Although the phrase “sliding scale” may be familiar to many, trying to figure out where the heck you honestly fall on such a scale can be really confusing when we’ve pretty much all been raised in a capitalist system. I’ve grown to really love the idea of a sliding scale, but I know the concept can be confusing. I was a bit lost at first too, but the framework below helped shift my thinking.
What is Sliding Scale?
A sliding scale is a tool for economic justice that enables people to pay at a price point tailored to their individual circumstances. This means that those with more financial resources pay at a higher price point, enabling those with fewer resources to pay at a more accessible lower price point. This ultimately averages out to keeping providers, artists, and other professionals fairly compensated while still enabling the provision of goods and services to people in a wider variety of circumstances.
How do I Structure My Pricing?
For my workshops, burial baskets, and higher-value items, I structure my pricing around a three tiered model. I offer a set number of tickets/items in each tier. This enables me to offer different price points that fit a wider variety of individual circumstances but still average to a value that sufficiently supports my time and effort. I follow this model because I believe in it and would love to see more of it in our community.
Supporter Level– This price point is for those with more flexible income. The number of tickets in this category is counterbalanced by the same number of “Supported Level” tickets.
Sustained Level– This is the average price point the artist, provider, or other professional aims at for fair compensation of their goods or services.
Supported Level– This price point is for those with less flexible income. The number of tickets in this category is counterbalanced by the same number of “Supporter Level” tickets.
If you feel like you are outside an offered tier but would still like to purchase a basket or learn to weave, let’s chat. I am happy to work in trade or discuss other arrangements and can be reached at hickorynutfarmstead@gmail.com.
How Do I Determine Where I Fall on a Sliding Scale?
Now we get to the hard introspective part. This requires YOU to examine your individual circumstances and where they fall in relation to others within your wider community. Luckily, herbalist Alexis J. Cunningfolk has developed a wonderful infographic that breaks this down beautifully. Each bottle in the image below is a tier. You decide where you fall on the financial scale, no questions asked. However, please be mindful that purchasing at the lower end of the scale when you can honestly afford the higher end limits access to those who truly need it.
