Why not align your bill rate with your social/political agenda?

You have probably heard of Socially-responsible investing. Basically putting your money where your mouth is. How about for your own bill rate?

As taken from Wikipedia:
“In general, socially responsible investors favor corporate practices that promote environmental stewardship, consumer protection, human rights, and diversity. Some (but not all) avoid businesses involved in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, weapons, the military, and/or abortion.”

Why not use your own rate to advance your support for similar causes?

Maybe you give a discount to clients that recycle, give to human rights groups, or support the Red Cross. Maybe you charge more for businesses that are engaged in polluting the environment, or contribute to causes with which you don’t agree.

As a business owner you have the freedom to set prices. Aligning your price with your belief set helps you live by your own principles.

One problem altering your rate based on these factors is how to assign value. Does not supporting the United Way raise your rate by 50% or $50?

Widely used pricing systems (cost plus, value-based, or performance-based) do not account for this type of price discrimination and value assignment.

In case you were wondering – Wikipedia -
“Price discrimination” is a technical term meaning only differentiation in price by customer, and is not intended as an accusation of illegal or unethical behavior.

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