F*ck ‘Affordable’ – How to Sell Fantasy (Not Minutes) Like a Luxury Brand

Blog Post Written By: Melrose Michaels

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As creators, we spend endless hours perfecting our craft, connecting with fans, and building our brands. But if there’s one topic certain to make even the most seasoned performer squirm, it’s pricing. I see it time and time again—talented creators charging less than they deserve, fighting for fan attention, and burning out fast. It's not just about the money; it’s about the message your prices send.

In today’s post, we’re flipping the script: F*ck ‘Affordable’ – How to Sell Fantasy (Not Minutes) Like a Luxury Brand. I’m breaking down the core principles from the On the Whorizon podcast: why undercharging is harmful, how to craft emotionally charged pricing strategies, and the proven steps to elevate your offers for bigger sales (and less stress).

Let’s get into it.

Pricing Isn’t About Minutes—It’s About Perception

When I first started mentoring creators, I’d repeatedly see one mistake: pricing content based on length or effort. If you think a 10-minute video should be worth “X dollars” because of how much time you spent, you’re missing the true value fans are seeking.

Your price tag isn’t just an amount; it’s a statement. Low prices often whisper, “This is disposable.” Higher prices say, “This is special, rare, and valuable.” Fans rarely notice the exact duration—they care about the experience, intimacy, and access you’re providing.

If you want to stand out, stop thinking like you’re selling fast food. Think like fine dining—a memorable, exclusive treat.

The Emotional Value Fans Are Really Buying

Let’s get real: fans don’t pay for videos; they pay for feelings.

When someone unlocks your PPV or subscribes, they might think they’re getting “10 minutes of high-def footage.” In reality, they’re investing in the sensation of intimacy, the thrill of direct contact, and the safe, personalized exploration you provide.

I’ve seen creators make $100 from a 15-second custom voice note. Why? Because it created intimacy and a sense of uniqueness for the buyer. Understanding this psychology lets you price your content intentionally—not by the clock, but by the depth of the experience.

Ask yourself before pricing: What emotion does this content deliver? Price it to match the feeling, not the length.

Tiered Menus: Serve Every Fan, Not Just Every Budget

One of the simplest strategies to lift your revenue fast is creating a structured, tiered offer system—just like in the club world. Not every fan is ready to splurge, but everyone can spend something.

Think of three tiers:

• Entry/Lurkers: Teasers and behind-the-scenes for $5–$10, offering curiosity and access.

• Mid: Bundles or lock PPVs for $25–$50, targeting value and satisfaction.

• Premium/Whales: Customs, name drops, and curated bundles from $100+, delivering luxury, intimacy, and power.

  
  

By knowing your tiers and matching offers with fan segments, you instantly maximize your earning potential (and waste less time on low spenders). And remember—fan equals customer; treat it as business.

The Power of Anchoring, Scarcity, and Upselling

Ready for the sales hack nobody’s teaching creators? Use psychology in your offers:

• Anchoring: Show the highest price first. A $35 clip feels cheap if it follows a $150 anchor, even if you always intended it to be $35.

• Scarcity: Make offers available for a limited time—“24 hours only,” “self-destructs at midnight.” Fans hate missing out.

• Upselling: Always give every buyer a chance to spend more—offer a personal touch or customization right after their purchase. Often, 50% will say yes to a smart, inexpensive add-on.

  
  

Try this: anchor your next video at double the usual price and then “drop” it as a special. Add a 48-hour window and a personalized upsell. Watch your conversion rate spike.

Raise Prices—Confidently and Kindly

I know it’s scary to raise prices. Creators worry about losing fans. But the truth? You won’t lose the right fans. Raising your rates weeds out freeloaders and bargain hunters, and creates space for qualified, respectful buyers who make your business sustainable (and your inbox manageable).

Communicate the change—“Grab anything you’ve been eyeing before the price goes up next week.” Add bonus value if you like, but never apologize for charging what you’re worth.

You are the CEO of your business. Act like it.

Action Steps: Turn Pricing Into Power

• Stop pricing by minutes; start pricing by value.

• Build a tiered menu for all fan types.

• Incorporate price anchoring, scarcity, and upselling into your DM strategy.

• Raise one price this week. Watch what happens—and don’t look back.

  
  

You are not “affordable”—you are an experience, a fantasy, a high-ticket service with emotional ROI. When you price like it, your brand becomes unforgettable.

PS: If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your prices and start treating your brand like the powerhouse it is, come join us inside CEO Society — our private community built just for adult creators. Get access to strategy sessions, real-world tips, and a crew that actually gets it. You don’t have to do this alone — let's build your empire together