Charging 4 readings

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Feb 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

cheekyminx	17 Feb 2003
I've always been curious about this. One clairvoyant I went to charged $60 for a reading & she was pretty good. About a year later I saw another lady who charged me $20 & she is excellent. My sister has been reading cards for almost 15 years & doesn't believe that one should be charged a fee, & if they do they shouldn't charge more than $20. A know of a few people who went see clairvoyants & were told a load of b/s & couldn't believe how someone could charge between $50 - $70 & not know what they were talking about. Yet a lady who only charges $20 is pretty accurate. Also all the adds in magazines & newspapers, charging $5 or $8 a minute......to me its getting rather crazy.

HudsonGray	18 Feb 2003
People charge what the market will bear. The spirit fairs here have the readers charge $20 for a 15 minute reading, and the promoter of the event gets half (it pays for the rental of the room, the advertising, etc.). Individuals at the coffee shops usually charge $15-$20 in our area, with no time limit on the readings. Depends on what you want to do. I see no problem with charging, as you're providing a service (you pay artists for their work, and consultants for their work, why not a tarot reader?). I believe a thread on what to charge or whether to charge was started on one of the boards, it'll be back around the December postings. A lot of people gave their take as to whether or not they felt comfortable charging money for a reading, and what the areas they were in were currently pricing readings at.

lupo138	18 Feb 2003
maybe this is an orientation for you http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9212&highlight=charged

angelwhispers	18 Feb 2003
Quote: Originally posted by cheekyminx76 I've always been curious about this. My sister has been reading cards for almost 15 years & doesn't believe that one should be charged a fee, & if they do they shouldn't charge more than $20. When I first started reading I practiced on everyone around me that would let me but I felt I needed more practice and wanted to read for a complete stranger. My husband talked to a coworker of his, she was willing to be my guinea pig and she was so thrilled by the end of the reading (which was not done in person it was done via email) that she wanted to refer some of her friends to me if I wanted more practice. I was thrilled. Then things went down hill....I had complete strangers emailing me demanding these readings..."I need this ASAP" "I have to know right now" they even continued to demand these readings when I said I wouldn't be reading for awhile because my father was in the hospital. The only thing I asked these people in return was to please give me some feedback so I knew where I needed to improve and none of them did. I was taken advantage of and stopped reading for them and the coworker because she was just as bad. I believe someone said on this forum before that people don't appreciate what they are getting when its free and don't take it seriously...I truely believe that.

Centaur	18 Feb 2003
I do not charge for readings at present. It is something that I am seriously considering though. There is one friend of mine who invited me to her house for an evening of tarot. According to her, she would cook me dinner (a lovely Indian meal), and I would read her tarot cards in return. A free meal! I couldn't resist. So, I trudge along to hers with my tarot cards to find a room full of around seven people, each of whom, I am informed, are there for tarot readings. Argh! One thing I would never do is charge friends. C

Summerdream	18 Feb 2003
There is a lady that I've been to before that takes donations. However, she specifically makes it clear that she gets $75 for an oral reading and $100 for a written. She'll ask you out front before she even does the reading how much you plan on donating. If you say an amount like $20 she'll complain about how others pay her $75 and it's no fair if they found out that you were only paying $20, etc. She will also ask for trade of services if you have something to offer to make up the difference. Although she is very good I always feel guilty whenever I go to her even if I have $50 plus 2 bags of clothes or food to donate to the poor. She accepts food/clothes donations for the poor in her area. I always feel whatever I give just isn't enough. She makes me sign a form after about how much I donated (so she doesn't have to pay taxes I assume.) Since she calls it donations I should be able to give what I can afford which is usually around $20. Blessings, Momof3girls

Mimers	18 Feb 2003
Umbrea, in his most recent article talks about this in the very first part. Before reading his article I did not feel that charging for a reading was the right thing to do, but now I think he made some very good points. The querent by paying will take the reading more seriously and will feel more involved. Also, It will keep you from being taken advantage of like Angelwhispers and Centaur20 did. The fee does not have to be exorbitant. Momof3girls, For your reader accepting 'donations', I would tell her if she wants more than 20, to stop calling them 'donations' and pay her taxes like a ....... sorry, getting a little carried away. I would question her motives for reading. If she is making a living off of it and needs to charge 75 or 100 fine, than set the price and pay your taxes. If she is doing it to share her gift to help others, it should not matter what you are willing to pay. Asking for donations to the poor is very admirable, but I already do that. I don't think she is the kind of person I would want reading for me. I don't care how accurate she is. Just my oppinion. I could be totally wrong. Did I mention that in my last review at work, my boss told me that sometimes I don't know when to keep my mouth shut? I hope I am not offending by my opinion. That is never my intention.

