Raggydoll Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 Ethony has made a blog post as well as a Youtube video that lists 6 pricint strategies for tarot professionals, and I thought that this was a very well written resource that many could benefit from. That is why I am sharing it here! But first, some links. Her blog post: https://ethony.com/6-pricing-strategies-for-tarot-professionals/ The video that goes with it: And here is a copy of her blog post: Hi Tarot lovelies, it’s Ethony, and today I want to share pricing strategies to help you decide how to charge your Tarot readings. This post for Tarot readers who may want to change how they are charging aren’t sure how to price their services, or who don’t know the options they have. As with everything I share, simply take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Time is your most precious commodity and when you are pricing out your services you need to consider all of the administrative work that also goes into delivering your readings. If you have been doing things differently, it’s ok to change the way you charge or design your services. If one way isn’t working for you, do something else. That’s one great thing about working for yourself. Your business, your rules. As for where to start with the amount you should charge, that is up to you. You are essentially a freelancer so that has to be a personal and professional decision you make and feel good about. 1. Charging By Time Many Tarot readers charge by the amount of time spent during a reading via Skype sessions, phone readings, shops, fairs, and events. Common slots are 20min – 90min depending on the reader and reading. The more time a client spends with you the more you charge. One of the major pros of this kind of reading is that you know when a session is going to start and finish which means you can time manage your day and your clients well. I use a time block reading for my Skype clients only and this has worked for me for many years. My client books the slot and we create the magic in it. It’s a lovely collaborating exchange where there is a mix of free flow readings and answers to specific questions. One of the major cons for this kind of reading is that a client may book a 45 min session and then around the 30min mark they have run out of questions and you have run out of things to say. It can happen. Or people try to push the session for longer than the given time. This is something that you have to work on being professional at as well, closing readings when the client doesn’t want to let go. 2. Charging By Question These Tarot readings are based on the number of questions that your client wants to be answered. A major benefit of these kinds of Tarot readings is that it does get your clients to think about what they really want to ask. On reflection, they can often find that they have been focusing on the wrong question or looking in the wrong place for answers. I like getting to the root cause and these readings certainly do this. I also carry out predictive readings so answering timing and future outcome questions is no problem for me. One of the major cons here is that you as the reader have to know when you have communicated the message enough and you also have to figure out what layout if any you are going to use and how many cards. This may also not work if you don’t like answering questions point blank with the cards. Some Tarot readers do not ask their clients for questions at all in their readings. This is one of the ways that I carry out my readings for my clients and I have a good rhythm and system now but it took a while to really get into the groove with it. It’s still my preferred method for most readings. 3. Word Count These Tarot readings are more for a written format than anything else. This is where you as the reader will commit to a word count for your client. I personally find this one challenging. Putting a kind of cap or goal for readings can often stifle the message. I also have seen readings that have fluffed by the reader with a lot of long drawn out words to hit their word count. This form of Tarot reading totally works for lots of readers and is totally legit. It just doesn’t work for me. 4. Card Count These are readings that are carried out by the number of cards you will be reading. Services usually start at a one card reading then the sky’s the limit really for how big you want to go with it. These kinds of reading provide a good structure for both the reader and for the client and you can really get a lot out of just one card. There can be an inherent value put on more cards than less by some people. You do not have to draw half of the deck (unless you want to) to give a really in-depth reading but some people are going to assume the more the better. This can actually confuse the client and overwhelm them. Finding a good balance will ensure you deliver a kick-ass reading and get to the point and that the client feels valued. 5. Specific Tarot Spread Readings The most common of these is something like a Celtic Cross Reading, Grand Tableau or a Past Life Reading if the reader has a set spread they use for a specific reading. The upside is the reader is likely very practiced at the spreads and will know them well. These Tarot or cartomancy spreads are also designed to achieve a good clear outcome and experience for your clients. 6. By Donation Or Pay What You Can These readings are carried out by donation, tips, or your client pays what they can. You will still need to figure out what kind of reading you will do for your client. Will it be a three card spread or a timed reading? This is a riskier way of doing business and I would say this way is best if you are reading the cards as a side gig or hobby business or at a certain event where you want a quick session with people and a high turnaround. As Tarot is my main source of income I can’t operate my business that way and be able to take care of my responsibilities without some structure. Even though I don’t carry out these kinds of readings my income fluctuates every month and that’s the way it is for most, if not all of us. Final Thoughts Most people worry about what they charge because they are afraid of being rejected. You are going to be too much for some people and that’s okay. Some people are going to think you aren’t charging enough and that’s okay too. At the end of the day, you have to feel good about what you do and how you charge and conduct your business. Don’t make your clients minds up for them. If this is your chosen profession then own it. Your work has value. If people want to haggle or try to shame you about what you charge remember that they projecting their money crap on you. They are also not your ideal client. I found at the beginning of my Tarot business when I start to try and accommodate people who were haggling or the like, they ALWAYS became nightmare clients. It’s not ok to shame other readers for how they price their readings. Their business their business. Their clients will either happily pay or find someone else. When you find yourself comparing or getting triggered by something like this, remember to focus on your own work. Bring your energy back to who you are serving. I hope you found this helpful and that there is some Tarot food for thought in here for you.
