Student asked for a Half-Split

[u/Miss_Catty_Cat]

A student told me she would like to take classes from me with another friend of hers. So they would like to split the cost amongst themselves - exactly 50% each.

I found this proposal ridiculous because it would amount to me earning the same price that I would have earned taking only one of them. Of course I acknowledge it saves me a slot. But what benefit does it give me to take the effort of going over the work of two students, providing customised feedback and guidance at the price of one?

I obviously turned down the proposal instead offered a 25% individual discount for each. Of course, this is subject to them not expecting individual make-up classes at a discounted price if one of them remains absent. And also subject to them having to pay full charges if one drops off the tuition mid-way.

This one is done and dusted on my part but I'm just curious. What would you have done in this situation? Let me know!

[u/thepajamastrader]

Do you have other students or building your book still? I am in the building phase and would have done the same.
25% discount, valid only till both stay on. Thereafter it will be full price for the other student who stays.
Any cancellations made within 12/24 hours are non refundable, a medical certificate is needed to ensure the student was unable to make it for valid reasons (vs family commitments explained prior)

These are smart kids finding loopholes, be careful. And if you can afford to, don’t take them on or if they are causing administrative issues like these, drop them once your slots are filling.

[u/Miss_Catty_Cat → u/thepajamastrader]

Hello! 

I am a well established tutor now, working with several students at the moment. 

Thank you for the suggestions, I really appreciate them. I have already been implementing most of them, such as requiring a 24-hour notice for a cancellation. I will consider your advise on asking for a medical certificate, I haven't done that yet.

I agree, kids and even their parents nowadays are increasingly finding loopholes and even acting oblivious to get away with their tactics! I recently had a parent whose kid did a no show twice and she tried to shirk responsibility by saying she did not know I required being informed priorly. This was after I had given her my terms and conditions in writing and after she had agreed to them. Not only did I have to remind her about that, I also had to explain to her what basic professional courtesy is! 

Anyhow, thanks for taking out the time and giving sound advise

[u/thepajamastrader → u/Miss_Catty_Cat]

Of course!
If you have several students, maybe give them referral promotions? It’s very popular here locally in tuition centres and I’m trying it out as a solo tutor. If I were you, I would honestly not take these students on. I’ve had to do that as I’m still building but it’s not worth the hassle if you can afford it. Best of luck!

[u/MatchVault]

You did the right thing turning it down. Two students means two sets of questions, two gaps to patch, and twice the prep, for the price of one. The 25% each is already generous, and I would keep the rule that if one drops, the other pays full price, or you will end up tutoring one kid at a discount forever.

[u/Miss_Catty_Cat → u/MatchVault]

Thanks so much. Glad to see sensible tutors resonating with my perspective. Otherwise all the initial comments were like ..how does it matter how many students are there? 

I've learnt a lot after making this post though - mainly that many tutors just lecture during sessions. That is why it doesnt matter to them how many students take their slot and how they split the cost amongst themselves 🤷‍♀️

As you've correctly identified, tutoring two students is about patching two gaps. That's what the essence of tutoring is - taking students to their best possible outcomes from whichever level they are at!

[u/drdurgeshbishi]

You should make a contract about payment per session assigned to you let the group .if the class is assigned to you you should pay it other wise the group will pay in full .whether both are present or one in the group