Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I have been teaching X for two months, his mother always tells me that she refers other people to me. Which is great. BUt the other day she said, because I gave you referals, I want you to teach X for more time, but the same price.

I was really put off and didn't konw what to say. I guess in the beginning, if we had agreed on a referral system with discounts, it would have been great. BUt I'm upset that she referred me, becuase she had something up her sleeve and just wanted more classes. I'm already giving her a discount, beucase I teach X every day. BUt still.

Anyone been in this situation before?

[MO39]

[naturegirl321]

I have gotten one student from her. Three more hours a week.

I don't konw if she'll find another teacher, and she hasn't said HOW much extra time she wants. I like the kid, so I don't htink I'll take it out on him. I often stay a bit more, but making it mandatory is annoying.

I teach him every day for 45 minutes a day, so it's not much, but I do plan out lessons. The thing is she's never happy. First only conversation, then no conversation, just reading, then she wants Maths, and now a whole curicculum because she wants him to go to first grade and he's too young.

[MO39]

She's sounds like a real "kvetch" (Yiddish for "complainer"), so no matter what you decide to do, she'll never be happy. I'd just focus on working with the child and ignore her as much as possible.

[Glenski]

She gave you the referrals, but you were under no obligation to take them, right? So, in effect, she gave you nothing. One student, in fact, so you said, out of several possible ones. Hardly worth a discount on every future lesson you give her kids.

Go ahead and decide, but realize that you should actually be raising prices in this day and age, not lowering them. Many private students want the cheapest rates possible, but many others will also realize that some teachers are giving lessons for rock bottom prices. Friends of mine who have politely (and in a very businesslike manner) announced they were going to raise prices were told by their students (especially the older ones), "Well, it's about time!"

Besides, if you give a discount to her, she will pass along this info to the next person, and you will be forced to give discounts to them, etc.

Explain that you only accepted one referral, and that your business (yes, emphasize that private lessons is a business!!!!!) does not have a policy for discounts on referrals.

Are you teaching every week? I used to give a monthly rate that was the same whether the month had 4 weeks or 5 weeks of lessons. Students caught on that in months with 5 weeks, they actually got one lesson for free. Are your rates similar?

Also, do you get reimbursed for traveling to the lesson? Think of that, too. Transportation costs are rising these days, especially if you have to spend money on gasoline to get there.

From what you described, the mother is not happy no matter what you do, and is actually trying to set the curriculum, when that should be your job.

[willraber]

Hmmm, . . . How about: "I'm about to resturcture my teaching rates for the fall and winter season. But for you, since you've recommended students to me, I'll give you the old rates."

There is no exception to the rule that everyone wants to be considered an exception to the rule.

[Kootvela]

Thank her but inform that one-sided voluntarism was not agreed upon at the start of her child's teaching. Imagine, I have more than ten private students, if they all start doing me all kinds of favours and asking for things back, I'd go a) mad b) bankrupt. You do this once for her and the word spreads, soon all your private students will start asking for stuff. Tell her no!

[naturegirl321]

She's already getting a discount. From 50 soles an hour to 45, now less if she gets a discount.

I teach him every day.

No transport.

Nope, the mother's never happy.

[MO39]

[Kootvela]

[SueH]

[Mock horror] - After all the time you've been on Dave's where is your teacherly solidarity in holding the line on prices!

You know you're worth it, you know you don't want to reduce your rates and I think you are right to come here for moral support!

You could also try the line that you are unable to give any _further_ discounts, and suggest to your client that perhaps if she is finding financial matters difficult you should do one less lesson a week. My betting is that she'll bridle at the suggestion that she is doing this due to lack of money, and you won't hear it mentioned again.

Occasionally throw in the odd sweetener - overrunning a lesson, a free one on their birthday etc - but do it on your terms. As soon as you show weakness in a business relationship people will try to take advantage.

[Kootvela]

Surprising as it may seem, that can actually work!

[naturegirl321]