Let’s talk mobile travel fees... how do you calculate them without upsetting clients?
Posted by Anonymous
I’m finally launching my mobile hair and makeup services next month, but I am totally stuck on how to handle travel fees. If I charge too little, I’m eating into my profit with gas, wear-and-tear, and literal hours spent sitting in traffic. But if I charge a massive flat fee, I’m worried people will just exit out of my booking page.
For my mobile techs and stylists: Do you charge a travel fee? How do you calculate it (mileage, time, or a flat minimum), and how do you list it on your booking page so it’s super clear and professional?
Replies
Anonymous
Set a service minimum or you will go broke. No travel fee will save you if you're driving 20 miles for a single haircut.
My rules are strict: $200 mobile service minimum. Travel is a flat $40 within the city limits. Anything outside city limits is an automatic $1.50 per mile round-trip plus parking/tolls if applicable. Put a checkbox on your booking form that says: "I understand that on-site services are subject to travel fees and mileage verification." If they don't check it, they can't book. Keep it automated.
Anonymous
whatever you do, please do not use the standard IRS mileage rate (which is like 72 cents or whatever right now). that rate is meant for tax write-offs, not for running a luxury mobile business. it completely ignores the fact that packing, loading, unloading, and setting up your heavy ring light and kit takes 30 minutes on both ends. charge for your TIME, not just your gas oil changes smh
Anonymous
Set a service minimum or you will go broke. No travel fee will save you if you're driving 20 miles for a single haircut.
My rules are strict: $200 mobile service minimum. Travel is a flat $40 within the city limits. Anything outside city limits is an automatic $1.50 per mile round-trip plus parking/tolls if applicable. Put a checkbox on your booking form that says: "I understand that on-site services are subject to travel fees and mileage verification." If they don't check it, they can't book. Keep it automated.
Anonymous
Omgggg traveling is so exhausting but clients literally LOVE the convenience of staying in their pajamas while you glam them up!! 💖 Standard concierge luxury vibes!! ✨
To make it super easy and cute on my booking page, I just created a service called "On-Site Concierge Travel Fee" and made it a mandatory add-on for mobile requests!! I literally tell them: "My travel fee ensures I can bring the entire luxury salon experience straight to your doorstep, fully stocked and ready to make you glow!" It sounds so high-end and fancy that nobody ever complains about the extra $40!!