To set membership dues, start with what it costs to serve a member, look at what similar organizations charge, and price for the value members actually get. Most associations use a few simple tiers, such as individual, student or early-career, and corporate or business memberships. Review dues every year or two, raise them in small steps with notice, and collect them online so renewals don’t depend on someone mailing a check.
Common dues structures
| Structure | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate | One price for everyone | Small groups with similar members |
| Tiered by type | Individual, student, retired, corporate | Most professional associations |
| By company size | Price rises with number of employees | Chambers of commerce |
| Corporate or team | One company covers several people | Associations whose members’ employers pay |
| Chapter plus national | Local dues added to a national membership | Chapters of national associations |
How to set your price
- Add up your costs per member: events, communications, the website and software, insurance and administration.
- Look at what similar groups charge: other chapters, associations in related fields or nearby chambers.
- List what members actually get: event discounts, education, the directory, resources, connections.
- Price for the value, not just the cost. If members save more on events than they pay in dues, say so.
- Keep tiers simple. Three or four options. More than that and people stall.
Use event pricing to make dues an easy yes
Set member and non-member prices for your events so the member discount covers a good share of the dues. When someone sees “save $50 on this registration by joining,” the decision gets easy. More on that in our membership drive ideas.
When and how to raise dues
- Review every year or two, against your costs.
- Raise in small steps rather than large jumps every decade.
- Give notice well before renewals, and explain what the money supports.
- Grandfather or phase in for long-time members if the increase is large.
Annual or monthly?
Annual dues are standard and simplest to manage. Monthly payment can lower the barrier for individuals, but it adds payment failures to chase. If you offer both, make annual the default.
Collect dues without chasing checks
- Online payment by card, with the member’s details filled in.
- Automatic renewal as an option, with a reminder before the charge.
- Renewal reminders 60, 30 and 7 days before the due date. Our renewal letter templates cover each one.
- Invoices for companies that need them.
Frequently asked questions
How much should membership dues be?
Enough to cover what it costs to serve a member, in line with what similar groups charge, and clearly worth it for what members get. Look at peer organizations before you set a number.
What are membership fees used for?
Events, education, communications, the website and member services, insurance and administration.
Should a small association raise its dues?
If dues haven’t changed in years and your costs have, yes. Raise in small steps, give notice and explain what the increase supports.
How do you collect membership dues?
Online, by card, with automatic renewal as an option and reminders before the due date. Offer invoices for companies that need them.
Online dues, built in
Purple Pushpin gives associations and chambers online joining and dues, member email and member and non-member event pricing, on one membership website at one flat price.