Pricing Herbal Services for Herbalists | Confident, Compliant Rates

Written By Nichole McFarlane

Pricing Herbal Services With Confidence

Pricing isn’t about charging “as little as possible.” It’s about aligning value, time, and sustainability so your practice can serve more people long‑term. This guide gives you clear formulas, examples, and a calculator to land on confident rates.

Why underpricing hurts you and clients

  • Creates burnout and inconsistency

  • Signals low value and reduces commitment

  • Limits reinvestment in education and client care

The simple pricing formula (services)

  • Total time per client = prep + live + follow‑up

  • Base hourly target (e.g., $75–$120 depending on market/experience)

  • Overhead per client (software, rent, supplies)

  • Price = (Total hours × hourly) + overhead + profit margin (20–40%)

Example

  • 30 min prep + 60 min consult + 15 min notes = 1.75 hours

  • Hourly $90 → 1.75 × 90 = $157.50

  • Overhead $10 → $167.50

  • 25% margin → $209.38 → Round to $210

Packages beat one‑offs

  • Improve outcomes with continuity

  • Lower admin time per session

  • Offer 3‑session and 6‑session packages with a small incentive (not a discount spiral)

Suggested structure

  • Initial consult (75–90 min) = $180–$260

  • Follow‑up (45–60 min) = $120–$180

  • 3‑session package (8–10 weeks) = 3 × follow‑up minus ~5–8%

Workshop pricing (quick math)

  • Costs (venue, supplies, promo) + time (prep + delivery + follow‑up)

  • Desired pay = hours × hourly target

  • Seat price = (costs + desired pay) ÷ seats × 1.15 contingency

Memberships or group programs

  • Promise ongoing outcomes (seasonal wellness, skills building)

  • Price vs. perceived monthly value

  • Include monthly Q&A, resource library, and seasonal challenges

Handling price objections ethically

  • Recenter on outcomes and scope

  • Offer payment plans or a smaller starter path

  • Keep your price intact to protect equity for all clients

Policies that protect your income

  • 24–48 hour reschedule window

  • Prepayment for packages

  • Clear scope and disclaimers (education‑first)

Local benchmarking

  • Research 5 local practitioners (not just herbalists)

  • Capture ranges for initial, follow‑up, and group offers

  • Position around your unique value, not a race to the bottom

Download the Herbal Services Pricing Calculator to plug in your numbers and get instant recommendations.

Nichole McFarlane
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