Tiered Dues

As the name implies, tiers are levels of benefits received for a specified dues amount. Under the traditional fair share dues model, the cost of membership is scaled according to the number of employees or revenue of the member, with occasional variations such as total deposits for bank members or the number of beds for hotel members. With tiered dues, benefits increase as the investment level increases, no matter how many employees are involved.

Lower tier benefits include listings in directories, web sites and mobile apps. Typical middle tier benefits include free email blast advertising, booth discounts at trade shows, or a profile of the CEO or company in chamber publications. Upper tier benefits usually include all the benefits of the lower tiers plus such things as invitations to select events like breakfast with the mayor or advocacy trips, customized research reports and free consulting services.

Tiered Dues Q & A

FAQ What benefits can you offer in a tiered dues model?

FAQ How do I explain my chamber's move to a tiered dues structure?

FAQ What are some of the potential downfalls of tiered dues?

How long does it take?

Next Generation Dues Trends (free) - Presentation by consultant Cathi Hight (ACCE business partner)

On slide 10, Cathi answers this question: It can take from 6 months to 3 years based on the implementation plan. For successful initiatives, plan for a longer transition (see slide 11 for "Best Practices for a Smooth Dues Model Change")
Also see her Next Generation Dues Trends eCourse (for purchase)

Who can I ask for advice on implementing tiered dues?

Tiered Dues Contacts - A list of chambers willing to serve as resources for fellow ACCE members considering implementing tiered dues.

Sample Tiered Dues Schedules

FAQ Are there examples of chambers who have changed their membership model to include an a la carte feature that is inclusive of non-members?

FAQ How should member votes be distributed in a tiered dues model?

See all Tiered Dues Samples
ChamberRVA (Va.) - Five tiers, ranging from Core Level to Partner Level. Investment levels within most tiers vary considerably and are tied to FTEs. Separate prices are available for community and human services organizations; individual departments of local government and state agencies; and K-12 colleges, schools and universities.
Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce (Tenn.) Membership Brochure with Tiered Dues - Describes tiers and membership benefits at each level.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Membership - Includes membership benefits, dues calculator, joint membership options with other area chambers, and an upgrade option to Gold Membership level with increased benefit options.
Columbus Chamber of Commerce (Ohio) - Four tiers ranging from Access Connect to Leadership Circle.
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce (Colo.) Membership - Lists membership benefits that are built on investment levels, rather than employee size; Includes online member application.
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce (Fla.) - Offers several tiered level options as well as a tiered Trustee membership. Members receive a variety of benefits/services and partner savings. Daytona says that "Advocacy is the cornerstone of our Chamber and is why we are looked upon as the Chamber of Influence.”
Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association (Colo.) Membership - Offers tiered dues for members and is all-inclusive in that they include all businesses with a license on their website, but members can choose from tiered levels for full benefits of membership.
Greater Omaha Chamber's (Neb.) Membership Dues - Provides dues structure for a variety of business types (including non-profit) and includes an online application.
North Orange County Chamber (Calif.) - Offers traditional tiered dues and an "all businesses" option for ribbon cutting. The tiers are outlined in this tri-fold membership brochure, “We are Your Chamber."
Vail Valley Partnership (Colo.) - Offers 7 tiered levels to choose from, plus non-profit organization rates.

Articles

How to Increase Chamber Membership Value by Implementing Tiered Dues - by MemberClicks (ACCE Business Member content - requires registration)
Tiered Benefits: A Better Solution? - by Joe Rominiecki, Associations Now (April 2016)
4 Tips for Chambers Considering Tiered Dues - Chamber Tips from Frank J Kenny
Revenue Models: Choose Your Dues, by Katherine House, Chamber Executive magazine (Fall 2013)

Surveys and Research

Membership Statistics from ACCE's Operations Survey - includes data on tiered dues and membership models.
ACCE's Chamber Revenue Models Whitepaper - Free 76-page white paper that examines income trends for chambers of commerce (December 2013)