Well in the last month I've already seen changes in how careful people are with spending (I must admit myself included). One client stopped training when the economy tanked and several people who were interested in my service have not called (and I know my rates are below the average). Anyone else seeing that people are not spending as readily?
Today is election day, and I voted already- hoping my candidate can turn things around!!! Be well Friends of Ace
In an odd way, yes. I have one client I charge only $25.00 a week, regardless of how many sessions she uses (I started out most of my clients at this introductory rate). She decided she does not like working with someone else (I work two on the same level together) and she asked me to find a bigger facility where she can work with me on her own, one-on-one, or to come to her home. I told her I'd be glad to do that, but that would eliminate our special deal of $25.00 a week, unlimited sessions. She was extremely upset, even though the rate increase was negligible. Oh, well!
I charge a low rate (right now...planning on changing that soon, it's backfiring on me!), so I don't see the economy changing things much, but I know as soon as I try to raise my rates it's going to be harder.
wow Tekva that is cheap....my starting rate is a flat $50 per session for me to go to them, then I give discounts on packages. If they want to come to my house I charge $35 per session but for the most part they will pay the extra to have me go to there house... I found out today from a potential new client that the other trainers that she contacted in town will not travel...I don't know why not ( out town is not that big lol). She was ecstatic when I told her that is all I do.
As far as price hikes, it might be best if you sent out a news letter in advance to help ease the blow.
I would like to say that I am below the average price for the area at $50 though(ave $65), but not so much that clients ask "well why are you so much cheaper than the other guy?" for fear of paying for a lesser service.
Good luck with increasing your prices and keep us informed how you go about it so we can all learn from your experience.
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If a person wants something that they have never had, they have to do something that they have never done. - Shawn Fears, CPT
Yeah, it is cheap...I REALLY wanted people to be able to afford it. I find that the average blue collar worker cannot afford training, but they very much want and need it. That's why I'm lower. But in some cases it is really coming back to bite me. Even though my price is really rock bottom (not because I wouldn't like to earn more, but because I really want to help those who can't afford it), and I work hard and go the extra mile, some people resent that I charge at all! I'm boggled. I may go to a sliding scale, depending upon a person's ability to pay, rather than sticking with my very low fee for everyone. But somehow, that doesn't seem fair, either! I don't want to charge someone more just because they happen to make more.
I train at my previous employer's employee gym. There is one other trainer, and we're cheap as well... $100 for 4 hour sessions or 8 half hour sessions. We've kept it cheap because, as Tekva said, most of our clients can't afford much more, but really need it. Even with our cheap rates, we've seen a slow down in the # of people signing up. Employees have an opportunity to sign up for training every 8 weeks, and this past time around was the first time that we haven't had anyone new sign up.
Katie, I also train at my previous employers' employee gym. I've picked up new clients where I'm working now, but again, keeping my rates low (I work just a few blocks for the U.S. Capitol Building). There is a gym across the street from my office that is converting to a trainer's gym (trainer's pay a monthly fee and can bring an unlimited amount of clients). However, since the downturn, they are not opening as planned...at least not now.
Hi Friends! Hope everyone is well!!! Interesting that you have adjusted your rates.... I am thinking about it, but am juggling a lot in my life , so it's not necessarily worth it to me to train people more cheaply. If I can't clear a certain amount- then not doing it. I do have one great client whom I train 3x/wk.
If you don't have a full client schedule (the topic suggests that you/I/we don't), give some thought to donating a session or two a week as a trainer to a government agency, like the VA, or to some other high profile organization. It not only will contribute to your experience base, but they can be excellent resume dress-ups. (You don't have to mention that you donate your service.) It's also a good way to possibly network with healthcare providers who can help with referrals.