Raggydoll Posted April 11, 2019 Author Posted April 11, 2019 Your thoughts and/or experiences with this topic? :heartz:
DanielJUK Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 I totally agree with her that when people are giving professional readings, they should be paid what they rightly deserve for their time and effort. A lot of readers do underprice themselves. A lot of readers don't do it as a full time career and so under value themselves. Price how long and how much effort the reading takes, I would expect to pay a lot more for a 10 card Celtic Cross. So don't under value your work! however..... - I don't read professionally but someone outside of forums wanted a reading for me. I didn't feel comfortable taking money but instead I did a reading and the person donated to a charity. Getting something back from your reading (beside another reading or feedback) doesn't have to be money to you, it could be a donation or maybe goods instead of money. Some people ask for an amazon voucher or have an amazon wishlist in return for a reading. People starting out will often ask for being recommended or reviews for a reading, what you get back is not always financial. - Grizabella[/member] once opened a thread on AT about her reading business and decided to charge what people thought their reading was worth. I think everyone in the thread thought she would get nothing, we were all negative in what we thought the outcome would be! ;D Give what you can and what you think it was worth. But what was fascinating is that people gave more money than when she had set prices for readings. People who are happy with their reading will be more generous, so it was a surprise to us all! I think she did it on a tarot community, not with the regular public and it might be a different outcome publicly, I mean how many people would give $1 for a lot of effort into a reading. But it was an interesting experiment none the less. - When I was starting out in tarot, I was really into buying readings from professionals online. I found someone who was just starting their business and the readings were a fair price. I got readings from her for 2 years and they were healing and helpful to me. But then she became a big name in the tarot world and one day quoted an article from a tarot author about make sure you are getting what you are worth. She upped her prices to 3x the price before! As a point of principle I would not pay the new prices but I noticed many people criticised her because they were now priced out. Those readings were really healing for the people, almost as a spiritual service. I never got a reading for them again but then I found tarot forums. Some (in fact most) readers here give great readings! I would try to support any professional people here these days. But is it right morally to price out your loyal customers? This person is a really big name now and has a queue to get readings, and well done on her business sense. But they are outrageously priced in my opinion. There is an ethical element to what you charge, especially when they help people who might be on low incomes. That is the balance here, what you deserve vs helping people in my opinion, a balance scales of your service.
Grizabella Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 It was done both online and in real life, Daniel. :heartz:
Eric13 Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 Grizabella[/member] It's your brainchild so if you don't mind, I would like to try that with on here with only taking donations. I think that's a great idea.
Saturn Celeste Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 Wow Daniel, you really spoke all the truths on this one!! I totally agree with her that when people are giving professional readings, they should be paid what they rightly deserve for their time and effort. A lot of readers do underprice themselves. A lot of readers don't do it as a full time career and so under value themselves. Price how long and how much effort the reading takes, I would expect to pay a lot more for a 10 card Celtic Cross. So don't under value your work! however..... - I don't read professionally but someone outside of forums wanted a reading for me. I didn't feel comfortable taking money but instead I did a reading and the person donated to a charity. Getting something back from your reading (beside another reading or feedback) doesn't have to be money to you, it could be a donation or maybe goods instead of money. Some people ask for an amazon voucher or have an amazon wishlist in return for a reading. People starting out will often ask for being recommended or reviews for a reading, what you get back is not always financial. You are absolutely correct! I read for over 2 years and hundreds of readings for free but the wealth of readings I gave was worth it all! I got experience, connections, recommendations, and a diverse pool of readings, they were all over the place which was great!! I was really lucky to have had the community I had to draw from. - Grizabella[/member] once opened a thread on AT about her reading business and decided to charge what people thought their reading was worth. I think everyone in the thread thought she would get nothing, we were all negative in what we thought the outcome would be! ;D Give what you can and what you think it was worth. But what was fascinating is that people gave more money than when she had set prices for readings. People who are happy with their reading will be more generous, so it was a surprise to us all! I think she did it on a tarot community, not with the regular public and it might be a different outcome publicly, I mean how many people would give $1 for a lot of effort into a reading. But it was an interesting experiment none the less. Noble but I do like having a price set, that way no feelings about money on my end. No self doubting. ;) - When I was starting out in tarot, I was really into buying readings from professionals online. I found someone who was just starting their business and the readings were a fair price. I got readings from her for 2 years and they were healing and helpful to me. But then she became a big name in the tarot world and one day quoted an article from a tarot author about make sure you are getting what you are worth. She upped her prices to 3x the price before! As a point of principle I would not pay the new prices but I noticed many people criticised her because they were now priced out. Those readings were really healing for the people, almost as a spiritual service. I never got a reading for them again but then I found tarot forums. Some (in fact most) readers here give great readings! I would try to support any professional people here these days. But is it right morally to price out your loyal customers? This person is a really big name now and has a queue to get readings, and well done on her business sense. But they are outrageously priced in my opinion. There is an ethical element to what you charge, especially when they help people who might be on low incomes. I have hated raising my prices too but I still can't get them as high as my son thinks I should. My prices are on the low side but I'm happy with them. I can live with them easily without feeling like I'm taking from people. I still don't get very many readings unless I cut my prices in half as it is but I do feel one of these days people will end up paying full price. That is the balance here, what you deserve vs helping people in my opinion, a balance scales of your service. I have such low self-esteem I think I am incapable of gouging someone! I always feel I'm not good enough. But after a few hundred more readings, I'll be that much better! :bok:
Saturn Celeste Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 Grizabella[/member] It's your brainchild so if you don't mind, I would like to try that with on here with only taking donations. I think that's a great idea. Joe, it would have to be in your paid reader business. We don't take payments or donations here. Only for the website or subscriptions.
