New Program... charge how much?

[bushido_man96]

The only problem that I have seen with the "drop in" payors is that they don't seem as obligated to show up, and the class dwindles to nothing quickly. If you charge a fee for a month, then those who pay the fee are more likely to feel inclined to show up more often.

I understand what you are saying, but my answer to that would be that the content of the lessons should be enough to make people want to come back.

True, but it is not looked at the same as a Martial Arts program. It is an aerobic exercise program; not the same. I don't think people take them as seriously. They can always find another form of exercise.

[Zanshin]

The only problem that I have seen with the "drop in" payors is that they don't seem as obligated to show up, and the class dwindles to nothing quickly. If you charge a fee for a month, then those who pay the fee are more likely to feel inclined to show up more often.

I understand what you are saying, but my answer to that would be that the content of the lessons should be enough to make people want to come back.

True, but it is not looked at the same as a Martial Arts program. It is an aerobic exercise program; not the same. I don't think people take them as seriously. They can always find another form of exercise.

Maybe I live on a different planet, but being asked to pay for something monthly in advance would not make me more enthusiastic about it. Quite frankly people who feel that they need to pay "upfront" for lessons in MA or Aerobics in order to encourage themselves to train more regularly are numpties really.

[bushido_man96]

I think it is similar to paying for a monthly gym membership, really. About the same thing.

[Zanshin]

I think it is similar to paying for a monthly gym membership, really. About the same thing.

I do understand what you are saying, I am just playing devils advocate really. I have an inherent personal dislike for paying for some things up front, and Karate/Gym membership is one of them.

I look at it this way; do you pay your supermarket for your groceries monthly up front? No! So seriously, what does a gym offer that a supermarket doesn't in that sense? They have the cost of staff, building, rates and equipment etc. just like a gym does.

[bushido_man96]

So, if you buy a brand new car, or you going to pay for it all up front?

At the same rate, if you teach, do you pay per class? I know that some places, moreso in the UK, do this, but I have never done it. If you are a student, do you pay monthly, or by the class?

[Zanshin]

So, if you buy a brand new car, or you going to pay for it all up front?

At the same rate, if you teach, do you pay per class? I know that some places, moreso in the UK, do this, but I have never done it. If you are a student, do you pay monthly, or by the class?

I am student and a teacher. I pay for my own training on an "pay as you train" basis, and my students pay the club where I teach the same way, no contracts upfront payments or monthly direct debits from the bank.

I have been training that way for 22 years and teaching that way for the past 10. It’s a very happy union which, although uncommon in the States (by the sounds of it), is very much the norm throughout the rest of the world.

And I don’t pay for my cars upfront either, as I have company cars.

[bushido_man96]

It must be nice to have a company car!

Yeah, in the U.S., paying monthly is a common theme.

[ironsifu]

hi,

i had a business teacher (not in school but a guy who help me learn business), who said, you have to decide, you will be the best price, or the best product, but it dont make sense to try and be both.

you can try to be cheaper than the gym, but then the gym will tell people, they have more stuff for the money (and you not going to be cheapest anymore). but if you price yourself to be the best, they will chose price or value.

its like cars. do you want saturn, or mercedes. depends was important. save money or get results. my idea is, people want cheapest, but only when the quality doesnt make a difference. kind of like you can buy dish soap in the dollar store or grocery, but your not going to get your food there. my advice, charge what you are worth, then when they jump explain why your not the cheap guy.

[pegasi]

If your class will be aimed toward parents of current students among others, having class fees on a similar schedule to what they pay for the kids lessons would be fair, I'd think.

If you can offer classes at adjacent timeslots to classes with a lot of parents that bring kids, you may get a lot of attendees that way, given that if they're bringing the kids and thus are already there, its more motivation to attend their own class.

If you have room to have classes at the same times, that could even work too, parents may like being able to squeeze in their own workout while their kids are in class. Poll the parents.. you might get a lot of takers if you can offer a class for the parents while the kids take theirs.

Having fees both ways often works... charge say $40 a month for 2 classes a week, but if they want to pay per class, then charge $8 per class. Thus, they get a discount for paying monthly, but can pay per class, if they'd rather.

[Shotokan-kez]

I could be talking utter rubbish here as i have never ran my own club But i would be careful with this. I think its a brilliant idea for the mums and parents of students. But i would consider that some of them may be single parents and may not be able to afford anything to high if they already have students at the club. However you also have to think of your own costs.

I know that i struggle to pay for myself and my son to train, and we are very cheap. Like i say i know not a lot about business, although i think its a great idea and i hope it works for you.