Job Discussion Forums

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Hi,

For those of you who do informal private lessons, do you have any kind of cancellation policy?

I was given about 5 or 6 classes (on the sly) when I got here from a girl who was leaving around the same time, and I've left prices as she had them and (I assume) our arrangements have also been left the same. However, my Monday night class (a small group of women) cancel often. Today, they just emailed me at 5:40 to cancel our lesson that was to be at 8pm. I had prepared a lesson plan and also not planned anything for the evening due to there being a lesson.

What do other people do in these kinds of situations? Should I set up some kind of cancellation policy because cancellations are pretty annoying Embarassed

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Hindsight is 20-20, but I'm sure you will appreciate the advice that you should have known what the arrangements were before you agreed to accept the lessons.

How are you getting paid? The best way is per month or per several months in advance. Do you get paid more for longer months (5 vs. 4 lessons)? Are you getting paid for transportation? How about food or drink in the cafe? Does the fee change in any way for them if fewer people come?

There is no accepted standard for a cancellation policy. I would advise that you ask your friend what her policy was. If not possible, announce that since you do make it to class every time, cancellation less than 24 hours before class will not result in a refund.

Beyond that, it's up to you to decide what to do. You could accept 1 cancellation per month with no penalty, if you like. Or accept none, and keep the cash for every single lesson.

Don't dictate the terms tyrannically or angrily. Just mention that because a lot of people have canceled recently, you would like to be sure that everyone understands the business arrangement. Yes, it's a business, and they need to understand that much, no matter how casual your lessons are. The lessons pay part of your rent, utilities, food, etc. just like a regular job.

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Thanks for your reply.

I get paid after every lesson except for the trouble lesson, which pays me at the end of each month (for that month's lessons). I'm a bit bemused at how she set up this one lesson because (not that I'm money grabbing, but) I get 5000 for 1.5 hours, and there are around 5 students in the class. They sort the money out themselves and the 'head student' give me an envelope with the money in. If she had been wiser she could have charged each student 1500 or something per lesson and gained a bit more money. I get no travel money, it's not at cafes, I scooter to their houses. They provide cake and tea.

I don't really want to change the current situation, but add a clause.. something like "if you cancel on the day of the lesson, you still have to pay half" or something. Again, I'm not after more money, I would just prefer not to be messed around when I could be spending my evenings doing something better. Glenski, do you do privates and if so, do you have policies like this?

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

To the OP...

With Human Nature what it is (and we all know), you are inviting them to walk all over you if you don't have a strict cancellation policy...I would abuse the situation if I was them...it's what we all do. It is down to you to lay the rules on the line...no-one else

Get them to pay a one lesson 'deposit', then make it clear that they have to give 24 hours notice to cancel or they will lose it and have to repay the deposit for you to continue.....it is not unreasonable by any means. Don't try to be nice.....just be pro.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

some good advice there

I suppose it boils down to how much these lessons, students are worth to you! and just how much they do actually cancel.
If you are on very good terms with them, why not talk about it (you say its a group of girls). Be honest, tell them you had a lesson planned. Say that this is happening a little too often etc etc.
But if you don't feel you could do that, then maybe its better to put your foot down? There are quite a few variables here that only you know, so its hard for us to say.
I have done a few private lessons and have never chargerd for cancelations, but I didn't do it for very long and it was a side thing.

If its an ISSUE for you, then deal with it. But becareful, they might go elsewhere

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Have them pay for four lessons up front. When they miss a lesson they make it up. So for example if they miss the second lesson the next two are 90 minute lessons. How does that sound?

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

I ask the students to pay if they cancel within three hours of the lesson. On the other hand, if I am absent and give them less than three hours notice, then I do the next lesson free.

Everyone seems happy with that.