Charging more money

[beavereater]

Here it is...

In Japan, if you take a private English lesson at an English conversation school, you pay about 80 bucks for 40 to 50 minutes. The lessons are pretty much pre-determined by the school (And they are shit lessons done by people who have had little or no experience in their life teaching) On top of that, they have to buy anywhere from 1 to 3 years worth of lessons. If they cancel a lesson they have to do so at least 3 days in advance otherwise they forfeit that lesson.

Anyway, since leaving my school, most students now want to study PRIVATELY with me. My school never offered any private lessons, but only group lessons. Unfortunately for me, there weren't enough students to fill the classes and most lessons ended up being man-to-man anyway. They got a great deal at that time BUT NOW they want that SAME deal with me.

The up's to being taught by me are: They are the boss and can choose their lesson times. They get taught at home, or near their office, where ever they want. I buy the books and any material needed. They don't have to pre-pay for years, just a month. They don't have to worry about catching a cold and cancelling and then me taking the money anyway. They will get the SAME teacher (Most schools have different teachers every now and then because the teachers quit or get fired)....

Again, the down side is...most students think they are gonna get the same deal, which I can't live off. I want to be able to explain it to them (They can afford what I am offering...50 bucks a lesson, and for an HOUR)
Anyone know of a way to explain it nicely "Gotta charge you more, cause I can't live off these scraps." probably wouldn't go over well.

The reason I ask is because if they do take my lessons privately, I don't need to get another job (In a company) although I've been offered one. I have to make a choice soon. Most friends here say charge the 50 bucks, and who ever doesn't like it, can go somewhere else.

HELP...

[gll99]

Is there a way to combine students to maximize your time? If they work or live in the same area you could schedule their lessons together. Give them options where private is $50 per hour but 2 or more students is the old rate.
Is there any opportunity for growth where they could bring you business and receive some kind of discount or some private lessons in return. A combination of extra students, combined courses and private lessons might allow you to do this full time. Only you know whether you can generate enough business and income to sustain yourself while working a reasonable schedule.

[lordsmurf]

Don't screw yourself. You charge what you charge. If they don't like it, then they can go pay more at the school.

And then, do not let them abuse a "reschedule". Give an allowance of one re-schedule per month, no more.

[beavereater]

Is there a way to combine students to maximize your time? If they work or live in the same area you could schedule their lessons together. Give them options where private is $50 per hour but 2 or more students is the old rate.
Is there any opportunity for growth where they could bring you business and receive some kind of discount or some private lessons in return. A combination of extra students, combined courses and private lessons might allow you to do this full time. Only you know whether you can generate enough business and income to sustain yourself while working a reasonable schedule.

I would try and group them together, but they aren't all the same level. AND they probably wouldn't want to be together in the same class anyway. I know they just want to get the best deal possible and I HAVE drafted a price list along with an explanation of WHY it's better with me. We'll see what their response is. I know some will go for it...not sure about others. Just wanna teach and be able to live.

[gmatov]

Beav,

I don't understand your problem. To wit:

"In Japan, if you take a private English lesson at an English conversation school, you pay about 80 bucks for 40 to 50 minutes."

"(They can afford what I am offering...50 bucks a lesson, and for an HOUR) "

So,what is the problem, the school is established, they can charge 80 bucks, you, as the teacher they have had, are not established, are not worth 50 bucks?

If you can get the clients to make a living, how the hell can they demur?.

How far does 50 bucks go, anyhow? Not in watermelon, but in dollar terms, as to buying something you know costs 2 bucks at home,say a roll of film for an old fashioned camera, maybe 3.50 now for 24-27 exposure. If it costs 10 bucks there, wow, you might be in trouble.

Cheers,

George

[mrtristan]

Charge what you need to charge. They are getting a better deal for LESS. If your students know what kind of a teacher you are and don't want to pay less for a better deal, they're stupid and don't deserve you as a teacher.

You might want to take that job for now, so you aren't dependent on the income from private tutoring. Do the tutoring on the side, until you gain enough of a reputation to start charging more. At that point, you should have enough students and be charging enough to live off that income.

[Faustus]

Exactly you have a skill they need, you need money to live. Either charge whatever it will take to get by and see if there are any takers or more to plan B. (whatever that might be) but don't short change yourself.