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Original poster

Non payment - Private tutor

31 replies

adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 09:47

If someone "forgot" to pay for 3 weeks. Would you cancel the client?

They have no money worries.
They know I do.
Previously excellent client.

OP posts:
ohdamnitjanet · 14/12/2023 09:49

If it’s an ongoing arrangement I wouldn’t go back until I’d been paid. Then I’d want a standing order set up.

Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 09:52

That is what I was thinking.

Standing order in NewYear.

Thankyou@ohdamnitjanet
I HATE discussing money with clients.

OP posts:
mindutopia · 14/12/2023 09:55

Are you sure they have actually received the invoice? Have you followed up with them? It's a busy time of year, and while it's no excuse for non-payment, sometimes these things slip, get lost in junk mail, in the pile of admin that's being done at the weekend. I would send a reminder if you haven't. If they are a good ongoing client who you want to keep and you think it's very likely a on-off mistake, I'd be a little bit understanding while also making it very clear that you need to be paid and by x date.

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Tutoring
BitOutOfPractice · 14/12/2023 09:57

I wouldn’t be doing any more until they’d paid.

either a standing order or payment in advance.

and have a think about getting a contract together for future customers. There’s loads of templates online you could adapt.

good luck.

Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 09:59

@BitOutOfPractice @mindutopia Thank you both.

OP posts:
ohdamnitjanet · 14/12/2023 10:01

adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 09:52

That is what I was thinking.

Standing order in NewYear.

Thankyou@ohdamnitjanet
I HATE discussing money with clients.

I know, it’s horrible but I bet they won’t think anything of a polite text reminder to pay. “Could you please transfer x amount by this evening to keep your sessions up to date” or something similar is fine.

Mrsbadger77 · 14/12/2023 10:02

Payment in advance is the only way to operate

Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 10:03

I texted last week. Just composing an email now!
Thanks @ohdamnitjanet

OP posts:
Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 10:05

Mrsbadger77 · 14/12/2023 10:02

Payment in advance is the only way to operate

Yes. I think so. Only one year doing this and I think it is the way to go...

Solves last minute cancellations too.

OP posts:
whattodoforthebest2 · 14/12/2023 10:21

Call the parent. It's much more difficult to avoid the issue if you're talking directly to someone. Then ring every 2 days until it's paid.

I request payment on the day of the lesson and remind them 2/3 days later if it hasn't been received. I rarely have any late payments.

Alargeoneplease89 · 14/12/2023 10:23

From my experience with private tutors, we have always paid in advance. I suggest you start a new policy were you pay for the term in advance.

OhpoorMe · 14/12/2023 10:29

What are the terms and conditions in your contracts with clients?

HanSB · 14/12/2023 10:29

We pay our tutors a term in advance, I would change to this model. Perfect opportunity in the new year

Fraaahnces · 14/12/2023 10:34

Tell them that late fees will apply if not pd by end of week

Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 10:38

OhpoorMe · 14/12/2023 10:29

What are the terms and conditions in your contracts with clients?

They pay on the day.
Unfortnately. I have been foolish.

OP posts:
Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 10:39

HanSB · 14/12/2023 10:29

We pay our tutors a term in advance, I would change to this model. Perfect opportunity in the new year

Yes, thankyou.

OP posts:
Ilovewheelychairs · 14/12/2023 10:39

I always sent a repeat invoice with an email saying 'this is now overdue. Please discuss any financial issues you may have with me as I'd be happy to set up a payment plan. No further lessons will be taught until this invoice has been paid'.

No need to go into any further detail. They'll have just forgotten in the general Christmas chaos I'd imagine, especially if they're usually spot on.

ace249 · 14/12/2023 10:41

Im self employed and ask for payment in advance of session after a period where people didn't pay or paid late. I'd do
more sessions until you've been paid in full to date and ask for
payment ahead of session in future.

ace249 · 14/12/2023 10:42

should've said "I'd do no more
sessions"

Nosleepforthismum · 14/12/2023 11:10

Don’t worry about chasing OP. I do it all the time for late payers:

“Dear Mr and Mrs X

We note that invoice X dated X is still outstanding. Please can you arrange payment at your earliest opportunity. I will not be able to proceed with further sessions until all outstanding invoices are paid in full.

Kind regards”

Start with an email like this and then escalate it if they ignore.

catsnore · 14/12/2023 11:25

Send a polite reminder. If no payment forthcoming just suggest that you pause lessons until the new year and you can continue once the account is settled.

I had this happen at about this time last year and they eventually paid at the end of January. Various excuses given but clearly they had overspent because of Christmas! I've always trusted people to either pay on the day or pay monthly. But it does leave you vulnerable to this situation.

Flopsythebunny · 14/12/2023 11:30

Fraaahnces · 14/12/2023 10:34

Tell them that late fees will apply if not pd by end of week

You cannot retrospectively add late fees unless it's in the contract

greenacrylicpaint · 14/12/2023 11:34

yes, cancel.

dc tutors and gets paid in advance. no payment no tutoring.

Whataretheodds · 14/12/2023 11:43

I suggest that in addition to changing your Ts and Cs to require payment in advance you also include late payment fees. There are templates online.

You can always waive as a goodwill gesture if you so choose, and you can make it clear that if anyone is facing difficulty they should contact you to arrange a payment plan. But make your default quite strict, then you can apply judgement as you go. Much harder to tighten up after the fact.

Original poster
adriftabroad · 14/12/2023 11:57

I thank you all so much.
The 2 particlar children are fairly young so I celebrate Halloween/Cristmas/Birthdays. It all adds up.

I clearly need to up my game. Also galling as DD needs private lessons for physics A level next year and it is all up front and very expensive.

Really appreciate your input.

OP posts: