Everyone Talks About Money For Readings But....

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 28 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kiama	28 Oct 2002
Lots of people have said that they get ought drinks or coffee of offered something in exchange for readings they do for people in pubs of coffee bars. I've been reading for pople in pubs for about a year now, but NOBODY has given me anything in return... Apart from compliments and thanks, but quite frankly, when you're a student who needs money, compliments and thanks which are quite nice, just don't help. HOW does it happen then? HOW does it get to the point when people say, oh, here I'll buy you a drink...? I guess I'm just getting a little put off now, cuz I was hoping to go professional, but I don't know how to handle the money side of it all... Kiama

wavebreaker	28 Oct 2002
Maybe you should suggest it yourself? I don't know how you are doing it now, whether people just come up to you to ask for a reading when they see your cards? In that case, you could simply say something like: "Sure I'll do a reading for you, how about getting me a drink first?" I think if you keep giving free readings, it won't occur to the querents to pay you or offering you a drink for it.

Mojo	28 Oct 2002
Kiama If you don't tell people you want to be paid, you won't be paid. Period. Pubs and bars are the worst places to go if you just expect people to pay on their own. People go to those places to drink and socialize. If you are going to do readings there, you need a small but visible box for people to drop money into and maybe even a sign, even if it just says, "pay what you can." What do you tell people when they come up to you wanting a reading? Whenever I do readings in public, people always ask me if they can have a reading and how much it costs. If people are just coming up to you expecting something for free, you need to find someplace else. My approach is that I tell people that a reading costs "a bill" and that the denomination is up to them. I also have them pay after I do the reading, so they can determine what it was worth. You'll be surprised at how often you get larger bills rather than the small ones. A professional knows his worth. If you don't know it, how do you expect anyone else to?

Rhiannon	28 Oct 2002
Or instead of drinks just tell them how much you want for the reading! You may have to buy your own drinks, but you'll probably leave with extra cash after the night is over. I'm not sure how much $10 or $20 works out to over there, but that's about what I charge, depending on how many cards are used. If they object, then they really don't need the reading, and you can always make light of it by saying "I'm a starving student, so I have to start charging!" Good luck! R :)

Diana	28 Oct 2002
edited

Umbrae	28 Oct 2002
Kiama my love... ...here's a pad of paper and a pencil, you may wish to take notes - in fact I suggest it. Here is a sharpener. Before we begin, if you want a free reading - you get what you pay for - you've invested nothing, and free advice is exactly that. If you'd like me to dig deep and give you a solid reading, they run $45 (convert to pounds)... don't forget the pencils. Or...A reading? Sure - it'll cost you a Kettle One over...

dangerdork	28 Oct 2002
Here's another suggestion if you're not quite comfortable asking people directly - get a large empty mug or pitcher from the bar and set it on the table - and put "seed" money in it (money of your own). This is a silent and eloquent way of saying that you expect to receive money, without directly asking for it. Let your clients' consciences be their guides. Some people will be misers, but others will be generous.

Talisman	28 Oct 2002
Gosh, Kiama, I'd shut my 'puter down and was standing in the shower thinking about this, and how you shouldn't be expected to read for free . . . Then I come back and read the responses above. I think you've received some terrific, important, advice here. And everyone -- perhaps because they're actual readers -- said it better than I could. From the department of redundancy department, Talisman

napaea	28 Oct 2002
i know how awkward it is to say anything about compensation, especially cause until you are technically a "pro" it feels like you have guinea pigs to keep practicing on. but the universe is give and receive. and if you give for nothing, you'll keep getting nothing. so i like the idea of using the jar or box that says "donations". or you might make a sign (if the patron allows it) that explains you will do readings for drinks, money, or exchange. boy, if you happened upon a great hairdresser or pet groomer, etc, that would be a great way to work things out... also, set your intent before you even show up. determine what you want of the night, how many people, what you want in exchange, and begin declaring these things and focusing on them.

zorya	28 Oct 2002
kiama dear, they just asked you for a reading! it's ok to ask them for a drink or other payment. how about replying with "sure, if you'll buy me a drink", then smile sweetly and bat your baby greens/hazels/browns/blues, lol. i can't see how anyone could refuse ;) as others suggested, checking with the pub owner and putting up a sign could be good business for you both.

MystiqueMoonlight	28 Oct 2002
In this materialistic world of the Emperor people have learnt to hold on to their purses and clutch their wallets tightly. If they can't see, smell, taste, touch or admire it they won't pay for it. Here you are sitting there doing these "Tarot cards" and it's all just a bit of fun for the querent, especially if they know they don't have to give in return. My suggestion is to mention this at the end of the reading:- "The karmic wheel has been set into motion. What goes around comes around. You may decide if you are to take this reading for what it is worth. And what is it worth to you?"

DarkElectric	28 Oct 2002
Hey Kiama! I set out a gaudy, but venerable fedora, with a "seed" tip in it. I do this when I play on the street, for $ (A good way to get paid to practice!) or when reading at a party, or some other social event. Make sure the hat attracts attention, any goofy, cool one will do. People will actually WANT to put money in it! And it gets the message out in an unmistakable manner.

