How to raise your rates (without losing clients)


Hey Reader,

If you’ve been worrying how to raise your prices without feeling like you’re "firing" your current clients... you're not alone.

It’s one of the trickiest — and most uncomfortable — parts of running a personal chef business.
How do you tell someone their rate is going up...
without feeling pushy, awkward, or like you’re burning a bridge?

There is a professional (and kind) way to do it.
And it’s easier than you think — once you know what to say.

In this short video, I’ll show you:

  • When to raise your rates
  • How to decide between keeping or replacing clients
  • And the exact script for what to say when you break the news

The best part? You don’t have to be a "natural salesperson" to pull it off. You just need the right approach.

👉 Click here to watch it now

Talk soon,
Chef Shelley

P.S. If you've been waiting to raise your rates because you didn’t know how to bring it up... don't miss this.

p.p.s if you missed the announcement, I rescheduled the workshop on how to post on fb/insta to get clients. There are still 3 spots left to get a free social media review if you get a ticket now. https://www.thepersonalchefbusinessacademy.com/therecipeforsocial

Hi! I'm Chef Shelley.

I help passionate cooks start a personal chef business they love.

Read more from Hi! I'm Chef Shelley.

Cooking for Clients | July 9, 2026 Hey Reader, So it's only the beginning of July and I've already fallen off cooking for my own family. Like, completely off the wagon. I'm sick of the same things I always make, and I have been staring into my fridge with zero inspiration for days. Anybody else? Because I fixed it in a way I did not see coming, and I've got to tell you about it. Finding My Spark Again My client is on vacation, which is honestly a big chunk of why I've been so off. No cook day...

get your first personal chef client, without marketing

Hey Reader, It’s spring break for my youngest this week and we’re doing… nothing. No plans, no structure, just going with it day by day. Which, honestly, feels very on brand for the “stop overcomplicating things” lesson I keep learning in my business too. Real Talk I’m getting back on YouTube this week after basically disappearing for the last 3 months… and I forgot how weirdly hard it is to start again. Not the filming part, the deciding to actually do it part. I kept telling myself I’d “get...

Love cooking but not sure if it could ever pay the bills Reader? You’re not alone. In this week’s video, I break down: What restaurant chefs really earn (ouch) How much personal chefs make—with real numbers Why home cooks and burnt out hospitality pros are perfect for this path This isn’t just a dream—it’s a real, profitable business that thousands are already doing. Chef Shelley p.s. If you’ve ever wondered whether getting paid to cook on your own terms is realistic, this video will give you...