We at B!KE have been grappling with the question of how to structure
payment for our drop-in shop hours. This is our main program and
therefore our most consistent income generator.
Currently we have a $20 annual membership fee, which is great because
it's (reasonably) accessible for most, but less great because it's
rather inadequate as far as covering our expenses (we have about 100+
new & renewed memberships each year- not going to cover the bills),
and is probably too little to ask for from those who use the shop
frequently or those in higher income brackets.
We've discussed two-tiered membership fees (regular and un/
underemployed) or workstand rental time. It's really important to us
that the use of the space is not out of reach to anyone, but we're
also reluctant to have an overt volunteer-as-payment system because we
don't yet have the infrastructure for that, and frankly, we do need
the cash.
I was checking the google docs spreadsheet to see if it listed
different organizations solutions to this, but I don't think this is
up there yet. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
Sarah Follett Director, B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop 400 Wolfe St Peterborough, Ontario (705) 748-6681 http://www.communitybikeshop.org