Raising rates on asphalt shingle jobs via social media - worth the backlash?

Man, we're in north Jersey where every storm season means a flood of hail-damaged roof calls, and I've been quoting $12k for a full tear-off and Owens Corning Duration install on a 2,000 sq ft ranch. Last month I posted before-and-after pics on Instagram to drum up business, but when I bumped my rates 15% in the caption, half the comments were pissed about 'gouging' after the last nor'easter. NGL, it felt good seeing the leads come in anyway, but the negativity is draining. Someone in the Roofing Pros Facebook group mentioned using TikTok reels to justify the increase with cost breakdowns - anyone tried that without getting roasted? Saw a similar rant on r/Roofing last week about this exact issue. TBH, with material costs up 20% this year, I gotta do something or I'll be working for free.

Screw the whiners, those social media crybabies wouldn't know a real roof cost if it fell on them.

Dude, same boat here with the rate hikes - feels like everyone's entitled to 2019 prices.

Tried raising on FB and got a flood of 'friendly' reminders about competitors undercutting - hilarious how fast they turn.

Focus on your portfolio posts, not the prices - let the quality sell the value without the drama.

In my area, I started a series on IG stories explaining why shingles ain't cheap anymore - cut the complaints in half. Use real numbers from your supplier quotes to back it up.

Hit $250k last year after I stopped apologizing for rates on social - now I just block the trolls and keep posting jobs.

Quote the increase as a 'storm prep premium' in your posts - ties it to the value and shuts down the gouging talk quick.

Yeah, the backlash sucks but my DMs filled up with serious inquiries after I went public with the new rates - worth it.

Felt that pain after my first rate post - lost a couple lowballs but gained steady clients who get it. Hang in there, brother.