Don't want to work by donation?

For people who think charging a set price per reading (and a pretty penny at that) who probably secretly scoff at myself and others who prefer to work by donation, I just thought I'd refer them to this article about a restaurant owner who has done that. Yep, that's what I said---restaurant owner!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/17/lippert.qanda/index.html?iref=mpstoryview#cnnSTCText

I have a beautiful Karma Jar given to me as a gift by canid and I intend to start using it during the coming summer.

what a wonderful story, griz! I don't have a set price right now either. My clients make a donation--if they wish too. I never ask for money. NEVER!

sometimes when I know the client cannot afford to make a donation, and want a reading, I have them either give me something, such as a hair cut at a discounted price, or something like that. And, if the client doesn't have anything to offer me, I just ask they pass the good deed along to someone else--doing something for someone in the same month I give them a free reading. their choice--and yes, I realize that maybe some do not act upon it, but I really think more do act upon that then those who do not.

when/if the time comes that I may need to go back to work and bring in some money, then I may just set a fixed price and we'll see what happens. but, for now, it works for me and for them. I'm doing the same thing with my medium readings too---though once in awhile, a customer will surprise me and insist I take payment---and give me probably more then what I would have set my price at. If a client insists on payment, I usually only ask for $10.00 for my 'standard' price, but more times then naught, they want to give more. and, when this occurs, I often put the extra in the donation box at church for the food pantry or give it to the shelter. (save one time when we went to the gambling casino--and wouldn't you know, I lost all of it ($20.00) in less then 30minutes! ---such a waste!)

I'm a firm beleiver in that a person reaps what they sow--and though I may not get payed always in money, I am blessed with wonderful clients, family and friends--what more could one ask for?

so, I don't scoff at you for the same thing--but think you're pretty darn smart! you'll get payed back a hundred fold in many ohter ways. and, what a nice present made to you by canid.

I think this is a wonderfull way of working with payment for readings. Some people just have'nt got the money, but would really love a reading so i think in times like those, a trade or however much of a donation they could afford would be more than fair. Thank you for giving these suggestions Griz and Celtic. I'm still thinking about getting very involved with professional readings, so before i do, i think looking at it from all angles beforehand really helps alot. I must also agree and admit though, there are also times when i feel guilty about taking anything at all, but i know for alot of people this is their main source of income so they rely on payment and donations. As long as each party get's what they're looking for, i think everything works out fine.

Jyscal said:

I must also agree and admit though, there are also times when i feel guilty about taking anything at all, but i know for alot of people this is their main source of income so they rely on payment and donations. As long as each party get's what they're looking for, i think everything works out fine.

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well, this is when asking them to donate 1 hour of their time doing something for someone in their own community. even if they just go visit an elderly or sick neighbor. run an errand for them--take them to market one day. or just help out at a food pantry once in a blue moon. then, they are paying it back by helping out someone else. it works out!

Nobody else wants to discuss this? I thought it was a great story and something to consider with the economy going into the toilet, people losing jobs, and no instant fix to the economy on the horizon. Even what's taking place that's positive with the economy is still not going to happen overnight. I think we all need to make some realistic moves toward paying the bills and putting food on the table. This guy with the restaurant is a great example of being paid by donations and is succeeding on a big scale. I think we should all sit up and take notice. To me, it's an encouraging article.

Is anyone out there? I hear an echo.

Grizabella, this is a good story. I think it's a harbinger of the type of "think outside the box" tactics that we will all need to consider during these difficult times. We may all find ourselves doing more by direct barter, or living in larger family units, just to survive. I hate to say it, but when I think of the future in terms of the economy, the mental image I get is that of the Titanic. You see her in the movie gliding along, looking OK except for this one little problem; she is just hours away from sinking. That is how I feel we are here in these times.

As far as charging, I myself am really at the apprentice level of tarot and not quite ready to charge for my readings. But I am starting to put the vibration out to the universe to do this and to this end I am applying myself as best I can to practice, read, study (eat, sleep, dream) Tarot. Maybe when I do start, I can just ask the person to give me what they think it's worth.

To prepare yourself to read professionally, there's nothing better than to just jump right in and do free readings for strangers. I know it's very scary to just start right in reading for strangers, but it's the best preparation for going pro that I can think of. As soon as you've done that for awhile, then put out a tip jar and there you go.

I know there was a very posh restaurant in London that did this very thing. People decided what they wanted to pay for a meal afterwards and largely they were paying more than the restaurant would have charged. If people tried to get away with having a large meal and paying with five pounds, the waitress would bring it back to them. These people wouldn't be allowed back.

I guess the main thing for this cafe owner (and possibly for tarot readers) is that he is getting a larger number of customers. Even if he's losing $1 a latte he's still probably selling a boatload more lattes. I know for many people on here tarot isn't the main source of income so more sitters possibly paying a little less will still mean an increase. Also in cases where people undercharge it will be nice when sitters who know the true value of a reading pay more than the reader might have had the courage to ask for.

My main request for you donation folks - if someone asks "How much do people normally donate" give them an answer! These people tend to be nervous about doing the wrong thing and will be happier if they feel like they paid the right amount instead of worrying they stiffed you.

Grizabella said:

Nobody else wants to discuss this? I thought it was a great story and something to consider with the economy going into the toilet, people losing jobs, and no instant fix to the economy on the horizon. Even what's taking place that's positive with the economy is still not going to happen overnight. I think we all need to make some realistic moves toward paying the bills and putting food on the table. This guy with the restaurant is a great example of being paid by donations and is succeeding on a big scale. I think we should all sit up and take notice. To me, it's an encouraging article.

Is anyone out there? I hear an echo.

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There have been replies, and here's another.

I am between conventional jobs at the moment, and my readings-income isn't really enough to sustain me, so rather than working by donation only, I work in venues where money has to be charged - but out of my cut, I give the accepted percentage back to the house willingly, and give 20% of my cut to a health-related charity. I have that on my personal signage, and more than one client has chosen spontaneously to have a reading when they would otherwise have just walked past, because of the warm fuzzies it gave them to think that by "indulging themselves" they are also helping less fortunate people.

After more than a decade of having the signage out and giving my money sequentially to three different charities (year whatever to 2003, the Rescue Helicopter Service, 2002-2006 The Royal Flying Doctor Service, 2007-now The Guide Dog Association), not a single person has asked to see my accounts of donations, which is in fact fortunate, because I don't keep any. Instead, I choose charities which have a habit of having anonymous donation-tins in assorted businesses, every day that I read, I separate out the required amount and keep it in a jar at home untouched, and on or close to the last day of the month bundle it all up in an envelope and seal it, then put it into one of those donation jars.

Several years ago, a Certain Person dipped into one of those jars once - and there was hay-ell to pay! I take my donations very seriously - if I am going to take from the community, I am also going to put back to the community. I also don't want my signage to tell lies, so I stick by my percentages no matter how tight things are around here - I regard it in the same light as money taxed by an employer before they pay you - it's not actually in your hands, it's not yours to spend.

Some restaurants are doing that in the UK - and making MORE than they usually do !!! Go figure.

I also know someone here who charges very little for readings - and sometimes gets people coming BACK with donations because they were so pleased !