Private Lesson pricing.....(getting away from the Philosophical debates)

[Ryu (JKD?)]

since I'm finally certified to teach JKD concepts, I have been doing lots to start up my Instructorship.

I wanted to ask any of you what you feel a good starting price for private lessons in JKD would be?

I'm thinking $50 dollars an hour would be fair considering what others ask for....and since I'm new to the game as of now.

But what do others think? What's a good price plan for privates?
25 an hour? 50 an hour? 35?
What do you guys think?

Please post and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.

Ryu

[Szczepankiewicz]

The price you charge depends on what market you're in. I would never pay $50 an hour for anything, not even from Mr. Nipplesworth! But I'm cheap that way.


In Boise, most schools charge between $50 to $65 a month for general classes and usually a private lesson per week.

I've never taken private lessons from anyone. I've had a lot of one-on-one time with my Jujutsu instructor, but that just kinda happened when no one else showed up for regular classes.

I would suggest that you start out lower per hour, Say $30 an hour and see how many students you get. If you get a bunch you can raise the price for new students as they come on board.

Supply and demand.

Good luck.

Oh, and when are you putting on an all day seminar?

Spanky

[Great Sage]

Hahaha... Way to stay out of philosophical debates, Ryu...

I’ve been an assistant instructor with my own dojan and a head instructor at a fitness center. Basically, we offered monthly and yearly rates: $45 a month and $375 a year, which saves you some money. Also, there’s an introductory fee of $120 which includes a uniform, sparring gear and 1 month of lessons. Then, for people who just want to try things out, we offered a week plan that cost $25 and you recieved a plain white uniform.

I’ve only taken one private lesson in the past and it cost me more than $200/hour. Most established guys generally charge in the hundreds.

Here’s my advice... Get a pen and paper and write down how much you believe you’re worth... That figure will tell you how you feel about yourself. Ask yourself if you feel better or worst after you’ve written it down. Generally, it will be an honest evaluation of yourself. This is the first lesson I learned in business.

If you like teaching people on a personal basis, then it will eventually show it’s worth and people will recognize it. In the beginning, that’s more important than making lots of money, which may or may not happen, but it’s a risk everyone takes.

Otherwise, you can open a gym. Gyms are generally more accepted and generate more income for non-established martial artists, such as ourselves. However, there’s more of a burden to bare.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Damn man! What did you learn for your $200?

[Tim Mousel]

Hi,

You could also check some of the local gyms in your area to see what the personal trainers are charging. That could help you find a reasonable amount.

Don't price them too low though or people will wonder what is wrong with you. Most people equate cost with quality.

Depending on your market, $50 is reasonable.

Good luck!

Tim

[crouton]

wow, seriously man what were you being taught for $200/hour. was it a well known person?

[brokenelbow]

Men, $50.
Asian chix, free!

[eXcessiveForce]

I charged $80 an hour, I figure why would I do private lessons unless i was well paid for them. Figure that a class of 20 makes you good money for an hours worth of work. I have met people who charge well over 100

[Thai Bri]

Why not just show them the videos you learned from?

Sorry, couldn't resist it.

[Ryu (JKD?)]

LOL
I forgot the name of the guy who was implying that....

Ryu

[moma_news]

Not to burst anyone's balloon here, but you should be very careful about this discussion.

Price fixing is a serious offense.

I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know if it could be viewed that way, but I'd be very careful.

[salamat po]

What do you mean MOMA?

[Thai Bri]

Lol - that momma guy can't be serious. Surely

[Paul Sharp]

Ryu,
Congrats on taking the plunge, enjoy the ride, stay true to your ideals and turn your back on the critics, besides, you and your guy's will never face a critic on the mat or in the ring, only on the internet.

I charge $50.00 per hour for 1-2 people. $100.00 per hour for 3-4, more than 4 people starts to get into the clinic/seminar range.

I recommend people bring a training partner and split the fee, plus they have a partner to help remember coaching points. I also recommend that they video tape the session as this helps them to remember coaching points and gives them a visual means to critique their performance. If they don't have a training partner I bring in one of my guy's that is in the same weight class and of a similar skill level to give them a good workout and help me evaluate and customize their game. (the problem with having to bring one of your guy's in is that you have to give them their cut of the fee

When coaching private sessions I make sure I don't present too much material (information overload) and I HIGHLY recommend they only book one hour (conditioning). I've had people book 3-4 hours only to watch them lie face down on the mat after 30 minutes, completely gassed. They stagger through the rest of the session but they really aren't there, mentally or physically.

Hope this helps. If I can help with anything else or just to say "hey, you suck", you can e-mail me at, info@straightblastgymillinois.com

[moma_news]

I'm not joking.

Here is a brief description from a website called FreeAdvice.com

WHAT IS PRICE FIXING?

Most state statutes provide that fixing the price of a product or service in agreement with another individual or business is illegal. The general rule provides that a vendor may not in combination with another vendor agree to set a certain price thereby creating a fixed price within a certain market.

A business acting on its own and not in concert with another may use legitimate efforts to obtain the best price they can, including their ability to raise prices to the detriment of the general public. Also, conformity of prices within a given product is not illegal unless such conformity was created by a combination of vendors agreeing on a set price.

For example, where competitors agree to sell their goods or services at a specified price, minimum price or maximum price and they receive profits from such an agreement, they are in violation of price fixing. Additionally, setting a price to be charged only within a certain area in order to get rid of competition or to create a monopoly is generally illegal under most state laws.

A majority of states have also enacted a "Below-Sales-Cost" law wherein businesses may not sell goods below cost if they do so with anti-competitive intent or effect.

This information is only a brief summary of the extensive price fixing laws and regulations. For specific application of price fixing regulations, please consult with an attorney.

You decide for yourself. It's your ass, not mine!

I'm sure there are no lawyers out there viewing this with a smile on his/her face!


Seriously, although this would probably not be considered price fixing, my point is that you need to be very careful when it comes to discussing price among peers & competitors.

Just a bit of advice. Take it for what you think it's worth.