Selling a membership is very different than selling a tangible product.

"Stuff" creates emotion more effectively than "membership." For members of your association or chamber of commerce, creating greater value is the emotion-generator from which they will buy. The best practice in membership is to turn your benefits into a quantifiable list of emotional reasons from which to base a buying decision.

Switching your dues-based organization to a tiered investment strategy is the smart way to demonstrate value to your membership.

ChamberThink began out of the many requests from chambers of commerce to simplify their conversion process from traditional dues to tiers.

Contrasts in Structure

Traditional Dues

• Based on number of employees

• Benefits the same regardless of investment

• Punishes businesses for growing

• Does not segment or differentiate members

• A la carte purchasing requires multiple "asks" each year

• Unclear reason for buying

Tiered Dues

• Based on choice

• Benefits increase with investment

• Grows with business-member

• Segments and differentiates members

• Simplified annual planning and purchasing

• Specific reason for buying

Membership organizations across North America are changing their marketing approach to a more balanced strategy of benefits, mission and recognition appeals.  A tiered dues structure compliments this balanced appeal, giving members the ability to choose their level of support and engagement.