Alternative economics

So, if I want to be paid a living wage, cover my running costs, and have a little extra to invest in my work, I'm going to be charging in the realm of £3000 - £5000 for an instrument depending on how much time it takes to make. That is a lot of money to most people. I want most people to be able to afford my instruments and services. So, we have a problem!

Now, I'll definitely be making most of my money the usual way - but I want to try something different. I want to offer flexible payment agreements, for example, discounted prices via skills or service exchange. Let's say you're a welder and I need something fabricated - we might agree to figure out how many hours of your time that would take, apply my wage rates, and come out with a discount on a custom build or service from my shop. Sounds a bit out there, but bartering like this is hardly a new concept - in fact, the correct term would be reciprocity. I believe community and trust will be fundamental to our survival through the coming storms of climate crisis and political upheaval. Local economies, circular economies, trust based economies. Focusing on the small scale, making sure the needs of your community are met by a network of hands all with different skills and passions. Well, I'm one of those hands - are you? Further reading

Reciprocity

Informal Economy