Parents not paying for tutoring, getting beyond a joke now

[Sashavelour65]

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.

I’d start asking for pre payment!

Every other parent i have had pays during the lesson or within an hour of it ending. They are completely taking the mick. I could say they'll need to set up a standing order but I can't even trust they'll do this.

Change them to payment in advance

Yanu- unless you want to consider another way of charging? I pay my children’s tutors termly in advance- I’d reallly struggle to remember session by session too

I would say payment at least 24 hours before the lesson or you don’t turn up.

How much do you need that particular customer? If you don't need him then dont go back, it's just not worth it.

You need to ask for payment in advance - always. When my son was tutored it was monthly in advance by direct debit. Your time is valuable and this student is holding a space that could be used by a paying customer.

You should take payment before the lesson not after, that’s the biggest issue here. If parents want to book again after their child’s first “trial” session you can ask them to pay in blocks of 3 lesson or 5, something like that. They pay in advance.

Some people are annoying and pay late even if not maliciously. It just saves you having to chase all the time.

They need you more than you need them, have not paid properly or promptly so I’d have no qualms in ending the tutoring immediately.

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.

So they pay in advance, surely? Make your terms and conditions clear (inc whether or not you will refund for last minute cancellations) and then they can literally "pay their money, and take their choice".

Do you go to their house? If so just don’t turn up if they haven’t paid the day prior.

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

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

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.

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.

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

They always pay.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!