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I’m struggling with last-minute cancellations – what should my policy be? (All Teachers)
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So I meant in your email, does it go straight into payment policy like that? It’s good, straight to the point, but I’d imagine you’d talk about other benefits and things you offer, with payment details at the end? Just a thought
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oh on the first lesson?
ye of course you have a chat with them sometimes make a cup of tea etc and just go everything.. ask what they want to get out of the lessons etc go over how the lessons work not just like… ok give me your money then lol
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Haha no I was talking about your above example email
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I put the cancellation policy in the booking email ye? otherwise your more likely to get no shows? or last min cancellations for there first lesson especially if they get nervous or change there mind. I don’t have it set out like that though i word it like.. so please bear this in mind so its not like.. terms and conditions of the lesson all strict like just clear
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I would really appreciate some feedback from the MGR gang on my recently updated Terms and Conditions. http://lewisleemingmusic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Terms-and-Conditions-Lewis-Leeming-Music.pdf
The general template is from the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ private tuition agreement document, and thus it looks very formal and perhaps even somewhat imposing/scary to new clients. Having had a couple of recently referred students discontinue lessons after the initial consult (due to not being able to pay 4 weeks ahead, or not willing to commit to a no cancellation policy) I am contemplating adding some clauses to soften it up a bit, or perhaps just simplify it altogether to make it more readable and friendly.
I would appreciate the input of those of you more experienced in this aspect of it. I know Matt has some great suggestions, which would be nice to hear in this thread…
Just some background…
When I was teaching in Kent my rules were very bendy (I didn’t have any T&Cs). I accepted payment by the lesson, on the day, usually after the lesson had taken place, and usually in cash. I had no cancellation policy whatsoever but instead would wing it and negotiate/compromise on any cancellations or re-arrangements. This ensured a great deal of flexibility for my students/parents, but it also meant that they could cancel lessons at short notice and I had no recourse for this contingency.
Whilst a handful of the parents were very disciplined (many times offering to pay for lessons they cancelled) there were also many who were not. It got worse over time to the point where lack of pupil’s attendance was so rife that it was not only adversely affecting their progress but also pushing my finances down to the very bottom line.
So, when I moved to York, I saw it as an opportunity to start afresh with some ground rules that would encourage a healthy attitude and commitment from my students and make my business viable. Which is why I came up with this!
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