Kiama	29 Oct 2002
Gosh guys, thanks for all your advice... My main problem I guess is that I am shy a hell! And I had this stupid rule drummed into me from the time I was born to the time I left home... 'Ask and you won't get'... I hate asking for anything unless I know the person really well, esp. if it's money... Though I think I will ask the pub owner if he would mind me doing some business there with a sign and everything... I could make it a regular thing, and could tell him it would attract more customers... Kiama

catlin	29 Oct 2002
Hi Kiama, Ok, the others already gave you some valuable advice. Just remember: ppl tend to believe that stuff they get for free is worth nothing so don't be shy about asking a recompensation be it money or something else (although I don't vote for the something else type as ppl tend to "forget"). I do occasional "something else" else readings for aquaintancies but this is really rare. I usually charge a fixed fee for a one hour reading. Make sure to get the money paid in advance as some ppl will try to belittle your work either because you are young, a woman or because they did not get from you what they wanted to hear. Brass yourself to such situations.

Ivy Rhiannon	08 Jul 2004
Wow guys great advice!!!! I was having trouble with this too, and decided to do a manual search for this topic. I can see your shyness being an issue, however I am not shy and cant even get myself to go out in the public. I am just afraid to read for other people I dont know. I used to never do it, but now I've warmed up a bit, and have been giving readings to others. Now everyone says I should start charging. Sounds like a great idea, but how do you ask family members and not strangers? I go to do it, and ask how much? and man what if they don't have any money? then I just skip it and do it. I want to go public, but am nervous. any more advice guys?

eastarot	08 Jul 2004
With respect to family members its much harder asking for money, especially when you know some of them are facing money problems. usually I ask for something in return, like my aunts home cooked meals which are the yummiest, or a book from my sister etc.

Ace	08 Jul 2004
I think this is partly an ethical issue. If you want to read for money, tell people UP FRONT that it costs this much. Some will accept, others won't, but that way is honest, with no hard feelings on either side. Do you value your energy that you are putting out for this reading? Do you value your skill, then do it for money unless you are getting something else out of it, practice, publicity, etc that YOU feel is worth it. When I first learned how to read, I took a class (not my recommended way to start, I usually tell people to just play with a deck for a while, but that is how I began). I was taught: charge for what you do, and give value for what you charge. I have friends who reminisce about how they remember when I charged 25 cents for a reading.... Now I charge plenty-and up front for my readings but occasionally I will do a free one for someone just for fun or out of friendship or for whatever reason, and many times they turn around and offer money or a food offering or something in turn! I teased one friend all day after such a case that I read for cheesecake! I wonder why people are not offering anything, not even a drink or coffee in return? You might check your mindset about readings should always be free, and freely given. I used to think that a reading paid for is valued more and listened to more, but I am not sure about that anymore, I do parties where the guests get it free (the host paid me) and they seem to value it fine! Barb

Sillanza	08 Jul 2004
I have never yet charged for readings. I have received "in kind" compensation in party situations (I read for at a dinner party, and they gave me a nice spa certificate). I don't charge my family. Then again, I haven't read for a total stranger yet. I think if I did, I would definitely preface the reading with "what's it worth to you?" I think I would have to pass on drinks after the first few ...

ros	08 Jul 2004
I feel that the time we take to learn the cards, we should have respect enough for ourselves to get something in return. We have taken time to help ourselves and the money we spend on these cards is CRAZY. I never charged for a long time until I started to read at a centre. I still read for some people for nothing. I find people take you more seriously when they have to pay for a reading!!! I'm sure if you put something even for donations, people would be more than happy to give something. You will also gain confidence with charging. They are paying for your knowledge. I bet most of the people you read for would not do a reading for nothing. Tarot is uncommon to some people, so maybe they don't think about payment. I find it CRAZY that they don't even offer you a drink! OMG I think your post made me go CRAZY! lol Take Care & Good luck!

tao51	08 Jul 2004
I have never charged family or friends. I do feel you need to be honest with people and collect before you read. I know an individual who tells people she expects them to complete and act of kindness. Then she says in a sly voice "I will know if it is not paid!"--Tao

Nevada	08 Jul 2004
Kiama, I'm very sure your readings are worth more than nothing. Many of us, for whatever reason, are reluctant to request money. It's probably the same reason people are often reluctant to ask for raises in pay, unless they're the worst dunderheads in the office and are the only ones who don't realize they are. (Sorry, I guess I've met one too many dunderhead in my life, that just slipped out.) But look at it this way, people you read for will take you as seriously as you take yourself. That means requesting payment. I agree with money rather than drink, unless it's a very brief reading. Aim high. Fly far. :) Nevada

magpie9	09 Jul 2004
My theory is, 5 bucks, 5 minutes, 3 cards. (Not to say I won't go 10 minutes, 5 cards, I just want a little respect !) I do like to put limits on it up front, otherwise you can be reading an hour for $5. A lot of the time I'll read fpr free, just for the exercise. I don't charge family or close friends. In the past I've asked for donations, and often people will want to know what's usual--which is when I revert to time vs money, et all. But often people will give more than I expect. I've only been stiffed once, ever, and I figure that woman has her own karma to work out. I love the seed money idea--why didn't I ever think of that for Tarot? Well, Duhhh........