angelwhispers	18 Feb 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Mimers Momof3girls, For your reader accepting 'donations', I would tell her if she wants more than 20, to stop calling them 'donations' and pay her taxes like a ....... sorry, getting a little carried away. I would question her motives for reading. If she is making a living off of it and needs to charge 75 or 100 fine, than set the price and pay your taxes. If she is doing it to share her gift to help others, it should not matter what you are willing to pay. Asking for donations to the poor is very admirable, but I already do that. I don't think she is the kind of person I would want reading for me. I don't care how accurate she is. I agree Mimers, I wouldn't call it a donation either, if she is telling her clients that she expects between $75-100 then that sounds like her "fee". A donation I feel is whatever one can afford to give so if it was only $20 then she should have accepted that....it sounds to me that is her way of getting out of paying taxes too.

DeLani	19 Feb 2003
Yes, I think she is "lawyering" her way out of paying taxes by calling it a "donation." But you are right - if it is a donation, you are only expected to pay what you feel you can - if at all. If she gives you a hard time over it, she's not being a very good reader. A good marketer or a good businesswoman perhaps, but not a good reader. Around here it goes around $15 -20 for a reading. Most other readers charge for 15 mins., but I don't set a time limit. Best of luck to you, DeLani

Hummingbird	21 Feb 2003
There's one chick here in CT who charges like $200. Outlandish!! I hear she is really good, but I have seen another woman locally who only charges $50 and is just as good. I charge $40. It seems fair. If I have to at some point (increase in rent, etc), I will raise the rate.

zorya	21 Feb 2003
what is the cost of a nice dinner out...maybe including a bottle of wine and dessert? how about the cost of a new outfit? shoes, dress visit to a hairdresser? ...so, what is the real value of a tarot reading that may very well change your life for the better?

Mystica	22 Feb 2003
As some of you already know, I started my own website at the first of this year, doing paid readings. I have several clients now, of course not as many as I had hoped for! I think the main problem is being seen, it's difficult to get a good listing on search engines. But I'm getting off topic. Back to the subject of charging for readings...The thing that has surprised me the most in my new venture is the number of people who just expect a free reading! On average, for every 3 requests I get, 1 person pays! I think my readings are very affordable, from $13.50 to $20.00, depending on the spread. I try to give very detailed readings, the $20.00 reading is always from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pages long. I do most of the free readings anyway, for a variety of reasons. One being I'm not doing this just for the money, I love doing readings and truly want to help people if I can. Also, most of the people do seem to sincerely be seeking insight into their situations. And I truly believe we get back what we give to the world, whether it's good or bad. So, I continue to do the free readings as well, whenever I can. In the hope that perhaps some of these people will see that I'm not out to rip them off, and maybe order a paid reading some other time. But I am becoming concerned about being taken advantage of, it's something I'm going to have to keep in mind. My hope is that my site will be successful because my readings are sincere and not a scam, and because I'm trying to do the right thing. Time will tell...

le-mat	22 Feb 2003
i know charging something for your reading makes it more valuable for the querent... but asking money for spiritual counseling? if you go to a priest / friend / grandfather / grandmother for advice, they won't charge you. in this capitalist world it seems that money is everything. yet i think that we as tarot readers should know better than that. we know more or less about the spiritual world. some of us believe in karma. why not asking for a prayer or a favor? things of the spiritual world have nothing to do with money.

Umbrae	23 Feb 2003
Quote: Originally posted by le-mat i know charging something for your reading makes it more valuable for the querent... but asking money for spiritual counseling? if you go to a priest / friend / grandfather / grandmother for advice, they won't charge you. I remember folks complaining that Sylvia Browne charges so much… Yes, they can go to their priest, friends, relatives… But they come to us…and have done so for years…why? They paid at the Oracle of Delphi. They paid to have entrails read in Rome. The Celts paid to watch how the bodies of murdered slaves and criminals twitched. Now they pay to have cards read. Go to New York City, San Francisco…you will find Readers of all sorts, but nowadays in the States we do not call ourselves ‘readers’. In some localities here in the states, anything that resembles divination (what some call ‘fortune telling’) is a punishable offense – reading cards, palms, crystal balls, or any other form of divination are all punishable (at the whim of the local police). Here in the Seattle area you will notice folks use the terms “Energy Readings” or “Intuitive Counseling” to avoid paying fines, getting shut down, or any other abusive court actions. You may not be able to charge for your services, but donations are legal. Avoiding local law enforcement is best done by becoming an ordained minister, with the title “Spiritual Counselor”. Go to any Spiritual fair, or exposition, and you will notice that every single reader is an ordained minister, carrying the title – “Spiritual Counselor”. Such a title allows you to read in all of the country with minimal harassment. If our public did not want our services, they would not pay. …And we would need to eat…even the birds of the air and the beasts of the field need to eat. Without supporting the temple which houses our spirit – we could not provide guidance, help or serve others. And yes we are about the spirit – and when someone comes to me, they expect to pay – and when I read for them, it is not about me or my spirit, it is about them and their spirit – and they expect to pay. Who am I to tell them they are wrong? Who am I to question them? Why do you read? Yes, they can go to their priest, friends, relatives… But they come to us…and have done so for years…why? To get what cannot be gotten from any other…

Summerdream	23 Feb 2003
I have no problem paying for readings. I would feel better if the readings were a certain price, ex. $50; then I would be able to save enough in advance and not feel bad about whether I was giving enough or not. It's just if someone makes them donations then they should accept anything the person can give at the time. They shouldn't make the person feel guilty for not giving enough if it is a donation. Blessings, Momof3girls

Mystica	23 Feb 2003
I'm probably stepping into a mine field here, but so be it. Le-mat, whether we like it or not, money is connected to most of this life, in one way or another. It's a lovely concept to think of spending hours and hours giving services for free, but rather naive. What does going to a friend or relative for advice have to do with a Tarot reading? I mean really, it's just not the same thing. A Priest, well technically that appears to be free, but in reality that is the job of a Priest. He's paid and supported by the Church, and just where exactly do you think that money comes from? The people, who are in essence paying for spirtitual counseling. I refuse to be criticized for charging for something in which I put so much of my time, effort, and my very self.

RedWood	23 Feb 2003
Le mat....You said...Things in the Spiritual world having nothing to do with money... I totally Disagree...If we did not eat, or be warm or even buy decks. Where would our spirituality be? Absolutely no where because we would be to worried about trying to find food and shelter...and certaintly could not afford a deck... With Everything there comes a balance...On mine and rhiannons site....we are actually quite cheap...We want every to have a fair chance of affording us....Same with ereiki..I have people all the time say...Can you send reiki to this person and that...I dont turn them down because they have no money...but I do have a life and a child that I have to support. It would not be fair of me to let my kid starve cuz i dont want to charge for readings. (that is a bit of a drastic statement..the dad does have a job and all lol..Just making a point)...Not to mention..I dont feel they are payin gme for my advice...They are paying me for my TIME.

HudsonGray	23 Feb 2003
Priests DO charge, you have to pay them for weddings & funerals for instance. They draw their payment from the church otherwise, so yes, masses and confession & even councelling sessions are 'free' in that you don't foot the bill, he gets paid by the church for doing church duties, which those are. I agree with getting paid, you're providing a service. I draw & make things, and I get money for them when I go to events--my natural ability gets compensated with money. Once I feel good enough to do paid readings, I'll charge for those too--albeit at a low cost. It takes an hour to do a really in depth reading, that would be compensation for my time & focus.

Dark Inquisitor	23 Feb 2003
Quote: Originally posted by cheekyminx76 My sister has been reading cards for almost 15 years & doesn't believe that one should be charged a fee, & if they do they shouldn't charge more than $20. /B] This is the kind of statement that drives me nuts. I think most of this thinking is put forth by women as a Nice Girl thing and it keeps them effectively economically disadvantaged in all areas of life. By all means give free to whomever you choose, friends, family etc. But when you enter the business end of things, severely undercutting other readers may work for a time but only serves to make the whole field insupportable in the long run. While you are feeling good about yourself for being so giving , others may be having financial hardship because of you. Momof3, please try to find another reader who is not a major manipulator. When you go for readings, you should feel good about it , like it was a healing experience for you. As with choosing a doctor, it is best to shop around until you find one that is caring & honest. It sounds like this lady is giving you a big bag of guilt to carry home with you and that is not what you are paying for. Tarotphelia

Umbrae	23 Feb 2003
Standing ovation for Tarotphelia; all four paragraphs are succinct and in everyway correct. Bravo!

MeeWah	23 Feb 2003
I am with the majority consensus thus far; especially agree with Tarotphelia's succinct observations. If one does not believe in the innate value of what is offered, no one else will, either! 'Tis not only my time that is valuable & deserving of remuneration, but the combined efforts of knowledge, insight & experience.

GreaterSecrets	23 Feb 2003
I'm new here and though I usually keep my nose clean until I see the lay of the land this particular thread caught my eye.... I have to agree with whoever said "It's a lovely concept to think of spending hours and hours giving services for free, but rather naive." Let's think about this a bit... It takes a bit of effort to get 1000 hours of readings a year. Probably more than 1000 hours per year chasing down your clients. Let's say you are good and have quite a reputation. You get 1200 hours per year. And they come to you. You get on average 5 hours of readings per day, 5 days a week. You charge $70 per hour. That's $84,000 per year! But wait a minute....the 600 sq ft office costs $12,000 per year ($1,000/month). Electricity: $2,400.00 ($200/month). Phone: $2,400.00 ($200/month). Heat/Air conditioning $2,400.00 ($200/month). Web site: $240.00 ($20/month). That totals $19,440. Oh my! So now, once we've subtracted these expenses, your $84,000 per year has been reduced to $64,560.00. But wait there's more! Remember Uncle Sam...less 20% for income tax.....$51,648. This is not chum change, but it's not rolling in it. And if your steady stream dries up you are screwed. Especially if you get sick. Most don't do this well. I bet you good Tarot readers with steady clientele make something more like $40k-45k per year if they work hard at it. And those starting out are near the $20k region, with the average being somewhere around $30-$35k. There are a lot of assumptions here. Never mind startup costs. So those of you whining about giving it away should really think about the effort made by those who do this for a living. As I said at the beginning of this note I'm new to this forum. I'm sorry if I offended anyone but I thought by putting some realistic numbers into this discussion would help put a clearer perspective things. Gilabno: Greater Secrets

Mimers	23 Feb 2003
Sorry, but I have to stick my nose in. I have been following this thread since it began and I never got the impression that any one was whining. The impression I got from this thread was someone was asking for feedback on what should be paid. There were examples given of some who charge large fees and don't give much and some who charge small fees and have a lot to offer, and even some that don't charge at all. To each his own I say. If someone is earning a living off of reading tarot I can understand the fees must reflect that. The only whining was perhaps done by me concerning people who ask for donations, but hagle you for more when you offer what you can afford. Mimers

cheekyminx	23 Feb 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Mimers Sorry, but I have to stick my nose in. I have been following this thread since it began and I never got the impression that any one was whining. The impression I got from this thread was someone was asking for feedback on what should be paid. There were examples given of some who charge large fees and don't give much and some who charge small fees and have a lot to offer, and even some that don't charge at all. To each his own I say. If someone is earning a living off of reading tarot I can understand the fees must reflect that. Mimers :) That's exactly what I meant. Thanks Mimers. I probably should have worded myself better. Thank you to all who replied! It was an interesting topic!

dolphingirl	23 Feb 2003
Hi everyone Personally I think it is all about balance. If you decide to charge for a reading you need to decide what you want to accomplish out of reading for people. Is your main goal to bring in a steady stream of money? Well then you need to decide how many hours you want to work and what the market will bear. If your primary goal is to help people and make alittle spending cash they you may wish to rethink how much is enough. Keep in mind if you turn it into a job where you need to bring in a certain amount of money and work so many hours that can be the quickest way in the world to sap the fun out of it. Once it changes from something you like to do to a way to make ends meet it often no longer becomes fun. As to how much is to much.... If I was to do readings for pay I would probably but a box or something and just tell the people that whatever they can afford is good and have them put it in so that they don't have to feel bad if they can only afford $5 then that is all they have to give and I don't have to feel bad for asking for a certain amount. DolphinGirl

GreaterSecrets	24 Feb 2003
See that's what I get for butting in! I'm not sure your first post was very clear to me 'minx', it appeared that the thread drifted away a bit and I got caught. In any case I humbly apologize for the use of the word "whining", it was not my intent. A person needs to earn a living. Now if it is by employment at another task other than divination, then the fee you may charge for a reading would be less for a few reasons; most prominently less practice, less exposure to clients, cards and situations, etc. My educated guess is these folks charge $20-$25 per reading with no real time limit or a very hazy one at best. Some individuals have the opportunity to make their hobby their occupation, in which case the value of the reading will be appropriately higher. I have a bit more experience with these numbers. Current averages are somewhere around $35 per half hour with a $60 per hour rate for a live reading. I have no experience with internet or telephone readings, and have some serious misgivings about these, so others on the forum will have to supply some realistic numbers for these prospects. So there is a dramatic fee difference between the full-time reader and the part-time or hobbyist reader. I do hope the sense of "the numbers" from the point of view of a sitting practitioner helps put a perspective on what you could possibly charge (that was my intention). Gilabno: Greater Secrets

cheekyminx	24 Feb 2003
I appreciate your reply GreaterSecrets. I was only making a comment, not saying that it's bad or anything to charge for a reading, as people do need an income to survive in this world. I just wanted to get as many different replies as possible. But I must admit that you have sumed it up quite well :) Thanks

The Charging 4 readings thread was originally posted on 17 Feb 2003 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.