My purpose with my craft involves building a community, connecting with the community that's already here, and reflecting the changes I'd like to see in the world. Community brings diversity, and I want to show up in a way that honors and respects the diverse needs that are present. 

We rarely talk in our education or culture at large about what class actually is, how money and access to resources play a role in it, and how it also interacts with race, gender, ability, privilege, health, sexuality, and the myriad of identities we all hold.

 

As a person who has the privilege and is offering services and products, my responsibility is to talk and most importantly act on these concepts if I want to see a world that is more socially and economically just. So by introducing sliding scale prices, I as a business owner can start to take responsibility and begin a conversation around class and access.

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My need to offer a sliding scale pricing structure was driven by the urge to give access to my services and knowledge to the entire community, not just those who are financially comfortable. So I questioned my approach to pricing and to access and began looking into alternative pricing structures.

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What alternative Pricing Structures are an option?

• We live in a world where money gives us access to basic needs so doing work for free, while already giving access to free services (like full moon rituals and meditations), is unfortunately not an option.

• Creating work in exchange for goods and services is a possibility but has its limits. For example, it's not likely to have your basic needs for shelter, food, clothes, etc met in this way. It is possible in individual cases but difficult to build long-term. If you think you have an exchange that would suit my needs, or is mutually beneficial, don't hesitate to ask!

• Working donation-based is a possibility and applicable to some things I offer, but overall difficult when it comes to work that is cost, time and energy intensive as is much of the work I offer here. 

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So sliding scale seems like the best option to give access to my work to a variety of people while still being able to live on what I'm making, and honor my own knowledge, skills and abilities.

 

So what is the Sliding Scale?

“Sliding scale fees are variable prices for products, services, or taxes based on a customer's ability to pay. Such fees are thereby reduced for those who have lower incomes, or alternatively, less money to spare after their personal expenses, regardless of income.” (Wikipedia)

The Sliding Scale represents the idea that your income should not be the only factor playing a role in whether or not you can access a product or service. As a person who's practice involves connecting to and helping others, giving people access to what I am doing has to be a major part of my business model. I try to make sure that there is accessibility to everyone who has need of my services or products.

 

What Impact does that have on my business?

Typically a sliding scale is used by service providers and institutions who receive outside funding (for example in healthcare that is often the case). In my case, as a small business, I do not receive outside funding. For me to use the Sliding Scale I need to take into consideration what I am able to offer while still supporting myself.

 

So my sliding scale version has a 3 point pricing structure. It starts at my lowest possible price, and then a median price, and then to the regular price of the product or service. I do have a "pay it forward" option as well. If you feel that you are comfortably able and desire to pay a little extra to help with the costs of offering a sliding scale payment model, you can do so through the donations button on the 'Contact' page. Donations are gratefully welcomed but not expected or necessary if you don't feel you can afford it.

 

So where am I on the sliding scale?

The prices listed on the website are regular price for the product or service listed. If you are selecting a custom item or spellcasting service, we will have a consultation session and we can discuss pricing at that time. Just mention in the consultation that you're in need of a sliding scale option. If you are selecting a product, service or event that doesn't include a prior consultation, just reach out to me through the 'contact' section (or through Meetup messages for events) and I'll get back to you so we can discuss. 

 

For this model to work you need to be honest with yourself (and me) about your financial situation. But while I ask you to consider these factors, please don’t stress about them. Pay what feel you are able to pay. There will be no judgement or assumptions made about this choice. So don't be shy, let's talk about it!

 

Consider paying less on the scale if you:​

• have medical expenses not covered by insurance

• struggle to keep up with monthly rent, bills and other expenses

• are unable to work, or experience workplace discrimination due to a chronic health issue or disability

• are eligible for public assistance

• have immigration-related expenses

• are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history

• are struggling to support children, family members in need or have other dependents

• are an elder with limited financial support

• this is not a complete list - other factors may apply

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Consider paying more on the scale if you:

• own the home you live in

• have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money

• have a comfortable savings account

• travel recreationally

• can comfortably afford your expenses and have money left over each month

• have access to family money and resources in times of need

• work part-time by choice

• this is not a complete list - other factors may apply

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What are the pricing options on the sliding scale?

Pricing options are listed below for the various products and services I offer. 

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Products/Services - 

Specialized Tea Blend -             Base: $5       Mid: $7        Regular: $10

Custom Powder/ Oil/ Incense - Base: $7        Mid: $11       Regular: $15

Custom Charm Bag -                 Base: $10       Mid: $17      Regular: $25

Carved Candle -                         Base: $10       Mid: $17      Regular: $25

Custom Spell Kit -                      Base: $25       Mid: $35    Regular: $45

Spellcasting -                              Base: $35      Mid: $50     Regular: $65

Cleansing/Blessing -                  Base: $50      Mid: $70     Regular: $100
 

Readings - 

Tarot/Oracle -                             Base: $35     Mid: $50     Regular: $65

Bone -                                         Base: $35     Mid: $55     Regular: $70

Mixed Medium -                         Base: $45     Mid: $60     Regular: $75

Energy & Chakra Sessions -     Base: $40     Mid: $65     Regular: $85

Past Life Sessions-                    Base: $40     Mid: $65     Regular: $95

 

Events - 

Classes/Workshops -                 Base: $10     Mid: $17     Regular: $25

Sabbats -                                    Base: $5       Mid: $7       Regular: $10

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If you would like to share these thoughts or implement them in your own business, please feel free to do so! You can use the visual and also share my words. I only ask that you give credit as I do. My words were inspired by Andrea Vollgas, Alexis J. Cunningfolk, Meghan Gilmore, Claire Louise Travers, Ride Free: Fearless Money, Margeaux Feldman.

 

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