Payment Scale
Here are guidelines about how I currently set my fees. These are adapted from worts and cunning. Please see their webpage and see the graphic on the green bottle for further information.
Tier One: The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of the service. This is the cost that I would charge all clients if there were no sliding scale. If you have access to financial security, own property or have personal savings, you would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. If you are able to pay for "wants" and rarely worry about paying for the things you need in your life, you have economic privilege and power in our community. This price is for you.
Tier Two: The middle cost reflects my acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to receive birthkeeper support during a birth. These people do not honestly find themselves reflected in either descriptions for the highest cost or the lowest. If you are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but 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., you belong here. If you, however, can ask others for financial support, such as family members, partners, or friends, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and limit opportunities for others.
Tier Three: The bottom cost represents an honest acknowledgment by the birthkeeper that there are folks whose economic circumstances would prevent them from receiving necessary support if there was not a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that reflects their economic realities. If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care, and are living paycheck to paycheck or are in significant debt, you probably belong here. When the lowest tier is still prohibitive, I will work with folks to offer extended payment plans and other solutions.
Typically, there are a limited number of slots for services offered at the middle and lower ends of the scale (Tiers Two and Three). Please know that if you purchase a service at the lowest end of the scale when you can afford the higher ticket prices, this limits access to those who 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. It also respects the work of teachers and caregivers, like me, who have families to support and rent to pay. When I am paid fairly, I am able to invest more time and resources to free and lower cost offerings.
This model was created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. Please visit them to learn more about their approach.