Job Discussion Forums

[Buddha5254]

I am trying to move to Mexico next summer to begin selling artisan crafts, and hopefully to also teach English. I am a native english speaker, could I just do private tutoring sessions? What would be a competitive rate for this? I was kind of hoping to live somewhere without a lot of other gringos, and just having small classes and 1on1 sessions. Any advice would be great, thanks!

[Guy Courchesne]

Honestly, you'd be hard pressed to find a place in Mexico where there isn't an american, Canadian, Kiwi, Aussie, Irishman, Brit, etc doing the same thing.

There's still lots of room so you would be able to get private students. If you are untrained, you might have to rely on looks rather than ability in teaching...charge your students accordingly.

Rates depend on city. When you get into town, ask around and see what the other expats charge.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

Keep in mind that locals' views along with the views of immigration officials vary throughout the country regarding foreigners working here. If you plan on "being legal" in your business of selling artisan crafts, setting up your S.A. de C.V. can be a complicated and expensive process. In some locations, local artisans may not welcome your competition with open arms. Read that to mean that in some locations if you work illegally selling artisan crafts, you'll be reported to immigration.

As for private EFL tutoring, again I think it depends on location and how you go about it. Based on what I've observed, in general many people who have training and/or experience teaching EFL do okay with private tutoring, while most of those who rely only on being native English speakers usually don't.

Obviously, what you can earn doing private tutoring depends on location, supply/demand, and quality/quantity of the competition. Even within one city, going rates can vary greatly. Also, keep in mind that if it's not on your work visa, then technically/legally you can't charge anything for your services. That in itself can put you at the mercy of your students regarding how much you expect them to pay you for your services.

Mexico is a big country with lots of variety. I'd suggest that you do some research into particular areas of Mexico that appeal to you rather than focusing on the entire country. Try to find out what situations for tutoring EFL and selling artisan crafts are like in those specific locations. Just my humble opinion.

[moonraven]

I agree with Ben Round, but with a few additional comments:

Selling crafts in Mexico sounds a lot like carrying coals to Newcastle. What kinds of crafts are you talking about?

If you're not a teacher, your chances of making enough money to survive on while getting a business (difficult to do legally, by the way) going here are not good at all. People are not fools here--they want to take private classes from someone who is highly recommended by folks they know. (I am constantly asked to give private classes, but that's because I have been here 12 years, have directed language schools here and am known to be a great teacher. I don't give private classes because they are too much trouble--at least the money aspect of them--and I don't recommend that others go that route either.)

[arly]

I second what moonraven has to say about private classes. I'm a qualified ES/FL teacher, been in Mex. for 14ys. and have taught Eng. with various institutes and unis. Trying to give private classes are a big headache. If you want to make a living from it, forget it. My experience has been students are too inconsistent and drop out after their enthusiasm wanes. Most of them don't enroll in a school because their schedules are already too full, and then they become too busy to come to English classes.

[Buddha5254]

Maybe I should clarify on the artisan thing....I want to buy from the people who actually make them and sell them over ebay and possibly set up a website. I definitly dont have the capital or desire to illegally set up a shop in Mexico. The info and advice on the private lessons is well appreciated! Now Im leaning more towards going to get certified. THanks everyone, and if you have any other comments feel free

[joshua2004]

I think it is possible. Thats basically what I am doing. Over coming the visa is your only real concern. Come down here with some money to float you and figure it out. �chale ganas! Tu puedes!

HE DICHO!

[Guy Courchesne]

Speaking of ebay, which I have been using to complete my Xmas shopping this year, you'll run into the trouble of high shipping costs from Mexico. I bought a slew of Mexican goodies and sent them home to Canada last week...and I bought them all from US suppliers. Probably saved a fortune on shipping alone.

BTW I set a new record this year by finishing my Xmas shopping on Nov. 17th...I'm usually the guy who finishes shopping at midnight of the 24th at a 7-11. Cigarettes for mom, 6 pack of cough-syrup for Auntie Em.

hohoho

[moonraven]

Buddha: I would never even consider running an arts and crafts business from here.

Let me contextualize that a bit--what I did for a living in the States was run a business consulting firm--helping people set up and run businesses in Santa Fe, NM, and discouraging those who were going to lose their shirt before they opened.

I always said my smartest clients were those who took my advice not to open their businesses.

If you want to buy arts and crafts here and sell them in the US--I would suggest that you get your feet wet by contracting with shops in your area who want specific items in a specific price range, make a trip to Mexico for the stuff--and then see how you come out. That will give you an idea of some of the pitfalls in the business you are considering. It's going to be a hassle--but less so than trying to run a business from Mexico.