sagitarian	09 Jul 2004
Kiama, I did this for years, read in the local diner for "free". This is how I went about it... I would be seated, and order a drink. I would pull out my cards, and soon enough some one would ask "are those tarot cards, do you do readings? how much do you charge for a reading?" The last question I would answer "I don't charge for readings, but I accept tips". At one point, someone suggested that I should make a sign, tarot readings for tips, or something like that. I never did, but if you are allowed to advertise your tarot readings in this other buisness, then you may want to do that. A little poster board and some markers can go along way. Anyways...that's how I went about it. Some nights I didn't make anything after 10 tarot readings, and other nights, after 3-4 tarot readings, I've made $50 or more. I hope this will help. Another possibility is...on the last question, possibly ask them "I'll do a reading for you for free if you could buy my drink for me". Or if you'd like you can always charge however much you feel worth charging, $5 or $10 bucks, or even more. I usually charge $30 for my readings now. Sometimes, I lower it to $20 depending. I've been told by other professionals that I shouldn't charge less then $50, but I don't feel right charging that high. Maybe after I'm known, or famous or something. :) Good luck to you hon! I'm so proud that you're out there getting the practice and experience! Sagitarian

tao51	09 Jul 2004
a college friend--back when the campus was a series of caves! She said that she remembered me sitting at a table in the Student Union dreinking coffee and spreading cards. Sometimes a grateful offered to buy me a coffee. (Refills were free and it was a bit of a joke!) Once a reading a successful job interview brought be a certificate for a steak dinner for two! This was wonderful. Once I had a brush with an angry person who a reading showed a break up in a relationship. It happened! The person wanted to know who the other guy was. He thought I kvew more than just the cards. Those were my fun early tarot days!--Tao

Shy Priestess	09 Jul 2004
Quote: originally posted by Kiama : My main problem I guess is that I am shy a hell! And I had this stupid rule drummed into me from the time I was born to the time I left home... 'Ask and you won't get'... I hate asking for anything unless I know the person really well, esp. if it's money... I understand how you must feel, but I was brought up with a slightly different saying - "if you don't ask, you don't get". I have received a number of readings in the past and I've always expected to pay for them. Also, I like to know in advance how much to pay as it somehow saves any awkwardness at the end of the reading - so I would agree with paying up front or setting a rate. I once paid £25 for a 20 mins reading - and I think this is about the "norm" at psychic fayres for a professional reading in the UK. So - in your situation, you could maybe try and decide what you feel your readings would be worth for say 15 mins and then put out your funky hat... if that's what you decide! In any case - I wish you all the best! SP :)

cjtarot	09 Jul 2004
Kiama, What I did was say "why don't you get us a drink and we can see what the cards have to say". Mind you, I only said it twice that night..I'm a light weight..lol...But it wasn't a hard core "GET ME A COFFEE NOW" thing, and people responded.. soften the blow by making it an invite not a manditory and you will get responses... From there work your way up. If you want actual money, you will probably have to check with the coffee shop or pub owner. Blessings, CJ people respect what they have to pay for more than what they get for free..isn't it sad..

tmgrl2	09 Jul 2004
Practice a few different lines... Sure...it usually runs ....for a short reading... or Sure, ...how about we do an exchange...a drink for a short reading. or I'll read, it'll cost a bill (I like that) and you decide after or (I'm of the mind, like Umbrae) that if you aren't exchanging, have an amount fixed and say.. Sure...it's $45 dollars. You can pay me now or when we're through. Then move forward.. Look in the mirror and rehearse the lines you might use. Then do it ....once. The first time is the hardest. After that it gets easier and easier to say how much it costs. I'm still doing exchanges for Tarot, but have had to charge for work in my own profession. It helps if you have a business big enough to have someone else handle bills and collections, but most people starting out in any business have to decide on fees and simply say what they are and move on. terri

Ivy Rhiannon	09 Jul 2004
What weigh's heaviest on my mind is what to charge for! Esp if you have a set price. Do you charge for the reading like a spread/no matter how much time, or for you time/no matter how many questions, or a session/no matter how much time or questions? I just don't want someone to think they are not getting what they paid for.:o

katie_here	09 Jul 2004
Have you thought about joining one of those Tarot phone lines, they are always looking for staff and if you have a real talent you will be good. You will then probably gather a following and then become recommended by customers to their friends, word of mouth - that sort of thing. You could possibly arrange a house party, where they invite a few friends, you set a price for a reading, then each person pays you and you read for them. If you look in your local paper you will see adverts, and see how much people are charging. I know in the Trafford Centre in Manchester, there are two tarot readers, and they charge anything from £5 to £20 for a reading. The £20 reading always has a tape with it, for the customer to take away, which is something you could think about. good luck :OL and let us know how you go on.

The Everyone Talks About Money For Readings But.... thread was originally posted on 28 Oct 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.