Tag: sliding scales

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Notes | How to Make the Sliding Scale Better for You + Your Clients by Alexis Cunningfolk

About

The sliding scale represents the idea that financial resources, including income, are not and should not be the only determining factor in whether or not someone can access services/care/etc.

Link to Article

Additional Reading:

The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice

Disadvantages of a Sliding Scale:

  • People take advantage of the system
  • Not getting paid fairly
  • It stresses people out

“If it feels more emotionally draining to offer a sliding scale – don’t do it. That’s really ok. The purpose of creating accessibility in our offerings is not to create unneeded stress or complication in our lives but, instead, to help everyone involved in the transaction feel more empowered. “

A Managed Sliding Scale

  • Closed, Multiple Tiers – Pre-set tiers; Ticket prices and number of tickets in each bracket calculated based on wage & costs.
  • Limited number of tickets at each price – “Helps folks make decisions more mindfully. Folks are less likely to just choose the bottom option if they see that there are limits.“
  • Pay-it-forward pricing – “Set at a few dollars above the actual cost of the class. I let folks know that if they purchase a class ticket at this price that they are supporting financial accessibility for those folks lower down on the scale.“

Example

Tickets :The Plant Sabbat is offered at a sliding scale. The actual cost of the class is $35 and tickets listed below that price are limited. Please read my sliding scale guide below before purchasing a ticket.

3 tickets are available at $20
5 tickets are available at $30
Unlimited tickets are available at $35

A Quick Guide to the Sliding Scale

While I encourage you to read my full thoughts on the sliding scale, here is a very brief rundown:

The top price class ticket is the actual cost of the class. If you choose a ticket price below the top tier you are receiving a discount.

The middle price is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship.

The bottom price is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for this class would still be a significant hardship.

The Pay-It-Forward price is a few bucks above the actual cost of the class and that extra money goes towards supporting scholarships as well as future free and low-cost classes. Essentially it’s an opportunity to not only take your class but also support your fellow community members while you’re at it. Sweet!

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Precedence | Sliding Scale by Attic Apothecary

Link to Source

How to place yourself on the sliding scale
Suggested Rate based on income:
$40 if you make less than $15,000
$50 if you make $15k – $20k
$60 if you make $20k – $30k
$70 if you make $30k – $40k
$80 if you make $50k – $60k
$90 if you make $60k – $70k
$100 if you make $70k – $80k
$110 if you make $80k – $90k
$120 if you make more than $90k

Consider paying less on the scale if you:

  • are supporting children or have other dependents
  • have significant debt
  • have medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • are eligible for public assistance
  • have immigration-related expenses
  • are an elder with limited financial support
  • are an unpaid community organizer
  • are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
  • experience discrimination in hiring or pay level
  • are descended from enslaved people or Native American Indians (I recognize that much of my privilege has come at the expense of these communities)

Consider paying more on the scale if you:

  • own the home you live in
  • have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
  • travel for recreation
  • have access to family money and resources in times of need
  • work part time or are unemployed by choice, including unemployment due to full-time school in a degree-earning program
  • have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.) Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.
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Precedence | Sliding Scales – Rumble & McVan.

This is an amazing example of a sliding scale method I came across from the event Philanthropy & Equity Community of Practice (White Folks & Allies session) hosted by Tanya Rumble and Nicole McVan. I really like this method of reflection driven, self-selection.

We use a sliding scale for our CoP to both make it accessible for those with lower incomes/wealth and to reflect the value and labour of this work. ($75-$50-$25-$0) Ask yourself:

  • Are you and your family homeowners or landowners?
  • Have you attended private education institutions or do you have an advanced degree?
  • Does your organization cover your professional development expenses?
  • Are your bills or credit cards on autopay?
  • Have you not had difficulty accessing and affording healthcare services (Physiotherapy, Counselling etc) for you or your family members?
  • Do you have zero to no debt and/or do you have disposable income?
  • Do you have a safety net composed of “financially stable” or wealthy family and friends?
  • Do you have Citizenship in the country you live?

If your answers were mostly yes we suggest the $75 price point.
If some answers were yes and no, we suggest $50.
If most answers were no, we suggest you select $25 or $0.