If you live in the Global North, most pricing is designed for you. If you live in any one of the 152 developing countries as defined by the IMF, then pricing is almost instantly out of reach.

Some companies will use a system of tiered pricing, which sets prices based on a variety of factors. This can make their products within reach of developing countries, but not always.

This idea began with a TouchBistro negotiation for Republic Bar & Grill in Accra, Ghana. The rep wanted to charge what they normally charge. To which I explained the extreme difference in cost of living. He worked with us to apply a variety of discounts and programs, which planted the seed for something that could be applied across channels.

It really depends. It could be software, hardware, services - all sorts of things that people buy every day. It also includes memberships, tuition, and other amounts that are determined based on a mixture of 'hard' and 'soft' costs.

Some would simply say "the price is the price" - why should a company have to lower what they charge in another country? The simple answer is that they don't. However if they want to be equitable they should consider it.

Equity in pricing is about taking into consideration the economics of a country or community, and making products and services accessible. While many companies will camouflage their costs, there is almost always a range of what they can afford.

The formulas below were initially conceived in 2020 to address international membership in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The formula (#3) was adopted by the Sigma Mu Sigma Chapter based in Ghana as a way to make membership dues more accessible for Ghanaian members, with the goal of having the Eastern Region and international organization apply the formula to other dues and fees.

The formulas have since been used to create parameters for pricing in other areas, related to memberships, tuition., and fees.