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Do you refund?
1. One person paid and attended only one class. I have tried to contact her without any results? Even if I could contact, should I refund?
2. One lady put together a class at her workplace. I amended my prices for them, meaning I charged my normal amount as if at the center I use. I explained the cost, and let her know that I needed at least 3 people to make it worthwhile. She promised at least 3, and stated 6 would attend. Only 3 prepaid and attended class, and only one has shown up since. Since they prepaid I saw no problem.
The coordinator of the sessions called, and has quit her job. She will not be attending class. She has asked for a refund after attending only one session.
a. Since I told her needed at least three, since she is aware of this, how would you handle it? Refund or not?
This only leaves me with two in the class. If not, how would you word the conversation?
b. What if others start asking for refunds b/c their work schedules would not allow it? They picked the time for the class, not me.
3. What are your policies?
I am starting out, by myself, and trying to prove to my husband that giving up my day job (praciticing medicine) to do what I love is worth it....
1. One person paid and attended only one class. I have tried to contact her without any results? Even if I could contact, should I refund?
2. One lady put together a class at her workplace. I amended my prices for them, meaning I charged my normal amount as if at the center I use. I explained the cost, and let her know that I needed at least 3 people to make it worthwhile. She promised at least 3, and stated 6 would attend. Only 3 prepaid and attended class, and only one has shown up since. Since they prepaid I saw no problem.
The coordinator of the sessions called, and has quit her job. She will not be attending class. She has asked for a refund after attending only one session.
a. Since I told her needed at least three, since she is aware of this, how would you handle it? Refund or not?
This only leaves me with two in the class. If not, how would you word the conversation?
b. What if others start asking for refunds b/c their work schedules would not allow it? They picked the time for the class, not me.
3. What are your policies?
I am starting out, by myself, and trying to prove to my husband that giving up my day job (praciticing medicine) to do what I love is worth it....
posted by:
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Charlotte
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 7:54 AMI am goign to say..
practice medicine and start teaching yoga at teh Y.
Peopel niggling you about refunds etc. will eat up mor etime than you may realize.
You will likely have to either give refunds or end up with a lot of controversy which will drain yoru energy.
Yoga teaching is chancy at best for a few months as you begin.
You dont have to have it .. just yog aor just medicine.. work in an WER 3 days a week adn teach yoga 2 odf the other days at a Y or a health club if a studio is nto ready to take you on. Many studios are full of time slots and instructors. -
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 4:31 PMall of that sounds liek great advice.
I apologize fo rnot editting my entry earlier. i am renting computers and was hurrying and dont touch type well.
Mayeb you coudl provide physical therapy with yoga as a base.. you'd need at least the right legally to advertise adn to plac eyour hands on a person.. which you ough tto hav ewith an MD.
or go the other route and get trained as a yoga therapist..
let us know
I am curious.
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 8:00 AMKris:
It depends on the situation and the outcome I want. You might choose to cancel the workplace class and then give them a partial refund. If you continue to teach it I would not offer a refund. I would invite her to use her credit at my other classes. I have started offering people private lessons in lieu of unused classes (at private class rates.)
People don't generally ask for refunds. I keep inviting them back to class. I am pretty willing to stretch my 'expiration dates.' I think if people come they will keep coming. If they only come once they don't really get a chance to benefit and learn the effects of yoga.
These kinds of situations have helped me to clarify my policies and remember to tell people about what those polices are from the beginning.
And -- it is really difficult to make a living teaching yoga. In my small town with 20ish yoga teachers only one or two are really 'supporting themselves' with yoga teaching.
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 9:12 AMI like Vajrana's suggestions.
You should have a signed contract (your students should have a copy) stating your policies so you and your students know for sure whats going on.
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 11:39 AMa quick addition:
using the royal "we" or company policy actually makes it easier. Use this even if your a sole proprietor and the only employee. And give some option so they feel like they have a choice. Something like this:
"we can't give refunds for unused classes. you do have the option of converting your remaining classes to private lessons. "
or
"company policy is that we don't give refunds for unused classes. would you be interested in trying one of our other classes."
"company policy prohibits refunds for unused classes. However, I can extend your expiration date." -
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 3:12 PMThank you so much for your inputs!!! I feel much better about feeling miffed. This woman actually tried to get the classes 'free' since she "set it up at" her work.
Man, I so want this to work out, but am seeing the writing on the wall........ -
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Re: Refunds for class
Wed, June 11, 2008 - 9:27 PMKris,
It's difficult to aim at making a living teaching Yoga. Sometimes that mentality lends to being disappointed if only 3 people show to a class rather than seeing that as a great opportunity to give some more personalized, one on one type, instruction. I have come to LOVE smaller classes because the bigger ones tend to unnerve me. Though I'll make more money, the flip side is that I cannot pay close enough attention to all of the individuals in my class. I am just one person, sometimes trying to keep up with 20-25 ppl at a time. Take at least three of those people and make them brand new to Yoga, first timers. Giving them the attention they need (anatomically) is trying while keeping up with everything that everyone else needs.
10 people is nice. Big enough to feel the energy, small enough not to allow anyone to hurt theirself.
My end point here is that Teaching should first and foremost be something that you Love to do. When and if the stress of anything teaching related becomes greater than the Love... well, you know the rest. (responding primarily to your attempt at making a living teaching not so much the refund issue)
Good Luck! Keep your Love of teaching always close by : )
Katrina
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Re: Refunds for class
Wed, June 11, 2008 - 9:30 PMV, that is SUCH a good suggestion! I'll definitely be using that ; )
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Re: Refunds for class
Tue, June 3, 2008 - 10:11 AMkris - Since you've already gotten good advice about refunds and letting people know the rules in advance, I won't add in my pennies. Ultimately it's about boundaries and respect - for yourself and your students.
What kind of medical degree do you have? There are a number of ways you could potentially use certain kinds of medical degrees to create a thriving career in yoga.
