Why I decided to offer sliding scale payment for my massages?

Aloha Beautiful Human,

I decided that in March and April I will be offering sliding scale payment for all lomi lomi sessions. Let me explain what it means in practice and why I decided so.

From now on, I put my treatments on a sliding scale from 15.000 to 25.000 isk, which means that you are welcome to pay any price within that range. Every payment is welcomed and appreciated.

Originally this idea stems from two roots. The first one is me trying to find a way to make my massages accessible to more people – and let’s be honest, money often is a deciding factor here. I know that some of my Clients save for a few months to be able to come to my sessions. I know that covid drained many of us not only physically and emotionally, but also challenged us financially – myself included.

At the same time, I’ve been hearing comments from some of my Clients that I should raise the prices because what I offer is worth more than what I charge. I didn’t want to do either – neither lowering the prices nor raising them, so I just kept the status quo.

At the beginning of February I started a 3-month transformational coaching program. The content of the program is not relevant here, but my coach offers a wide sliding scale fee and this was a spark that directly inspired me to do the same. I gave myself few weeks to feel it through (that’s one big change in my life, I try never to rush important decisions) and I felt a big YES inside me. So here I come.

 

When I briefly mentioned on Instagram that I will be offering a wide sliding scale fee, I got a question: aren’t you afraid that people will take advantage of you and pay the lowest price even if they are wealthy?

And my answer is: no, I am absolutely not afraid of that. Because, first of all, I believe in people. I am just helpless like that. I believe that my Clients are honest, whole-hearted and kind. But in fact, me offering a sliding scale is even deeper than that. The more I sit with it, the more I feel that this decision represents all I believe in about money… and the world, actually.

I believe that we are all responsible for ourselves, including our money story. And I see myself, when I pay to my coach, how triggering the sliding scale can be. Shall I pay more so he won’t think I am mingy? Shall I pay more to show off? Shall I pay less to take advantage of the situation? Or shall I feel into it, feel into the energy of fair exchange, get real about my financial situation and pay exactly the amount that feels right and fair for me at this moment?

What I am trying to say is that paying on a sliding scale is triggering, it is! I know that some people just walk away when they see the sliding scale fee and they just resign from the service whatsoever. I respect that. Because it certainly can raise some discomfort. And knowing that, I invite you to this territory with me. Let’s build the new money paradigm together.

I certainly am aligned with myself with offering you a sliding scale. That’s why, for example, I don’t offer donation payment – because it would be out of alignment with me at this moment (I am however, preparing myself to offer free massages for those in need, but more about that in another email). For now, every amount between 15.000 and 25.000 isk feels aligned with me.

If you feel that you want to pay the amount closer to the lower end of the scale, please do so and know that I celebrate you and I am grateful that you are aligned to yourself, your money story and current financial situation.

If you feel that you want to pay the amount closer to the higher end of the scale please do so and know that I celebrate you and I am grateful that you are aligned to yourself, your money story and current financial situation.

Either way, whatever amount you choose to pay, know that I am grateful for you being my Client and this really is not about the money. I am grateful for your commitment to staying true to yourself and responsible for your choices. Thank you for you, Beautiful Human!