03/08/2017

When Examining a Membership Dues Increase, Practice Careful

Being consistent with dues increases, keeping them modest can help an association financially

Whether you increase dues as needed or adjust the rate annually, it’s important to ask: How much is too much for membership dues?

Last week, Costco, the second-largest retailer in the United States, announced that it would be increasing member dues for the first time in six years, mainly due to disappointing earnings results.

The increase is modest—$5 more if you’re a baseline member and $10 more if you’re a premium member. But I’m a long-time Costco member, and it made me think: How much is too much?

Please click here to read the complete article from Associations Now.