The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice

written by Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts & Cunning Apothecary

sliding scale basics

The sliding scale is a tool that allows for a product or service to be obtained at multiple price points based on the circumstances of the purchaser. I offer this from a commitment to serving individuals and/or communities that would otherwise not be able to afford the services. This method allows folks who would most likely be priced out of something to have the chance to take part in it. It also seeks to address the systemic inequalities of class in our culture.

For a sliding scale to work it relies on the principles of truthfulness, respect for complexity, and accountability. I do not ask for income verification. I trust my clients to be honest.

The bottle on the far left is full of beautiful green potion representing the upper end of the sliding scale spectrum. Folks who identify most with the statements in the far left bottle qualify to pay for services at the upper end of our sliding scale. Folks who identify most with the statements in the middle bottle qualify to pay for services at the mid level of our sliding scale. Folks who identify most with the statements in the far right bottle qualify to pay for services at the bottom of our price spectrum. There is also a Pay it Forward price that is a few dollars above the actual cost of the session. If you purchase a session at this price, you are supporting financial accessibility for those folks lower down on the scale. 

sacrifice versus hardship

If paying for a service would be difficult, but not detrimental, it qualifies as a sacrifice. You might have to cut back on other spending in your life (such as going out to dinner, buying coffee, or a new outfit), but this will not have a long term harmful impact on your life. It is a sacred sacrifice in order to pursue something you are called to do. If, however, paying for a service would lead to a harmful impact on your life, such as not being able to put food on the table, pay rent, or pay for your transportation to get to work, then you are dealing with hardship. Folks coming from a space of hardship typically qualify for the lower end of the sliding scale.

earthshine sliding scale prices

I have created a structure that allows me to offer a total of 12 discounted sessions to you all each month! all of the prices on the sliding scale are a discount from the full cost of my sessions. these prices are available at a capped amount each month. this is so that I can balance my need to make economic ends meet with my commitment to making bodywork available to all who seek that care. I am able to offer 6 people $80 sessions each month, 4 people $70 sessions each month, and 2 people $60 sessions each month. If you go to book at one of these lower rates and see that it is not available from the drop down menu, that is because I have already offered these sessions for the month. The option will become available again the following month.

high: $80/60min {6 sessions available monthly}

middle: $70/60 min {4 sessions available monthly}

low: $60/60 min {2 sessions available monthly)

all of the above writing was directly from Alexis Cunningham’s article here: http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/sliding-scale

some of the wording was adopted to be specific to my business.