Job Discussion Forums

[Ben]

Im working at a school now, and could just as easily be doing the same thing privately, so I am seriously thinking about going private but Im not sure on what the going rate is... what would be a fair price to charge? does anyone have any advice? not just about how much to charge, but about private teaching in general. It would be a great help as I`ve never taught privately in Japan, only NZ! thanks heaps!

[Glenski]

Ben,
Send me an email and I'll give you an Excel file I made on private lessons.

Meanwhile, here's the info in brief.

Privates take a while to accumulate. People charge varying rates, from 1500 to 8000 yen/hour per person. An average rate is 3000-5000 yen/hr per person. You may consider a per person rate, a group rate (regardless of size), or a group rate that offers a different fee depending on the size of the class.

Privates tire you out, not just because of the extra work, but because of the traveling you (usually) have to do. Some people teach in their own homes, of course.

Privates are not stable. They do not offer paid vacation or insurance options. Students who cancel don't have to pay unless you have them paying by the month. Even so, they will still ask for refunds when they (or you) cancel a lesson.

Be prepared to hold your ground on your business plan, to lose students fairly often, and to get potential students who constantly want discounts.