Charging For Teaching Yoga - The Unspoken Issue

[Administrator]

Hi. This is Harlan and I wanted to share something with you.

Most folks don't know it but I'm an ordained (orthodox) rabbi. Now that brings up a whole bunch of interesting discussions but today I'd like to focus with you on just one...

Charging for what you do.

In the past, I've discovered that with all spiritual people - the role models we have were almost invariably poor.

They were rich in spirit but their finances came up short. Of course, they were so spiritually connected, they never realized their financial situations.

They were content with all that God sent their way. And this is the role model in nearly every spiritual system I've seen.

Now most yoga teachers I've met struggle with questions like "what should I charge?"

And part of them wants to keep the price low because they think it's an important aspect of the spiritual path.

That's why people are always discuss whether they should work for free to get people interested in yoga.

My answer is.... no.

Doctors and dentists don't work for free.

Plumbers don't work for free.

And yoga teachers offer a valuable service. You should not work for free [unless it is charity work]. Ever. (Unless you are in Florida and want to teach me side crow. Just kidding Sara.)

Spirituality is an important aspect of yoga. But being spiritual does not mean you have to be poor.

A number of years ago, I struggled with this same concept.

And I read something that changed my life.

Here it is:

God is the ultimate source of money in your bank account. God puts money into your bank account to see what you do with it.

If you give money to charity, God says, "Hmmm. Good job. I'm going to give you more money."

But if all you do with money is hoard it, God says, "Hmmm. This person doesn't need any more money."

Nearly six years ago, I started putting this into practice. Since that point,
my income has gone up like a rocket ship.

The more you give, the more you receive in return.

It's a law of the universe.

And if you can't give with your money, give of your time.

Because I believe yoga teachers have the potential to touch many people's lives.

And I trust you believe the same or you wouldn't be involved in this sacred task.

Peace.

[luckyvic]

Recently I changed my tuition structure. I was charging $10 per class & whether or not poeple showed up I was there. Many weeks students did not show up & still I was there. I really hate teaching 2-3 people, I like the group spirit of 5 to 10 people.

Now if they want the $10 class they must sign up for 10 classes in 11 weeks. If they want to do drop-in it is $15.00. At first I was uncomfortable asking for $15 & you know what I have several people that pay more & come when they want. However I also have the majority buying the 10 for 100 & now showing up every week.

[Administrator]

Welcome to our forum.

Where are you teaching them? Is this a studio?

Are you splitting the fees with someone?

Charging for a series is a good way to get commitment and money up front.

Good idea.

It must be a drag teaching one or two students.

I'm sure the students get a lot out of it but it means you are working
at minimum wage.

Sigh...

[luckyvic]

I am lucky enough to have my own studio in my home. What ever I make I get to keep, so it does keep prices down. I can comforatable fit 10 students in the studio but every so often things get busy & I do sweeze in 12.

One thing I wanted to share that I do is give each student a free pass to bring a friend or family member once a year. They end up bringing someone who likes yoga & then signs up for classes. I have gotten many referrals from my students & always reward them with a free class. They help spread the word.

Thanks for your comments, luckyvic

[TouchtheSky]

My question is about the actual nuts and bolts of charging AND keeping track of the student's attendance? In our local gym there is a barcoded pass that they use but the systems I've looked at online are a bit too much (yet).

If a studio sells a monthly pass of say X number of classes and unlimited passes, what is an efficient way to keep track manually?

Also, does anyone know where to find generic initial forms that state the person is ultimately responsible for their own well-being and that certain medical conditions should be disclosed to the teacher before the class?

Harlan, you are inspiring me in my financial yoga practice and I thank you for the important "stretches"!