Why I Offer Tiered Pricing
Tiered pricing is a concept closely tied to sliding-scale models and other cost distribution strategies that allow a business owner to allocate service costs based on a client’s wealth and income (or lack thereof).
For Bright Eyes specifically, tiered pricing allows me to balance my need for a livable wage with increased access to discounted rates for clients who could not afford my standard rates. It also allows me to Pay It Back by honoring the linages and legacies of all those who have come before me, specifically and most significantly, the Black and Indigenous, Queer and Trans, and Collectivist Cultures that have created, shared, or had colonized the human, ecological, and spiritual technologies used to create liberatory change across time and continents.
Tiered pricing also helps to redistribute wealth by inviting folks with income privilege to pay more than the actual cost. When folks use the Pay it Forward option, they acknowledge their wealth and income privilege, allowing me to offer more discounted services to clients who want support but cannot afford the full cost.
There is no “right” way to offer flexible pricing under racialized capitalism. This is my best guess at balancing redistribution with the realities of getting my business off the ground.
I’ve adapted my tiered pricing using the Green Bottle Method and insights offered by Worts and Cunning Apothecary.
Pricing tiers
Actual Cost
The cost of services I need to run my business, cover expenses, and make a living wage.
Pay It Forward
A 25% increase over the actual cost. If any of the following apply to you, please consider choosing the Pay it Forward rate.
Individuals and families with high financial security, such as intergenerational wealth, dividend-paying investments, or substantial asset ownership.
You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs and or those of your family, have expendable income, can take a vacation without financial strain, can afford to take time off work or not work at all, and own/rent a high-end property, have savings, and unlimited access to health care.
Pay It Back
A 50% discount on the actual cost of my services. If any of the following apply to you, please consider choosing the Pay it Back rate.
You have unmet basic needs such as health care, are in debt you cannot reasonably pay back, or live paycheck to paycheck.
Unable to work or long-time unemployed.
Fear of working due to immigration enforcement.
On disability (or would reasonably qualify if our system weren’t absolutely fucked) or a fixed income.
Pro bono and session availability
My goal is to offer a limited number of no-cost coaching sessions in the near future. Currently, I cap the number of Pay It Back sessions available at 1–4 per month, depending on the offering.
In the meantime, if you are a small, BIPOC, Queer, or Trans-led organization and would like facilitation support for an upcoming gathering, meeting, or retreat, fill out my contact form to discuss pro bono (free) services.
