Dropping pupil numbers in child's activity, need advice on what to offer to retain numbers...ideas please

[frenchmumma]

I run a childrens learning activity (dont want to say which one) and have noticed that many parents are dropping their children out due to credit crunch reasons etc.. .Ive thought of a few things I could do and was wondering if anyone has anymore ideas.

• Reduce class price
• Offer a reduction for siblings
• Offer a first free lesson

all three

anymore suggestions

You could do a loyalty card - card gets stamped every lesson and 10th lesson is free?

Changing the time of day might help for some people, for example if it can be straight after school, at a school, therefore doubling as child care.
But might not suit existing customers.

pay per class attended rather than per term?

Totally with totalchaos. I HATE paying upfront - I know sometimes I won't be able to go but there is no choice. I understand why you do it......but it is not in the customer's favour and creates resentment in cynical grumpy women like me.

is your name a clue to your activity??

I offer 10% discount for siblings and also offer a discount for fees paid in advance - works out as a free class. I can't afford to run things as a 'pay per class' deal as my numbers are marginal at the best of times and room hire is my biggest expense. Do you pay for room hire? it might be worth trying to negotiate a reduction in the rate that you can then pass on to customers.

yes Im looking for cheaper premises at the moment and am considering reduction for prompt payments

If the name is a clue, have you thought about offering classes within a private nursery school? Presumably you would have to pay the nursery a cut, but would be cheaper than room hire, and a slightly "captive" audience.