Discounts

[Chrono]

My school offers different kinds of discounts, such as family and student discounts. This has got me wondering something. What would happen if someone is commited to going to the classes and paying, but can't pay the full price only a fraction of it? Would you let him take the class and pay what he could? I mean, some money coming in is better than none, right?

Jon

[Jeff Burger]

From my experience you do it for one and you suddenly get a bunch of sob stories from other students.
I ha a parent give me a big sob story about their financial hardships as to why her 2 kids needed full scholarships. I decline her because I found out they own millions of dollars worth of property.
That really ticked me off. Im sure she didnt think about the kids she would be taking classes away from.

We offer a certain amount of full and partial scholarships for kids only.

If adults what some kind of discount they cant work it off some how ( desk, cleaning, flyers painting....).

Something I see that ticks me off is these people seem to have money for other things ( other sports, pro shop stuff ....).

Jeff

[Chrono]

Something I see that ticks me off is these people seem to have money for other things ( other sports, pro shop stuff ....).

Jeff

Especially if they say they can't pay but you look down and notice the brand new $150 - $200 shoes.

I know what you're saying, Jeff. You try to be nice to one person who could use it, but then everybody else thinks they can try and take advantage of it.

By the way, forgive me for putting this in the wrong thread. I just noticed this right after I posted it.

Jon

[scarr]

I'm new here and I receive a discount so maybe my opinion may be different.

Allowing people to work for a discount is good but do it on a case by case basis. Don't share the discounts worked out students with others. Also be observant. If you see news car, clothes, etc. don't do it.
In my case there was a need. A while back I had my hours cut way back at work. I get along very well with my instructor and asked if I could a break for my son and I so we could still attend and we were able to work something out.
My son and I help clean up the school after class and I assist or fill if as instructor if needed (I'm am close to my black belt). He has never revealed my financial arrangement with him and I am viewed as just another active student who loves the school which also saves me a little embarrassment. As an added bonus, my instructor and I have become good friends.

Hope I helped.

[Chrono]

It does help, thanks.

[black-gi]

you could always pull them aside and have a discussion with them and make your decision from there. However it is still a business and if other people were to find out then EVERYONE will want a discount aswell. When I was younger I did both karate and kickboxing but my parents at the time could not afford both so my teacher said if I come in and clean the place I could learn kickboxing with no additional charge. So there is another option.




Jason Bryant

[nosh276]

I'm a college student paying for everything except school (approx. 1300 a year, so I could, with loans, if my parents stopped). My parents refused to help pay for tkd. So, I went and talked to my master. I clean the school for free lessons. The school has never been cleaner and now I'm an instructor trainee, earning money from my instructor as well. So, I'm cleaning for free and getting paid to teach. I love it.

[Chrono]

It seems that cleaning the school is a good trade off for lessons.

[tkdcanada]

I would agree, as someone else said that it should be on a case by case basis. Although it's never really a NEED (since it's a leisure activity), some people truly deserve and appreciate such accomodation. There will always be those who do abuse it also. I've recently had to make some difficult decision with regards to my training since I will be going back to university in September and my instructor offered me a break which I truly appreciated. He offered to take a lesser amount per month for me to attend classes to a maximum of once a week. This would allow me and my kids to be able to keep training and save money while I'm in school instead of dropping off altogether for eight months, shocking my body (thus gaining back all the weight I've lost) and forgetting everything. I may not be able to make it faithfully every week but I'm very glad to have the option while I'm in school.

Black-gi, I get your concern and it's a valid one. I guess that would be something the head instructor would have to decide, but there are always exceptions to every rule.

[Chrono]

Although it's never really a NEED (since it's a leisure activity), some people truly deserve and appreciate such accomodation. There will always be those who do abuse it also.

If they've been there for a while you can just kind of tell if they really deserve it. But, I don't know about it not being really a need. I mean, I love going there. I guess that's because I don't have much of a life.

[tkdcanada]

If they've been there for a while you can just kind of tell if they really deserve it. But, I don't know about it not being really a need. I mean, I love going there. I guess that's because I don't have much of a life.

Don't get me wrong, my training is as close to a need as it can possibly be - I thrive on it and it definitely is a huge part of my life (which is why I found the decisions I had to make about cutting back my training so difficult) but to be realistic, it doesn't fit into the basic needs of life (food, water, shelter, love), which really are the only things that qualify as needs. Sometimes you have to prioritize and something has to give, at least temporarily.

All that aside, I agree that if they've been there a while, you can tell. We've been consistent participants in our school and have helped out whenever needed, so I feel glad that we are valued enough to be accomodated through the next year and that our instructor is willing to take measures to make sure we can maintain our training at least minimally. I believe you get what you put in. If you're willing to give, people will accomodate when you need it.

[Chrono]

I believe you get what you put in. If you're willing to give, people will accomodate when you need it.

Oh, yes, I definitely agree with that. I'm sure if I had gotten in a situation that my instructor would make a deal to keep me there.

[wingchundo.girl]

An arrangement I've made with some of my students is a pay per visit for those students that have been with me awhile. I also have accomodated certain college students that come so sparingly that I offer per visit for them as well.

For those that I recognize that finances are tight, I offer a lower monthly rate as long as it is only once a week. To keep track of this second option they receive a card that needs to be punched when they come in. Of course these arrangements are to be kept private.

These options are offered sparingly to those students that have already established a relationship with the school. We therefore know the situation and the character of the student and their enthusiasm for the art.

Occassionally I get calls or request for discounts from new students, sometimes before they even come for a visit. I find this a little strange that they want me to barter with them. It's like going into a business and asking them to take 10% less for their value meal or offering $10 less for the silk blouse at a store. I think I'll barter with the electric company to take $30 less a month.

I do believe that our price is a fair one and a good value. So if a new studnet can't afford it I'm sorry, there are many good programs out there at the local YMCA or community centers.

Liz Ambrose