Inclusive Pricing

I had the opportunity to chat with a pastor’s wife recently about retreats.  At the time, we were few weeks away from our 2013 retreat, and she had also been planning their women’s retreat–so we compared notes.  We are doing ours at a retreat campground, using their hotel on site.  Meals are provided, and we will be eating together with other groups in a dining hall.  Women are staying 2-3 per room.  Price for this retreat ranges from $125-145 per person for a two-night, four-meal retreat.

Her women had planned a weekend retreat about 350 miles away.  They were renting a bus for travel and hotel upon arrival.  Meals were to be determined when they arrived.  Their retreat cost was approximately $350 per person plus the cost of meals.

Now, I understand that different groups expect different things from a retreat.  And I’m sure their retreat will be lovely and a fun weekend away in a vacation locale.  But what comes to my mind is:  How many women can afford a retreat like that?  Are women being priced out of that retreat?

As you plan your retreat, it may be tempting to do something elaborate.  But consider this–is your pricing excluding women?  Could you change something so that it would include more of your women?