Grizabella Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 It's perfectly okay with me to try this if you want to, Joe. Let us know how it goes. My reason for doing this was to give people who can't afford readings at the current prices a chance to get a reading. I read for others to provide a service and although I need money, I'm more concerned with making readings available to everyone, not just to the ones who can afford the going rate. I didn't have a single person who didn't pay at least something. And it averaged out that I was making more than if I charged a set fee. Now, I must point out to you that I used it more in person. I've worked for one of the places like Keen and there are many people who get addicted to readings and can't afford as many as they want so they try to scam free readings. If you put your offers online, be aware that if those people find you, you'll end up exposing yourself to that kind of scam. Another point I might make is that I was taking payment after the reading. Taking payment ahead of the reading is something you could consider. It eliminates the sitter's having the option to pay what they think the reading is worth but at least you do get paid something and eliminate the sitters who are just getting a reading and then skate without paying anything. I never had anyone skate on paying but it probably will happen now and then. Another thing I encountered was some sitters asking me "what's the going charge for a reading? I've never had one and I don't know how much to pay for the reading." It might work better to make a little sign that says "pay what you can afford" and then take payment before the reading.
Saturn Celeste Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 Just a warning. You can't do this on the forum. You will have to do it off from your websites. You can advertise in your paid reader section but you can't solicit donations from the forum boards. Readings will have to arranged from your websites, not on TT&M.
Eric13 Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 Grizabella[/member] Thank you, and thanks for the great advice.
Grizabella Posted April 11, 2019 Posted April 11, 2019 You're very welcome Joe! I wish you all success in your new endeavor. :D
Guest libra Posted April 14, 2019 Posted April 14, 2019 A lot of readers I've seen online have set prices, but also a sliding scale option - occasionally, with a set of guidelines about who those sliding scale prices are intended for. When I did readings, I had my normal prices, but also 3 spaces open a month at a 50% discount. There weren't any rules about who could take those spaces, but I found most of the time, they weren't snapped up right away. If people felt they could afford my normal price, they paid it. The 3 spots that were discounted trickled out through the month. I hung out on the tarot side of tumblr a lot, and there's always a steady stream of people who struggle to get people to pay a dollar or 2 for readings, and my theory with that is that when you're advertising yourself that cheaply, you get into a competitive space with free readers and almost no one will choose to pay when you could get the same service for free. Putting a higher price tag on it gives the impression that what you're offering is different and "more" than a free reader can offer. Tumblr is a very different demographic than AT or the general public though, younger and with less disposable income. So what doesn't work there clearly could work elsewhere, as proven by Grizzabella!
Annabelle Posted April 17, 2019 Posted April 17, 2019 I'm not a professional reader, but I have an anecdote to add to the conversation about leaving pricing open to what the querent wants to pay. I've only had a paid reading done for me once. Ever. I was in New Orleans and went to one of the readers at Jackson Square, very spur of the moment. She explained that she read for "donations" with no set prices. She did a very thorough reading for me, with no spread that I could discern, and it was absolutely on-point. It was a great reading. I'm not sure how much time it took; not more than 30 minutes, for certain. I ended up paying her $60 in cash. I've got no idea if that was more or less than people usually offered, but it happened to be all I had on me without going to an ATM. So while reading for donations poses some degree of risk, it doesn't mean clients will deliberately underpay, either.
HOLMES Posted April 17, 2019 Posted April 17, 2019 I charge by the card for various reasons.. 1. I don't have to fill out the time with extra information.. here i don't have to add extra informatin after my inuition flow has ended. 2. i don't have to adhere to a time frame. sometimes it can take longer then half hour .. 3. the person knows exactly what they paying for.. i will add that i lost two clients last summer for i didt' have instant email transfer i got it now.. so i got my email set up for direct deposit.. when i read here on the forum it is to keep in shape,, to try out new things like i had just my everyday witch tarot, and since i am just learning lenny i wouldt'necessary charge .. though i did a live reading with them recently,, i also though in the tarot afterwards.
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