When the price changes with the client's hair, nails or skin.

Why it works: "Starts at" is honest only when you explain what moves it, and it avoids a surprise later.

Lash styles vary

Hi {{name}}, lash sets go from natural to full volume, and the price changes with the style. Send me a photo of a look you like and I'll quote you exactly.

When to send: When a lash, nail art or brow client asks for a single price.

Why it works: The photo request makes the reply a conversation and shows you care about the result they want.

What moves the price

Essential
Good question, {{name}}. Three things move the price: how long or thick your hair is, how much product it takes, and how long the service runs. That's why I quote after a quick look, never a guess that changes later.

When to send: When a client asks why you cannot give one number.

Why it works: Explaining the logic stops the price sounding arbitrary.

Color needs a consultation

Essential
Thanks for asking, {{name}}. Color depends on your starting shade, your length and the result you're after, so I can't quote honestly without seeing your hair. A quick 15 minute consultation lets me give you an exact price. Want to book one?

When to send: When the quote cannot be fair without seeing the person.

Why it works: It explains why you cannot quote yet, which builds trust instead of sounding evasive.

Consultations and deposits

Clinic consultation first

Essential
Hello {{name}}, thank you for getting in touch. We give prices after a short consultation, because they depend on each person's needs. Would you like to book one? I'll send the times we have available.

When to send: In a dental, aesthetic or medical clinic, when someone asks for a price by text.

Why it works: It moves the conversation to a visit without naming a procedure or promising a result.

Deposit to hold the spot

Pro
{{name}}, to hold your spot I take a deposit of {{price}}. It comes off your total on the day. If you need to move your appointment, just tell me at least 24 hours ahead.

When to send: When the service is long, or has a deposit as your policy.

Why it works: It says what the deposit is for and how to get out of it, so no one feels trapped.

Objections and next steps

Can you do it cheaper

I understand, {{name}}. My prices reflect the time and products each service needs, and I won't cut corners to lower them. What I can do is suggest a simpler version that costs less. Want to hear it?

When to send: When a client pushes back on the price.

Why it works: It holds your price without arguing, and gives them a real alternative instead of a discount.

Packages for regulars

Hi {{name}}, yes, I offer packages for regulars: book several visits together and the price per visit comes down. Want me to put one together for what you usually have done?

When to send: When a regular asks whether you offer packages, and only if you do.

Why it works: It rewards loyalty, and it only works if you really have that offer.

Budget is tight

Understood, {{name}}, and thank you for telling me. If the budget changes, I'm here. In the meantime a smaller service, like a bang trim, costs much less and keeps your shape between visits.

When to send: When they say it is more than they planned to spend.

Why it works: It respects their honesty and points to a real smaller option.

Back to booking

Essential
{{name}}, that's the full picture on price. Shall I look for a time this week?

When to send: After you answered the questions and they have not said yes or no.

Why it works: One simple question, with no pressure to reply right now.

Following up on a price question

Hi {{name}}, I sent the prices earlier and wanted to check they were clear. Any questions about what's included? I'm happy to explain anything.

When to send: A day or two after you sent prices and heard nothing.

Why it works: It offers help and does not push for a decision.

When to send each message

WhenMessageNote
Within an hour of the questionOne fixed priceFast replies book more clients than perfect ones.
Same message threadColor needs a consultationWhen the price depends on seeing the person.
When they ask for the full listMenu on the waySend the photo straight after.
At the moment of bookingDeposit to hold the spotOnly if you take deposits.
After a price objectionCan you do it cheaperOnce.
After you answered everythingBack to bookingAsk for the booking once.
One to two days laterFollowing up on a price questionOnce, then leave it.

Do not say

  • A flat "from" price with no explanation of what moves it.

    Instead: Say what changes the final figure, as in the "from" price message.

  • Quoting a price for an aesthetic or dental service in a text, with a result attached ("smooth skin", "fixed in one visit").

    Instead: Offer a consultation. Prices and individual results are for the visit.

    Source

  • Discounts or packages you do not actually offer.

    Instead: Offer only what is on your price list today.

  • Naming another studio's price to make yours look better.

    Instead: Talk about what your price includes.

  • Hiding a deposit or cancellation fee until the day of the visit.

    Instead: Mention it when you quote and in the confirmation.

  • Replying to a price question with only "DM me".

    Instead: Give at least the starting point, then ask a question.

  • Quoting an exact figure sight unseen for work that clearly varies.

    Instead: Quote a range and offer a short consultation.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put exact prices in a text?

Yes, when the price is fixed. When it varies with hair length, nail work or the person's needs, say "starts at" and explain what changes it. An honest range builds trust and avoids an argument at checkout.

How do I answer "how much?" when I need to see the client first?

Say why you cannot quote yet, offer a short consultation, and ask if they want to book one. Color, extensions and any clinic service are the usual cases.

Can I quote results for clinic and aesthetic services?

Leave results out. Advertising rules require claims to be truthful and backed up, as the FTC's health products guidance explains, and no text can promise how an individual will look. Quote the consultation and the starting price, and let the visit decide the rest.

Can I use these in WhatsApp, iMessage and Instagram?

Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the messages work in every app where you type. You send each one yourself.

Do these templates work on the free plan?

Yes. 10 of the 13 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The fixed price, "from" price and deposit messages use two blanks and need Pro to fill both from the keyboard. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, and imports are never blocked.