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AIBU?

To feel a bit hmm about this?

17 replies

RedWineLips · 23/10/2015 20:54

I offer classes for a certain children's activity at a very reduced rate, to reflect my skills and experience. Other more experienced practitioners charge approx three times what I charge per hour.

I recently took on a little girl (Jane), giving her the first couple of hours free as is customary for me. Her dad came to pick her up and made some noises about payment but I politely declined. A few lessons in jane (very sweet 8 year old, bright and quite canny) loudly said "oh it'll be great if redwine forgets to charge for this one too, wouldn't it dad" - guessing she must have heard her dad saying it!

I know iab over sensitive but I felt a bit hmm about this? It's almost as if they know they're getting a good deal.

I buy all resources etc myself (which is fine) but I feel a tad deflated now! I really do try hard to prepare and engage her and feel a little like they don't appreciate the service im providing? I am prepared to be told aib!

OP posts:

Report

RedWineLips · 23/10/2015 20:54

I'm not in the uk btw so might be a linguistic difference!!

OP posts:

sooperdooper · 23/10/2015 20:56

Sounds like you should up your fees tbh, why are you knowingly under charging?

PHANTOMnamechanger · 23/10/2015 20:58

I think it's nothing TBH.
Even if he did say that (rather than it just being the childs interpretation of things) it was said in jest. They obviously like the activity, and who wouldn't jokingly say something like 'wouldn't it be great if we didn't have to pay'

Forestdreams · 23/10/2015 20:58

It's just an 8 year old misunderstanding isn't it?

I'm sorry, I don't really follow why you think they are not appreciating you. Yes they are getting a good deal, but they only think because you are doing a good job.

RedWineLips · 23/10/2015 21:03

Ok thanks, it's English classes (but very high level as working towards an exam, so quite a lot of prep involved) and I'm based in Belgium. Im not super experienced yet so that's why I'm charging a lot less than the norm but wouldn't feel comfortable upping my fees with existing students.

No worries everyone

OP posts:

LadyLonely1 · 23/10/2015 21:04

Have you been clear about your fees and the few hours that were free? If you were then I'm not sure why the 'noises' were made.

pinotblush · 23/10/2015 21:08

I was just going to say the same as LadyLonely. Could you not have your fees/free time printed out and on display?

RedWineLips · 23/10/2015 21:11

Yes v v clear. The dad def knows the fees and times. The noises were made because he was kindly offering payment for first couple of hours even though I had said no need.

Sorry - this teaching business is all new to me. Just moved here for dh's work and I definitely need to woman up!!

OP posts:

pinotblush · 23/10/2015 21:55

Sorry OP I don't get what your hmmm about?

RandomMess · 23/10/2015 22:01

I just think you are being over sensitive.

The dad probably didn't want the hassle of explaining that the trial lesson was free blah de blah so he just said that you forgot and 8 year olds do just repeat the most embarrassing stuff...

Bumbledumb · 23/10/2015 22:11

It seems that Dad feels like he is ripping you off and is embarrassed to be taking advantage of your inexperience. To be honest, you are probably under-selling yourself offering the first few hours for free. You have already set your rates well under the market.

PedantPending · 23/10/2015 22:13

Are you a native speaker?
Are you a qualified teacher?

RedWineLips · 23/10/2015 22:21

Yep, native speaker, no not a qualified teacher but have about a year's plus teaching experience in this area. Have a MFL degree and good qualifications

OP posts:

AgentProvocateur · 23/10/2015 22:26

They're not going to appreciate you if you don't value your skills enough to charge for every session. Does your dentist / plumber / accountant offer sessions for free? If you want to be seen as a professional, you need to start acting like one.

ImperialBlether · 23/10/2015 22:31

Nobody appreciates something if they get it for nothing. It's one thing talking to a child for 15 minutes to see whether you two gel (though I wouldn't even do this) but you're doing 2 hours! And then, despite the fact you're well qualified, you're charging well below the average? You're mad! It's a simple fact that people expect to pay a certain amount and if you charge less, they think less of you.

Keep your existing clients on at the rate you offered them but for new clients, charge the proper going rate. And none of this "two hours free" nonsense!

PedantPending · 23/10/2015 22:56

MFL degree, OK, don't really understand what that means these days and other qualifications, what are these?
Could you switch to business English?
Why concentrate on children?
Don't give free lessons as others have said.
If your are in BE I assume near Brussels, find a niche or a time niche?

ImperialBlether · 23/10/2015 23:05

MFL is a degree in Modern Foreign Languages.

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