How does payment on a sliding scale work?

In this post, I answer common questions and concerns around using a sliding scale payment method.

What is a sliding scale? The sliding scale is a tool that allows for more flexibility when paying for services. Depending on a person or family’s income, the provider and client work together to determine a number that works for both of them. If a client has a higher income, they are expected to pay the top tier of fees. If a client has a lower income, they are able to opt for paying the middle or lower tier of fees. The rate a client is able to commit to in relation to the going rate of the doula services provided in the DC and surrounding areas can help determine where on the scale a client lands.

Why do you work on a sliding scale? I believe a person’s access to quality care should not be influenced by their employment status, income, or really any number that people come up with to determine rank. Having flexibility in my fees allows me to connect with a larger and more diverse community. People are more than their economic reality, using a sliding scale makes care more accessible to folks that may otherwise not be able to budget for a doula. How do I determine where I fit on the scale? A mentorship program once worked with me using the green bottle concept. People can look at their personal financial experience and decide for themselves where they fall in terms of what tier of fees to pay. I generally work at an hourly rate as well as offer a few packages.

People who pay an hourly rate of 35 to 45 $/hour, usually have a budget set aside for childcare assistance. (doulas, nannies, lactation consultants etc). Price may not be the top most consideration for them when deciding who to hire. People who pay an hourly rate of 26 to 34 $/hour, may have gone back and forth about deciding whether or not they could afford a doula. They have the means to hire support with some sacrifice but not financial hardship. People who pay an hourly rate of 20 to 25 $/hour, are usually struggling financially. They may not have the familial support or job security to justify hiring a doula. Paying a higher fee would result in financial hardship for them. Won’t people take advantage of you? Using a sliding scale is an exercise in trust between me and my client. I don’t require proof of income to determine where on the scale you fall. The people I work with are sharing an incredibly intimate time of their being with me. Offering a sliding scale is a demonstration of my trust in them too. I trust that they are the expert on their own finances and know what they can afford. I also trust that they value the support I have to offer and honor my needs in the process as well. In a society dominated by capitalism, we are geared to operate under a mindset of scarcity. We may have difficult memories we associate with shame around money or financial hardship. What constitutes enough to some people may influence them to choose a lower price point. Perhaps they are not aware of their privilege or feel they can get some sort of “deal” out of a sliding scale. I feel that when I create an environment of trust and practice abundance, I am surprised at how willing my clients are to work with me in creating an accessible and fair package for both of us.