fee raise problem.

[jeremyjchilds]

I'm not sure if I have made a mistake

I taught for a while with a certain fee. WHen I noticed that I was filling up, I raised my fee for new students. I have never been even remotely questioned about my fee (with the new students) so I have decided to raise my fee in the fall for returning students as well. My ratio of new to old studets is 50\50

Wouldent you know it, there is more complaining from them than I could have ever expected. Was it a mistake to have two fees?

[Astyron]

Yes.  Are your fees the same now?  You should have the same fee for everyone.  Think about what that hourly rate represents:  your time.   Isn't your time worth the same whether you're teaching a new student or an established student?  If people don't like your new prices let them find a new teacher.  That's not your problem.  As you said, you're filling up.  There'll be new student to replace those who leave once your prices are equalized.  However, you shouldn't change your price twice in one year (up). 

[Bob]

More demandds for you time, like you've mentioned.

You also have to pay for keeping up to date -- teaching materials, attending conferences, all that.

I think you should have the same fees and policies for everyone.  Just to be fair (or even to appear "fair" to everyone), because it's a lot easier, and because over time the differences between "new" and "old" students may become nil.  One student starts taking lessons a year before another.... after a few years, it's not that much of a difference.

You are not locked into a policy.  You can change it at any time.  Just announce the new policy and when it goes into effect.

It's their choice to take lessons.  They don't have to. 


You could avoid telling them you're raising fees in person by sending out a mailing.  Withtout emphasizing it too much, announce that your fees have increased and the reason is that you need to keep up with professional development in order to do your best as a teacher.  Then give them a deadline for responding so you know who plans to take lessons.

[lagin]

Well, I'm raising my fees in the second semester this year from $10.00 per half hour to $12.50.  If I get any new students, they will automatically be charged this, rather than having one fee then suddenly another a few months later.  The students that I have with me now may keep the $10.00 charge until then.  I think of it as sort of a bonus for them.  After all, they've been with me for longer. 

It will be the same, most likely, when I raise my fees again in the future.  Those who are new now won't be new then, so they may keep the standard price until the fee raise date. 

Basically, if I'm planning to raise my fees, and someone registers within a few months, I'll just get them to pay the new price.  Their turn will come, as inflation is an ongoing thing over the years. 

So, Jeremy, if I was you, I would just explain it to them like this if they question you.  My dad's an electrical contractor, and it's the same with him.  The customers that give him regular business (like someone who builds homes and sell them for a living), get a discount.  It's the same with stores.  Buy two, get one free.   

[Siberian Husky]

man i wish my teacher taught for these kinda prices

[lagin]

I'm sure you're getting much better teaching than I could give.  I'm just a newbie myself   But if you moved to Canada............lol.

[jeremyjchilds]

Lagin, that is what I did, and now the problem is that having two different fees can be a problem, even organozationally.

[Siberian Husky]

I'm sure you're getting much better teaching than I could give.  I'm just a newbie myself   But if you moved to Canada............lol.

*moves to canada*..im here

[Bob]

I wouldn't want to keep track of all that.  One fee for all I say.

If you're committed to some kind of policy, then you would have to honor that.  If it's open ended and doesn't have an end, then I would make one -- just announce that on x date the fee will be x amount.

It makes sense the old student will complain.  You've just upped the amount they pay for the same service.  Who wouldn't be upset by that?  The new ones don't know any better.

I'm assuming you upping the fee by a small amount.  I can imagine the reaction if the fee was suddenly doubled.  Then the parents have to decide whether to keep taking lessons or spend time searching for someone else or whether they can afford to give their child lessons anymore.  And it's all your fault since you're the one who controls the fee.  That's why I've heard small changes are good.  I would bet those parents will be expecting the teacher to be at their best and those parents will probably be a little more motivated to be on time and have their child practice too.

[lagin]

Well, Jeremy,
If you explained it to them, then that's all you can do.  They either respect you for it, or they leave, and hopefully someone more understanding takes their place.  I find that standing your ground in an assured, polite manner, shows that you "know what you're doing," and the parents are more respectful.  (On a side note, I find that dressing professionally, even if you teach out of your living room, creates a more respectful atmosphere, too.)  Just thought I'd throw in my "lesson of the week," hehe.

People like to know where they stand.  It's the same with little kids.  They kick and scream when you put your foot down, but they love you for it.  Be polite, be gracious.  If they ask you for reasoning, give it.  But be firm at the same time.  Not necessarily in demeanor, but in resolve.

I'm rambling now..... 

And I'm glad your "trip" to Canada was safe Siberian Huskey.  No snow here yet though.  Sorry.

[ashcatty]

I usually mail out invoices to my students every month, and what I do is if I am planning on raising the rates, say in September, I start on the June bills with a notice that the rates will be raised starting in September, and I do this on the June, July, and August bills, that way the parents have time to get used to it, and any students I start before that I start at the "new" rate, eventually everyone should be paying the same.  Some people complain but they get over it eventually!  People need to realize how hard piano teachers work, that we just don't sit at the piano all day and it's all fun and games! We also have to take out taxes, and health insurance etc. from our pay checks!