Job Discussion Forums

[applejuice39]

Hi, I was wondering how people generally go about collecting private tutoring fees (in a country where one is not a citizen)? Do you only accept cash? And do you collect at the end of each lesson or at the end of every month? Really appreciate any help. Thanks!

[Glenski]

Cash only, and a month in advance is pretty standard if you want to be guaranteed payment. Of course, many people collect after each lesson is taught, but that only causes problems because at that moment, the product is "sold" and cannot be taken back if a student announces that he cannot pay at that time.

Teaching privately is a business as much as any other formal institution. Let your students know this. It pays for your rent and food like a company's salary would.

[Chris_Crossley]

When I was doing private tutoring in order to make extra cash (yes, cash, not booze or grub), I would insist that the students or their parents pay at least four lessons in advance. Just to make sure, I would ask my wife (who is Chinese) to make it clear to everybody, so that there would be no misunderstandings. Fortunately, I had few problems, usually concerning genuine forgetfulness on the part of the parents, but they always paid up in the end.

[distiller]

Yes, either get the money up front or immediately after the lesson. None of this once a month after the lessons have been taught nonsense. I would opt for cash in hand rather than paper trails for nosy taxmen, although that is only a problem in countries with strict tax enforcement.

[Gordon]

I am in agreement with everyone else. Cash in hand at the beginning of the month. Make a rule about cancelled classes too. I tell my students that if they cancel the day before then they are not charged for the class. Within reason, of course and it depends on how well you know them. If they are sick, no problem, I am not entirely heartless. This avoids the "travel to the class and then they want to cancel". Never had any problems, you need to be upfront about the guidelines, it is a business. Treat it like a business and they will respect you too.

[merlin]

A dissenting vote
When I teach off the books its a gentleman's agreement and if I can't trust the person I won't let them into my house. Usually the price is steep enough that only people with a substantial disposable income can afford it so its not a question of them suddenly going bankrupt and not paying their private tutor.
I've never had a off the book student stiff me for a fee. Sometimes they cancel but they've always paid for the services I've given them.

A lot of its cultural. For me in Europe I think it makes me seem more desperate/amateurish if it appears like I desperately need money but can't give them change for a large bill. So for me payment is monthly after the lessons and If I can't make change I just say "No problem, next week is fine. "

[Gordon]

Merlin, it must be cultural. I think if you took that stance in Japan or Korea they would see it is amateurish. Of course, once you have had a student for a long time, then all rules go out the window.

[dmb]

Is it just me? I don't like doing privates. When i do, I charge alot. When the student pays i kind of feel guilty. Don't ask why, I just do.

[merlin]

I used to feel guilty until I visited a few of my student houses or saw the cars they drive or heard where they went on holiday that year.

Whenever they start to play that "Oh, lessons are so expensive!" Routine I just try to imagine how much their (or their wife's) hairdresser charges. Then I remember the plumber I called who charges more than I do just to come out and do 10 minutes work.

Nope - no guilt left at all. One guy making twice what I make kept hinting that private lessons were so expensive so I gave him the flyer to a school I worked at a few years ago and told him if he wants to pay less he'd have to share the teacher's attention with at least 5 other students. I don't know - the body chemistry between us just wasn't right or something so I was kinda glad to see him go. I don't like well-off penny pinchers that much. Somethihg i have to work on.

[Gordon]

I have felt guilty before, but if it is too much they would quit or not start in the first place. One student of mine pays 10,000 yen/hour (about $90 US) but then there is a 25 min. drive each way so it is almost 2 hours of time taken up. It is a lot, but they have no problem with that and they even offered to pay for a taxi each way if I didn't have a car. I wish we had more of these kinds of students.

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