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AIBU?

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Original poster

Parents not paying for tutoring, getting beyond a joke now

287 replies

Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:12

This is where I should probably have a written agreement rather than relying on the goodwill of parents as I have done until now.

Started tutoring a GCSE pupil just after Christmas, agreed duration, rate and method of payment were agreed in a phone call before the Christmas holidays.
At the end of the lesson, we verbally agreed to continue the following week.

At the end of the very first lesson the father asked for payment methods and I sent over my bank details immediately after the lesson.
No payment sent, still nothing the next day. I sent a polite reminder, still nothing. 2 days after that I got a 'So sorry I totally forgot!' And a payment that evening with the wrong amount.

I advised on the correct amount, after the next lesson same thing happened. No payment after 3 days, so I texted saying going forward I will require payment within 24 hours of each lesson. They apologised and sent the payment and said they'd set a reminder.

The following week they sent it within 24 hours, so I thought the issue was resolved.

2 days late the week after. This time it's been 4 days and I haven't had the payment.
I've had enough now, they wouldn't do this with another paid service. I am still waiting on Thuesday's payment and I shouldn't have to be chasing up every week. Aibu to just tell them I won't be returning? I feel like they do not respect my time, I don't want to let the pupil down as it's not their fault.

OP posts:
ForAmusedHazelQuoter · 16/02/2026 14:31

Rockstick · 16/02/2026 14:20

I don't think 2-4 days is a long time to wait for payment for freelance work. Having to chase payment is one of the perils of being self employed.

Would you get away with paying for a haircut three days late?

RegalDiamondMonster · 16/02/2026 14:30

If I were the parent I would prefer paying in advance on monthly direct debit, anything to make the admin easier! They are clearly not good at remembering to pay after the lesson which isn't fair on you.

myfriendsellshouses · 16/02/2026 14:30

You need a proper contract that sets out everything, what happens if you or they are ill , or on holiday etc. It should state the hourly/session rates and payment terms.

All the tutors I know charge upfront for a block of sessions, so per month or even per term

BarbaraVineFan · 16/02/2026 14:30

I did a bit of tutoring in the past. I used to get paid in cash, which they handed to me as they arrived- if they hadn’t given me the cash, I wouldn’t have let them in! Could you do something like that?

Original poster
Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:29

I do agree I've been far too lenient and so I will take on the above advice

OP posts:
ForAmusedHazelQuoter · 16/02/2026 14:29

How about half term prepayment to be paid by a certain date and that’s it?

Jellycatspyjamas · 16/02/2026 14:29

Rockstick · 16/02/2026 14:20

I don't think 2-4 days is a long time to wait for payment for freelance work. Having to chase payment is one of the perils of being self employed.

It a long time for a session by session service especially when you’ve been told the payment terms are 24 hours.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 16/02/2026 14:28

I'd tell them that due to the number of late payments you're changing your terms to payment 24 hours in advance

saltandvinegarpringles · 16/02/2026 14:27

Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:24

I can have a proper contract but they can still ignore it. I think they've shown what sort of people they are.

If they ignore a contract you can enforce it and take them to small claims court.

Twasasurprise · 16/02/2026 14:27

Perhaps charge double next time to get up to date, plus the next lesson a week in advance. Or a block payment. The first time they forget, drop them. Or drop them once you receive the owed payment.

You can have a proper contract or the verbal agreement you currently have, but YOU need to stick to your terms. You've been too lenient with them so far.

SarahAndQuack · 16/02/2026 14:27

I put my payment terms on my invoice, and I do think 24 hours is steep TBH. I also think it's dodgy not to send T&Cs but to expect people to act as if you were behaving professionally. And YY, it'd be perfectly fair to say you want payment in advance if you feel they're really at risk of not paying. But I think mostly, people treat you as a professional if you behave like one.

Springisnearlyspring · 16/02/2026 14:27

You need to set out your terms and conditions in writing.
So when payment to be made, cancellation terms etc. Reserve right to request payment in advance.
If you don’t need their business day you are ending arrangement from today due to repeated late payment.
If you do say you are moving to payment in advance and if not paid the session won’t go ahead.

dottiedodah · 16/02/2026 14:25

It's a while ago now .but I had a Tutor for my Sons 11 plus . I paid 6 weeks in advance (half termly) .I think I would cancel TBH. This happens so often with Tutors. People "forget" but never seem to do the same with their gym membership or hairdressers.You are not responsible for their DC education, they are! Lots of parents would like PT but cant afford it.I would like a new Range Rover, but instead have an old Ford. Thems the Breaks!

MyBrightPeer · 16/02/2026 14:25

Right, take a day to sort out your admin - term and conditions to all your clients, pre-payment of bookings and for the family who keep forgetting, drop them as a client and bill for anything outstanding.

Gnomer · 16/02/2026 14:25

Thee was someone on here whose tutor had them pay the whole month at the beginning of each month. I think makes sense and no one has to keep remembering or reminding.

AndyMcFlurry · 16/02/2026 14:24

Put all your T&C and agreed dates in an email .

Ask for payment for a month in advance by standing order/ block of 6 sessions or similar.

Yes they are being unreasonable but you have allowed it by acting like a teenage babysitter and not a professional service.

Original poster
Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:24

I can have a proper contract but they can still ignore it. I think they've shown what sort of people they are.

OP posts:
saltandvinegarpringles · 16/02/2026 14:21

I’ve voted YABU as you should have a proper contract with proper T&C’s.

Original poster
Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:21

Rockstick · 16/02/2026 14:20

I don't think 2-4 days is a long time to wait for payment for freelance work. Having to chase payment is one of the perils of being self employed.

But they have been told more than once it's required within 24 hours.

OP posts:
Lampzade · 16/02/2026 14:21

Agree that you should let them go.
Then start asking future clients for advance payments
I would charge for lessons in blocks of 5 .

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 16/02/2026 14:20

My dd does online tutoring. The clients are expected to pay prior to the lesson. No payment, no lesson.

They always pay.

Rockstick · 16/02/2026 14:20

I don't think 2-4 days is a long time to wait for payment for freelance work. Having to chase payment is one of the perils of being self employed.

Original poster
Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:18

I hate how people being forgetful is used as an excuse, they wouldn't forget to pay for their shopping, car MOT, haircut etc. Barring some sort of cognitive issue.
I think they're just not worth the hassle, I know it's partially on me though.

OP posts:
Dweetfidilove · 16/02/2026 14:17

Terminate them and take the new clients. Going forward, agree payment 24 hrs in advance with new persons.

Bubba2dueJuly26 · 16/02/2026 14:16

Sashavelour65 · 16/02/2026 14:15

I did but someone else has sent a request so maybe I won't need them. I tried to insist on payment within 24 hours, I could try payment per term, but having to chase them every week is ridiculous.

I tried to insist on payment 24 in advance - so what happened? This is your business and your boundaries

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