Contract for daughters dance classes help needed please

ilovemycats

So let me get this right.. You've been their customer for what must be the last 8-years, you've hit hard times, and they're now being difficult as you're asking for a break?

This dance school/teacher sounds a bit like they're cutting off their nose to spite their face. I could understand it with someone who trotted in off the street last year, but 8-years ago!!

I would point out the above to this dance teacher. And also point out that if they should ever hope of getting a few more years out of you then they should be a little more reasonable.

Just pull out. There's not a huge lot they can do about it short of court. And pointing out the above in the public arena is precisely where it'll end up; the public arena.

Hope it all works out. But that's the stance I'd take.

lorraine

Thank you all so much for taking the time out to reply, it's such a hard decision as DD has done it so long, I will report back over the weekend to let you know what decisions I decide to make. Once again thank you for all you advice x x

MrsTinks

Another way of approching this COULD be if after a chat with her she is still unreasonable (Explain you'd actually like a break for your daughter - you want her to be able to come back as soon as finances are back on top again = future revenue!) then speak to the other parents in your dauhgters class. Point out to them the trouble you have been having because of this so called contract. It's one thing if a child changes its mind and quite another to have fallen on hard times! Pointing out to others how she is dealing with a long standing client (8 years is a very long time!) might make them consider how she would react if THEY needed to with draw THEIR children from her classes... Maybe everyone else feels pressured to and speaking to her as a client base will help make her understand that you've all been loyal but pushing her luck like this isn't good business...

full-time-mum

Most dancing schools have a waiting list so she will surely have no problem filling the place.

You could always go to the press - I'm sure that she could do without the bad publicity. The only problem with this approach is that you have burnt the bridge if your daughter wants to go back and you'd have to find a new (hopefully, more friendly) class.

BTW, my daughters' classes work on a half-termly basis which is much more reasonable.

Sensemaya

This teacher really does need to get an professional and concise ' simple' contract drawn up, precise and to the point, which is easy to understand and contains no waffle.The contract shouldn't state reasons because of this and that eg hall fees.

This % idea is crap aswell as difficult and time consuming to adminster. She should not be adding on % for late payers. It may be a good idea for her to stipulate payment methods ie standing order, cheque or cash and either hand the parent the bill or post the bill out to their address at the end of each month. Payment would then be made at the beginning of each month.

I really would advise her to charge monthly and, most importantly, require one month's notice instead of three.

Self employed teachers do need contracts as they are at the mercy of their clients when it comes to being paid. Perhaps she had a spate of non payers? At the same time the terms should be reasonable from both sides.

I always offer a trial period of 4 lessons ( my circumstances are different to this teacher's ). This works both ways. I get to suss the pupil out and time wasters then go on their merry way. Goodbye!

If both of us are happy to continue my terms and conditions come into force. I hand them a copy when I first meet them for a free consultation. The contract is explained fully aswell as the pupil's needs, aspirations and so on.

If they then start messing me about or start disputing any condition that doesn't suit them later on and after the trial period is up, I either get rid or I sue. I also make sure they are charged the notice period. I hasten to add this very rarely happens and when I have sued, I've won and got my dosh.

Long standing pupils...well...I personally wouldn't even enforce my notice period and many have become friends.

However, if people treat me like an idiot and like !!!!!! and try it on, I will bite back.

Salient points that she should take into consideration.

When Payment is due...Cancellation of lessons ie sudden illness...do the parents get a refund or are they charged, or is the paid lesson carried forward...Holidays...when she doesn't teach ie bank hols, xmas etc..Does she allow clients, say, 2 weeks where they are not charged? Lesson times...will she have to change them sometimes? If so, does she refund or rearrange to mutual agreement? Fees...fee increases ( they will never go down...lol ) month's notice required on teacher's part. Parents can then accept the increase or have time to find alternative arrangements...Notice...I've covered this point...and so forth.

Finally, if the parents do not agree with any of the conditions, they go elsewhere.

Hope this has helped you, Lorraine. And for future reference.

Sensemaya

tine wrote: »

Another way of approching this COULD be if after a chat with her she is still unreasonable (Explain you'd actually like a break for your daughter - you want her to be able to come back as soon as finances are back on top again = future revenue!) then speak to the other parents in your dauhgters class. Point out to them the trouble you have been having because of this so called contract. It's one thing if a child changes its mind and quite another to have fallen on hard times! Pointing out to others how she is dealing with a long standing client (8 years is a very long time!) might make them consider how she would react if THEY needed to with draw THEIR children from her classes... Maybe everyone else feels pressured to and speaking to her as a client base will help make her understand that you've all been loyal but pushing her luck like this isn't good business...

That's it exactly!

Chester_Draws

Turning this thread completely around, and considering how much your daughter obviously enjoys her dancing for her to go 4 times a week for 8 years:
Is she considered a "valuable" member of the dance group?
Is there any possibility she could go along as a "helper" for the very young members ?
If anything down this avenue was possible, she could remain an active member of the club and retain all her friendships made, whilst maybe not having to pay to attend ?
A similar situation once occurred in a gymnastics club I was involved with.