Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

prncssrachel Posted: Aug 08, 2004 07:05 PM

Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

I have a private music studio, and I just recently began to rent space to teach out of. Before this, I always went to my students' houses. I was always very relaxed about them canceling and what not, but now that I rent space I really need to make sure people A)pay me on time and B) show up or at least not cancel at the last minute. Sometimes I waste more money than I make teaching because people are so flakey. So the girl I rent the studio from told me to blame it on her policies and tell them that from September to June, I must require them to pay monthly. Now, how do I go about doing this? I don't know if I should write a letter explaining it or what. Anyone have any suggestions? I feel really bad asking people to pay monthly, but I am losing so much money.

Julestrd Posted: Aug 08, 2004 07:17 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...

I would send a letter explaining the situation about you having to charge now.
Good Luck

Boop2704 Posted: Aug 08, 2004 07:30 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...

A letter definiteley sounds like the best route to go!!

prncssrachel Posted: Aug 08, 2004 08:25 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...

Ok, how does this sound????????? I am so afraid people will get pissed and run because I am charging monthly. But everyone else charges monthly, so they will not get away from having to do it.

Dear Parents,
As the summer winds down and the new school year approaches, everyone’s schedules will again become busy. I am now beginning to take requests for time slots for the 2004-2005 school year.
As many of you know, this will be my first school year in my new studio. To keep with studio policy, lessons will now be billed on a monthly basis. Together, we will choose thirty-eight lessons scheduled throughout the ten-month school year. In order to accommodate busy schedules, I will only be charging for thirty-five lessons throughout the year. This allows for three cancellations throughout the school year without worry of rescheduling during hectic times. If at the end of the school year, your child has attended all thirty-five lessons, they will receive three free of charge.
I have attached a calendar with the dates of all lessons for the upcoming school year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this new policy or any scheduling difficulties you may have. As always, I will make every effort to accommodate all lesson requests. I look forward to another exciting school year and hope you enjoy the rest of the summer!

Sincerely,
Rachel XXXXX

julz33 Posted: Aug 08, 2004 08:31 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

Sounds good to me!

Rainmama Posted: Aug 08, 2004 08:49 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

Perfect!

palebride Posted: Aug 08, 2004 08:55 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

fabulous!!!!

TracyInQueens Posted: Aug 08, 2004 09:10 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

I think that is fair and generous of you to offer the three free lessons. It really is unfair of people to cancel but this might make them more motivated to not flake on you!

prncssrachel Posted: Aug 08, 2004 10:55 PM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

Ok....thanks so much girls...I printed the letters and they will get SERVED tomorrow And it works in their favor for two reasons...#1 I figure their monthly payment by multiplying the number of lessons a year (35) by the amount they pay me per lesson, then divide by ten months. This works out to a lot less a month than paying each lesson and #2 they can get three free lessons! This better work because I'm losing out on hundreds each week because they either don't show up or call me when they're already supposed to be there

tonia1001 Posted: Aug 09, 2004 12:05 AM

Re: Ok, I need help for something work-related...UPDATED, how does this letter sound?

We did this where I work as well. At the beginning of the school year we sent out letters (with a spot for parents to sign and return, which went into the child's file. So the parents couldn't say they never received the letter). It worked out really well--I spent a lot less time sitting around wondering where my client was. It used to drive me nuts when they didn't show or call!