How to Price Your Tarot or Astrology Services
Pricing your services as a tarot reader or astrologer can be one of the most challenging parts of building a spiritual practice. Whether you're just starting out or you've been practicing for years, it's important to set a rate that values your time, skills, and experience while being competitive in the market. In this guide, we’ll break down how to price your services in a way that reflects your worth, keeps clients happy, and helps you grow your practice sustainably!
1. Don’t Charge Per Spread – Charge Per Hour
A common mistake new practitioners make is charging based on the number of cards or complexity of a reading. However, it's much more reliable to charge by the time it takes you to deliver the service. Not only does this create a clearer expectation for your clients, but it also allows you to set realistic goals for each session.
Learn Your Timing: Take the time to understand how long certain readings take you. For example, a Celtic Cross spread may take longer than a 3-card spread. Knowing your timing will help you better estimate how much time and effort a session requires, allowing you to set a fair price.
2. Start with Your Area’s Minimum Wage
A good baseline is to start with your area’s minimum wage. Even if you're just starting out, this ensures you're compensated fairly for your time. Over time, as your experience and demand grow, you can raise your rates to reflect your expertise.
What to Include in Your Price:
Years of practice
Costs of materials (tarot decks, astrology software, etc.)
Continuing education (books, courses, workshops)
Time for prep work and post-session analysis (NEVER underestimate this!)
3. Under-promise, Over-deliver
It’s always a good idea to manage client expectations by under-promising and over-delivering. This means that you should aim to deliver the essentials of a reading in the promised time while offering a little extra, like pulling an additional oracle card or offering an extended follow-up if necessary. This adds value to the client experience without making them feel rushed or overwhelmed.
4. Advertise Your Minimum Time
When marketing your services, always advertise the minimum time needed for a meaningful session. For example, instead of promoting an hour-long session with too many guarantees, offer a basic half-hour session and explain what will be covered. Any additional time spent on further interpretations or follow-up can be framed as added value without overwhelming the client at the start.
5. Consider Your Experience and Skillset
As you gain more experience, your prices should reflect that growth. More experienced practitioners are able to offer deeper insights and more refined readings, which justifies a higher price point. Be sure to consider how your education and experience translate into your pricing.
Additional Factors for Pricing:
Certifications or specialized training
Client testimonials and reviews
The complexity of the service offered (e.g., natal charts or career readings)
6. Value Yourself
It’s crucial to recognize your worth in this field. Don’t let anyone tell you that divination services are worthless! Pricing too low can lead to burnout, as you’ll feel underappreciated and overworked. On the flip side, if you value yourself and your services, clients will feel the same. As you adjust to demand and market conditions, always reassess your pricing to reflect your value!
7. Research Your Local Market
Before setting your rates, it's crucial to do some research on what other practitioners in your area charge. This helps you stay competitive and ensures you’re not underpricing yourself. Look at local metaphysical shops, community centers, or online directories to see what tarot or astrology readers with similar experience levels are charging. Be sure to consider how long they've been in business and the types of services they offer.
For example, in some areas, 30-minute tarot sessions might be priced at $65, while 60-minute sessions could range from $90 to $110. Rates can vary widely depending on the location and the practitioner’s experience. By doing some local research, you'll have a clearer idea of where your services fit in the market.
8. Offer Packages or Bundles
To maximize value for both you and your clients, consider offering packages or bundles. Instead of offering only individual sessions, think about creating options like:
Multiple-session packages: Offer clients a discount if they book multiple readings upfront (e.g., a 3-session tarot reading package).
Mixed modality bundles: Combine different services like a tarot reading with an astrology consultation for a bundled price.
For instance, you might offer a 30-minute tarot reading alongside an oracle card reading or a follow-up session for one flat fee. This approach increases the perceived value while encouraging repeat bookings and long-term client relationships. Bundles give clients more flexibility and allow them to explore different services, which can be a great way to showcase your full skillset.
9. Emphasize Transparency
When setting your pricing and communicating with clients, transparency is key. Even if you offer quick readings, it's important to understand that certain formats may give off the wrong impression. For instance, five-minute readings are not inherently scammy, but they can seem like they are due to their association with unethical practices from the past. These quick, “free” readings were often used as a gateway to upsell clients by convincing them they were cursed or needed to pay RIDICULOUSLY large sums to remove negative energy.
To avoid this perception, be clear and upfront about what clients will receive during any short reading. Provide detailed descriptions of what’s included, so they understand that even in a quick session, they’ll get valuable insights. This way, you can combat any negative optics and build trust with your clients.
Be Clear About Time Limits: If you're offering a 5- or 10-minute reading, specify exactly what can be accomplished in that time. Transparency helps manage expectations and ensures your clients feel they're getting their money’s worth.
Avoid Hidden Costs: Never surprise your clients with extra charges. If additional time or services may come into play, be clear from the start about what those might be, so the client can make an informed decision.
Ultimately, it’s about maintaining a professional and ethical reputation. The more open you are with your pricing and services, the more comfortable your clients will feel trusting you with their spiritual journey.
10. Adjust Pricing Over Time
As your experience grows, demand for your services increases, and you invest in further education or certifications, it's natural to gradually raise your prices. This signals to clients that you're continuing to grow and enhance the value you provide. However, raising prices requires thoughtfulness and clear communication with your audience.
When I was starting out, I did a lot of free readings to build publicity, which eventually led me to landing my full-time private client. This journey was LONG and required nurturing strong relationships with loyal clients who saw the value in my services. My most loyal client tipped generously and booked monthly, which allowed me to grow into the salaried position I hold now - something rare for this industry! These are the types of clients you want to take care of as you grow, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated as your prices evolve.
Here are some tips for adjusting your pricing effectively:
Give existing clients advance notice: Notify your current clients well ahead of time about any pricing changes. Consider offering a “grandfathered” rate for loyal customers as a gesture of appreciation.
Highlight the added value: When increasing prices, make sure you're communicating the added value that comes with it. Whether it's your new skills, certifications, or even improved service quality, your clients need to understand what they’re getting for the new rate.
Transition slowly: Rather than making a sudden, large jump, consider increasing your prices in increments. This gives both you and your clients time to adjust and ensures that your new pricing is accepted more easily.
Remain flexible: As you attract more clients willing to pay your increased rates, you'll also notice that certain clients may drop off. That’s okay! It’s all part of evolving your business to align with your goals and the value you offer.
By being open to gradual price increases and transparent about the process, you allow your clients to grow with you, cultivating loyalty and trust.
Pricing your services as a tarot reader or astrologer involves balancing what you’re comfortable charging with what the market will bear. Start with a baseline that reflects your time and materials, and grow from there. Always keep in mind that your skills and experience are valuable and deserving of compensation!
Happy reading!
