Increasing Lesson Cost (All Teachers)

[Jonathan Draper]

I generally tell people at the end of term that the lesson fee will increase. That way, they can think about it over the holidays. Thankfully, nobody has ever said no! It’s quite rare that I increase my fee – generally about once a year. People generally don’t mind an extra pound on lessons occasionally. I don’t have a flexible pricing policy because I’d find budgeting a nightmare.

[Guest Teacher]

Hi. By all means you should increase your fees though I think it’s always a good idea to let the parents know before hand. I normally give them 3 months’ notice and tell them what it will be(the cost). If you communicate with parents by letter, it would be nice to put this in a letter. I personally don’t travel to people’s homes as I find it difficult, so well done to you. After Christmas is a good time to start new fees as it’s a new year and term. Giving notice now gives the parents/carers time to plan and gives you an indication of who is sticking with you next year. I have found that when your students make progress and you are dedicated, raising the fee does not tend to be an issue.

Good luck!

Roda Odari

[Alan Richardson]

Dont know if this helps but I tend to just increase prices on new students. This means you dont spook the existing ones who get rewarded for loyalty. With natural attrition the price increase gradually filters through. You could then go back to original prices easily in the event that the numbers drop off. You have to judge a fair price given the area etc. Good Luck

[Alan Tang]

This is a tricky one.
I also travel and I use travelling costs to cover these outgoings.
I have been a trained teacher for over 12 years now and have taught peripatetic lessons on and off for around the same amount of time.

I am thinking seriously of increasing but am fearful of losing students so I think what I may do is wait one more year and point out that I will be increasing. Any potential new students I have in the coming year I may consider bringing up the cost. It will probably be about £2.00 increase.