One of the challenges I faced as a professional organizer was trying to help people who were truly in need of my services, but didn’t have the financial resources to budget for even a half-day session. I’ve recently blogged about alternatives to on-site services, including virtual organizing and coaching and the creation of digital products, and I know many of you are now offering these options, if you weren’t already. But for clients who really need a higher level of support, you may want to consider sliding scale fees. 

Amanda Dodge has given this a lot of thought, and I’m pleased to share her insight with you.

As people across the United States take steps to make their neighborhoods more equitable racially, socially, and economically, some companies are introducing sliding scale fees to help historically oppressed residents. A sliding scale business model offers multiple payment tiers for customers who can only afford certain levels. It is similar to a pay-what-you-can model that makes your services more accessible to people who could otherwise never afford them.

The sliding scale business model is often used by therapists and health professionals who believe people shouldn’t need high income levels in order to have good mental health. We already know that there is a significant connection between organization and mental health, plus, your organizing services can empower local businesses to grow within your community.

If you have been looking for ways to offer more equitable services, consider a sliding scale business model. This guide will review the financial aspects of it along with the benefits to your brand.

Identify Who Gets Sliding Scale Prices (And Why)

Before you can develop a sliding scale business model, consider why you want to offer it and who would qualify for your services. A few customers that might benefit include:

• Business owners in low-income neighborhoods or zip codes
• Minority business owners or people from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Immigrant-run businesses and companies owned by indigenous peoples
• Small nonprofit organizations with minimal operating budgets.
• Community centers, churches, and other important pillars within local neighborhoods

This doesn’t mean that every nonprofit or community center gets a discount. However, promoting a sliding scale business makes your company more approachable and can start discussions with potential customers about appropriate payment amounts.

Along with answering the “why,” of your sliding scale model, you need to consider the “how.” Many people rely on the honor system when accepting lower fees, but you may ask for income statements, annual reports, and other materials to confirm that a person or company qualifies for a lower-tier invoice.

Develop An Appropriate Scale

The hardest part of adopting sliding scale fees is learning to set your rates at appropriate levels. If you experienced high levels of anxiety when developing your organizing business, then this may seem intimidating. These steps can help.

You may decide to increase your prices as you research other organizers in your area. However, you don’t want to reach a level where your customers aren’t willing to pay. Additionally, you may need to make some adjustments to your sliding scale prices over time.

Track Sliding Scale Clients for Your Taxes

When you accept clients through your sliding-scale system, track their rates compared to the normal levels that you would normally charge for your services. Your sliding scale rate may qualify as offering charitable services, which could help you with tax deductions. This is because the time you lose by taking on low-income clients could be spent growing your client-base with high-paying customers.

Note: if you are unsure about the tax laws in your area, talk to an accountant before you debut your sliding scale system. They may be able to help you track your lost income and help you set prices.

Use Your Sliding Scale as a Marketing Tool

One of the main concerns that business professionals have when debuting a sliding-scale system is that their companies will get overwhelmed with low-level clients. However, this program can be used as a valuable marketing tool.

According to a 2018 survey by Accenture, 63% of customers buy goods and services from companies that reflect their own beliefs. The same amount want companies to take stands on social, cultural, environmental, and political issues. You are more likely to win over new customers if you offer a sliding scale and use your equitable actions as a selling point.

Additionally, you can put processes in place to limit the number of lower-level clients you accept. Consider capping the amount of new lower-level clients each month or creating a waiting list to offer your services during a less busy time. This frees up your schedule to take on higher-paying clients who can help you maintain a healthy financial balance.

A Sliding Scale Does Not Mean Accepting Less for What Your Services Are Worth

A sliding scale model is meant to help you offer equitable services to low-income customers who need your help. You are supporting your community and building up companies that would otherwise struggle to afford your services.

This sliding scale does not mean you accept less from every customer. It does not mean that you value yourself less and give everyone a discount.

You have the opportunity to play an important role in your local economy and help those who need your organizing skills – regardless of what they can pay. Accepting less may be a small inconvenience for you in the short run, but the value you provide will help your neighborhood exponentially.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay