Pricing Ponderings
I originally intended to write this as a snappy opening paragraph for the Camp Curious sales info page, and in true Sarah style it became a mini manifesto, so here’s the long version...
A note on pricing.
It may seem strange to open an event info & sales page with a note like this, but as you can probably tell I'm not interested in doing things the expected or 'traditional' ways.
It's becoming devastatingly clear that the ways, systems and structures we've been subscribed to, conditioned by or indoctrinated into are not working for a lot of folks and are indeed harming or neglecting so many.
With that in mind I want to try and tell the truth as much as I can. The truth of my work, my approach, my hopes and my realities. It is uncomfortable, but important to me.
So if you're interested in the ethos and experience that we're creating with this event and my programs, and you're keen to scroll on and learn more, you'll also want and need to know the ticket price. When you reach it, you might think it's not enough, too much or just right, I invite you to ponder the following considerations.
Sustainability
I aim to consider environmental impact wherever I can, for example, I only print on recycled paper and ideally in Aus, which is usually more expensive than the alternative
Local economies ~ I aim to support small or local businesses where possible, for example, the snacks in the welcome kit will be sourced from a tiny homemade business in regional South Aus, inherently more expensive than a bigger company but so much more impactful for that person, family & community
Diversity
I'm acutely aware that I have many privileges and inherent biases as a cis white woman in suburban australia, I have my unique perspectives but cannot and will never speak to every experience so I plan my events and offerings to include contributors from a range of perspectives, this costs money to do well
Paying for labour
On that, I believe speakers and contributors should always be paid, it may not be at their highest amount whilst I build this event but I will never ask anyone to work or speak or donate items for free (unless they offer for their own reasons of course), especially not women, gender fluid folks or people of colour. Exposure does not put food on the table, never has never will.
Collective success
If we're going to do something, I want everyone to feel fulfilled, supported and remunerated. I am a single mum, solo entrepreneur in a challenging economy (with no assets or savings) and need to consider costs and wages and profit and at the same time if anyone is supporting this project I want them to feel rewarded.
For transparency, I have created a sliding scale affialiate approach, where contributors agree to a base rate for their fee and then once we hit our minimum number to go ahead (32 in person), the more people attend the more they get paid. It is an experiment but I'm really excited about it and feel energized that it's a way to work together to share the word but also engage in circular economy / collective wealth in a way that feels generous and mutually beneficial.
Tax n shit
Don't know about you, but I often neglect to leave enough space for income tax, super, bank fees etc. And that doesn't serve anyone in the long run. Plus I adore (and benefit from) pay plans but they do add admin labour and fees, not as much as the mark ups you sometimes see but something to consider.
Generosity for Guests
The realities of running events are delicious but they are detail heavy.
In this case, there is event hire, labour, catering, insurance, transaction fees, styling, printing, photography, video, professional AV for a high quality livestream, consumable art materials, take home goodies, snacks, sensory supports etc. Not to mention potential PR and marketing and so on, to reach the folks we want to be in community with. I am determined to leave no stone unturned to ensure this is the most delicious, supportive, nourishing and energising experience. You will be able to feel it. And remember it forever.
Donations & Non-profits
I have a number of charities and projects I will support with a percentage of profits because as I heard Catherine Deveny say 'every dollar you spend is a vote towards the way you want the world to work' and I am so here for that.
Accessibility
In regards to financial accessibility, I want to have sponsorship spots and concession spots which means I also need general admin spots for those who can fit that in their budget. I want to reach, serve and support as many folks as I can but that cannot be achieved from a place of undercharging, over-budgeting or over-working. I have learnt that the hard way in the past and with encouraging mentoring I am attempting to do that differently and set an example or a model that you can see in action.
In regards to physical or psychological accessibility, it is important to me to offer the supports required to ensure every attendee has the access they need and are as comfortable as possible. This includes offering a high quality virtual livestream ticketing option, as I have heard feedback from some folks that when many events went virtual due to pandemic restrictions it is the most included they’ve felt and now that that is happening less often they are excluded again. Same goes for those who may not be able to travel due to care responsibilities. It is not simple to offer a high value virtual experience but I intend to keep it as a high priority of mine.
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Final thoughts…
As always these creations and experiences are how we change the world and also they are only ever an invitation. There will always be ways to engage with my work, ideas and experiences from $8 to $8000 and I hope to keep it that way as long as I'm an artist and business owner (ie. forever)
Questions, thoughts, ideas on transparent pricing, fair wages and community minded wealth?
Hit me up ~ camp@sarahharney.com a fairer future isn't gonna build itself right?