Mum told me on the day of tutoring that there is no more tutoring

Has it occurred to you that they might not have the money? Unless you've seen their bank accounts you have no idea, whatever their situation. Again, I appear relatively wealthy, but sometimes my business has shocking cashflow (unpredictably) and this can cause me temporary difficulties. I don't tell people that I employ or that I have services from that I am worried about being able to pay their wages/fees, but at times I am absolutely terrified. You're making massive assumptions about them.

And if anyone is about to come along and say "if you earn enough to appear wealthy you should always have the money for things like this". Why would that apply only to the wealthy? If you earn enough to live, shouldn't you always have enough to live? Managing finances is complicated for everyone.

The way to deal with this is parents do not get refunds for swimming, ballet, gym etc when their kids don't attend. So it's no different for tutoring.

I agree in principle - BUT clubs like swimming ballet etc tend to be paid for termly or half termly or monthly, in advance, so it’s very clear that those are non refundable. I think if tutors switched to this system then it would avoid many issues - parents would have paid for the next X sessions up front and wouldn’t expect to be able to cancel and get a refund.

However, I guess it would look like a pretty large bill and might make some parents think twice about tutoring … whereas billing per session keeps the amounts smaller. And billing after the session makes it easier if the tutor ever has to cancel (illness etc).

You know what, I can appear very disorganised. It's not personal to the people it impacts. Indeed, I am sorry for the impact it has on other people. However, if I screw up and one of the children misses their tutoring, the tutor still gets paid - because that's what was agreed at the outset.

You sound super-judgemental; she's not "normal" because she is wealthy; she's disorganised and that's "shocking".

It seems, in reality, that you both had a slightly different view of the arrangement. I think hers is easier to justify.

This 100%.

I never gave refunds. I'd credit it to the next half term if it was something like last minute genuine illness OR I'd offer another slot if I had one.

BUT I had some parents trying to cancel lessons for after- school sports matches, parties, out of term holidays etc.
Sorry, but our income was based on my earning £X a month.

The way to deal with this is parents do not get refunds for swimming, ballet, gym etc when their kids don't attend. So it's no different for tutoring.

While my approach is different to yours @Oggysfavouritecockroach, I agree with the final line. No one is forced to use me. I'm expensive but no one is obliged to pay my rate. There are much cheaper tutors.

Some posters have mentioned 24-hour cancellation periods being standard in tutoring, which they are, but ime that's not the best approach from the tutor's pov (or the student's, pedagogically speaking).

I always insist on half-termly payments in advance (so the number of weeks paid for varies from 5 to 8, depending on the length of the half-term). If the student can't make the session, it is rescheduled rather than refunded, regardless of the reason for cancelling. It works really well for both parties: parents are getting what they pay for and I have a reliable income (or as reliable as it can be). Some parents don't like it but they are free to choose another tutor.

That is exactly what I am saying 'at best'. Plus the nerves of claiming, and the nerves of enforcing, a true nightmare.

I'd expect payment for today, beyond that just unfortunate. Sorry.

Whilst it's more difficult to enforce if it's not in writing, it is not true that you don't have a contract unless it is in writing.

If you have been supplying services at the same rate for months on end and you have been billing monthly for them then you have a verbal contract to supply those services and the notice period is the payment period, one month.

I don't think that would help in this case, but for other people, you should not assume that you can quit a service you've been using for a long time any time you want with no notice.

Ignore that comment. You had every right to ask for notice payment.

Hmmmm. Not quite.

Payment for 1 lesson should be made. 24 hour cancellation is standard in tutoring.

With respect to everyone on here taking about contracts etc, if a parent wants to walk away, they will. Unless the tutor is prepared to take them to the small claims court, they don't have a lot of alternatives for enforcement.

I've been doing tutoring as my profession for 6 years now. I invoice month end. I've had upwards of 200 students in this time. Only had payment issues twice.

If your service is valued, parents will pay. It helps when you're working from word of mouth referrals, because parents don't want to get a reputation for not paying. But ultimately, other than a 24 hour cancellation fee, nothing you can do.

Incidentally, were you in touch over the summer, to discuss restart date, focus etc?

I can't believe you had the cheek to ask for payment.

You have run your business terribly and you should pay the price for that, not your customers who have done nothing wrong.

Haven't rtft.

OP, there are a number of fb groups for tutors who have experienced and knowledgeable members who ae happy to share their own contracts/T&Cs.

I'm happy to PM you the name of one.

It's a lesson many have learnt the hard way!

That's a different type of claim, and irrelevant to this thread. If you don't think people can apply for enforcement using county court bailiffs, do provide your authority.

I didn’t say it was cheeky but she might think so and badmouth you. She obviously isn’t the most considerate person and wouldn’t think how that could harm your reputation.

Why write something when there already exists draft contracts that you can just use as a framework?

Many people manage to use the small claims court every year and find it very helpful. Thankfully, they don’t all have the tendency to exaggerate like your posts do. I see another poster has explained to you, so I won’t bother repeating what they have said, but it is very clear you don’t understand the process. If you are genuinely interested, why not start looking it up rather than try to derail OP’s thread.

But you don’t seem to respect your work either - you don’t have a contract and are now suffering the consequences of not setting up your business properly.

I’m self-employed too. I have contracts and a minimum notice period. If people want to take a break they have to pay a retainer or risk losing their spot. I also have a waiting list in place.

I lost a long-term client three weeks ago and their space was filled within hours. They gave me notice (as per their contract) so I didn’t miss out and wasn’t messed around either.

Yes and?

You think theyve even given a thought about that?

As far as they are concerned they have no obligation to you as you didn't have a contract. They had no terms and conditions about retention to consider.

You think as it as being a friendship as well as a business arrangement. For them it was purely transactional.

They were never your friends and you have a strange attitude in assuming that the relationship was ever more than just a business one.

Decent tutoring is hard work. They may choose to pay you 'notice', or not. If they are wise, they will hedge their bets as the online alternative may not turn out well. Decent tutors are also hard to find! So, you know your skills and experience, start filling those gaps in your availability and treat yourself as the professional you aspire to be - get contracts! And think carefully before taking this student back.

It IS respected if tutors behave like professionals.

But that means a contract.

I tutored for 20 years (after coming out of schools) and was able to charge the going rate as I taught children and adults with dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD .

I had a waiting list but always had a T&C to give to parents.

I think what SOME parents don't understand is that it IS proper work.
I had to factor in the prep time for each individual lesson - at least 30 mins -
buy printer paper, ink, books, do my tax return, pay NI and tax- all out of the fee.

Some think you just turn up or they come to you and wing it for an hour.

Stupidly, I don't have a contract.

From the OP

Anyone who is a professional ought to be able to compose their own contract.
It's not hard.

Most fees for after school activities including tutoring are invoiced for a half-term. That's 6 weeks. This is how it works for swimming, sport, music lessons, etc.

If tutors work on a 'pin money' basis and don't behave professionally, what do they expect?