Below is some language from Worts + Cunning Apothecary about sliding scale pricing and a graphic.

Here are general guidelines about how I currently price my sliding scale and to help you determine where you fall on it.

The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of the service. It is the cost that the practitioner would charge all students in the absence of a sliding scale. 

This price is for you if you:

• Have access to financial security

• Own property 

• Have personal savings

• Would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. 

• Are able to pay for “wants” and spend little time worried about securing necessities in your life.

The middle cost reflects the practitioner’s acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to attend, but who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either descriptions for the highest cost or the lowest. 

This price is for you if you:

• Are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living AND 

• Have access to steady income AND

• Are not spending most of your time thinking about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc.

However, if you can ask others, such as family members, partners, or friends, for financial support, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and limit opportunities for others.

The bottom cost represents an honest acknowledgment by the practitioner that there are folks whose economic circumstances would prevent them from being a part of classes if there was not a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that is reflective of their economic realities.

This price is for you if you:

• If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care AND/OR

• Are living paycheck to paycheck AND/OR

• Are in significant debt

You deserve a community that honors your price as an equal economic offering as the person who can pay the highest tier. 

Please be mindful that if you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities… Additionally, when I am paid fairly, I am able to invest more time and resources to free and lower cost offerings.