Fees on website

[Birthisbeautiful]

Hi!

I am wondering who lists their fees on their websites. I never have, but after a discussion with a fellow doula am thinking about it.

At first I didn't list fees because as a newly trained (and then newly certified) doula, I changed my fees a few times in the first year. 

Now they are pretty set, but I do offer a sliding scale and have bartered for services. While I could put that on the site, I have always preferred to call, email or meet with the Mamas to see if we are a good match, and then discuss payment. What do y'all think?

Thanks!

[momto9kidlets]

I put my fees on my website.  Quite honestly I would rather have them look at my website where they can learn about me and what I have to offer and then if they are interested they can contact me.  If what I offer, or my profile or my fees turns them off then I don't think I should waste their time or them waste mine interviewing.  I know some will disagree with putting fees on the website, but I really do believe that those who call me are open to potentially hiring me.  

Btw - I do offer a sliding scale and have that listed there too.  

[2lilsweetfoxes]

Not a birth professional, but have used doulas for my last 2 (of 3) pregnancies.  When searching for a doula, I automatically eliminated anyone that didn't have a fee listed, as well as anyone whose fee was above an amount I was willing to pay.  It is really up to you whether or not you list fees.  But, if I'm in the market for a doula and come across your site, then don't see a fee, I'm going to figure that I can't "afford" your services.

[rajahkat]

As a consumer, I do prefer to see fees listed, and as a future midwife, I do plan to list my fees on my website.

But I love technology, really enjoy being able to fill out medical history/forms online, make payments online, that sort of thing.  It isn't going to appeal to everyone, so I say do what you like, and you'll attract the sort of client that naturally jives with your way of doing things.

Kat

[Crispie]

I agree with everyone else, from a consumer standpoint I prefer to see prices listed. That being said as a future midwife I will be willing to take payments or even barter, but that's not something I want to advertise for fear of attracting too many clients that want to barter and it not being wise financially for me. So I will likely be advertising prices like most and discussing "alternate payments" as they arise-although I have a couple years left to really think about it. My preceptor does not advertise pricing and has a very full practice fwiw.

[MidwifeErika]

I list mine and really prefer it that way. I always appreciate knowing the fees for services I am interested in as well. I mention the fees as well as the fact that I have a sliding fee scale and bartering in hopes that those who can't afford the full fee won't be scared away.

[momto9kidlets]

Honestly I have on my website that I have a sliding scale and have only had one person ask me about it yet.  That person didn't want a sliding scale though they expected me to do everything completely for free.  I suggested they at least pay my gas money and parking fees and they wouldn't even do that - I tried very hard to work with them, but I wasn't going to go in the hole for a birth either.  I ended up referring them to a certifying doula who was doing births for free and in the end they didn't even call her.  

I think if someone knows they can pay they truly will.  At least that has been my experience.
 

Originally Posted by Crispie 

I agree with everyone else, from a consumer standpoint I prefer to see prices listed. That being said as a future midwife I will be willing to take payments or even barter, but that's not something I want to advertise for fear of attracting too many clients that want to barter and it not being wise financially for me. So I will likely be advertising prices like most and discussing "alternate payments" as they arise-although I have a couple years left to really think about it. My preceptor does not advertise pricing and has a very full practice fwiw.

[Charmie981]

My fees aren't on my website.  I sometimes lower my fee based on someone's situation.  I like to meet the family and get a feel for them, for their commitment to OOH birth.  Also, instead of a sliding scale, I have a slight discount and a generously extended payment plan for my medicaid or special circumstances clients (military rank below e-5, for example).  Also, if I post my fees on my website, then if I increase them, I feel like I need to explain why on my website.  I also feel like if I charge more than everyone else in the area (which I do, last time I checked, by $300.00), then the other midwives in the area will feel like it's an affront to them.  I dunno...I just think fees are too personal and individual to have a one size fits all answer on the website.  I do say on the website that I prefer to discuss fees in person, that I am priced competetively, that I accept some insurance, and that I have a discount for some circumstances and medicaid.  I have some people call or e-mail me about the fee, wanting to know what it is before they schedule a consult.  In that case, I tell them and 9 times out of 10 they consult with me anyway.