Why I don't offer the first lesson free

[Collin Li]

I've noticed people are offering the first lesson free -- which is a good idea, but here's why I don't like it:

There is a higher probability that students will not stay with you if you don't charge the first time. I don't have the time to give away a free hour and get nothing in return.

Also, the first lesson is the worst to give away for free. It involves the sometimes awkward first-meeting, which usually eases into a comfortable and enjoyable interaction by the fifth lesson. If students are meant to judge on that lesson, then why don't tutors offer a fifth lesson free instead?

I might just do it.

Opinions/thoughts?

[shinny]

For my English sessions, I've gone with allowing students to walk away after the first hour if they're not happy (and not allowing them to take away the notes, but I guess I can't take away what they would have learnt thus far of course), but if they are happy, they'll have to pay for that hour and the next 2 and a half at that time. I've felt it gives people a lot of confidence to sign up since unlike you who already has quite an established brand name, I guess I had to earn the trust of others' a bit first. Also, not to mention that the price of these sessions as a lump sum is much greater than what someone would pay you for a single lesson. Any thoughts regarding this Collin? I'd admit I'm not the greatest business minded person (yes, 50 BM means nothing, trust me).

[Collin Li]

Not really sure what you mean. I agree that giving the first lesson free makes sense for some people though -- I'm just proposing a radically new idea and wondering what others think about it.

[shinny]

Basically, after the first hour of tuition, if they don't want to continue, they can walk out without paying. However, if they want to continue, then they pay for that hour (hence, it's not a free hour), as well as the next 2 and a half since my sessions run for 3 and a half hours.

[Collin Li]

I like that strategy!

Except it's not really going to draw people in to "try" you, because it's really awkward to just get up and leave. They will come prepared to pay, and pay. And to get to that stage, they have to jump that hurdle of trust anyway (IMO).

An entire lesson free is easier because the student can just never contact you again to avoid the awkward "sorry, you're not right for me" (the former of which I'm sure has happened to plenty of tutors).

[shinny]

Well after an hour, I do specifically ask whether they're happy with what's been happening so far (partially in an attempt to get feedback), and then ask them to pay then if they want to continue. So firstly they don't need to ask themselves and secondly, I hope people aren't stopped at an awkwardness barrier when there's $100 on the line. And well, the idea about a hurdle of trust applies even with the free lesson strategy I guess.

[samuch]

I think its a good idea to offer the first lesson free. Personally i like the idea because of the feeling that comes with it of less pressure being put on the student to decide in a way and it also benefits you as more people will be willing to try you out.

[periwinkle]

 Depends how much business you're getting or expect to get simply from advertising or word-of-mouth. The closer you are to filling your ideal no. of hours tutoring/consulting, the less value in offering a free first session and/or offering other discounts.

[ngRISING]

I've noticed people are offering the first lesson free -- which is a good idea, but here's why I don't like it:

There is a higher probability that students will not stay with you if you don't charge the first time. I don't have the time to give away a free hour and get nothing in return.

Also, the first lesson is the worst to give away for free. It involves the sometimes awkward first-meeting, which usually eases into a comfortable and enjoyable interaction by the fifth lesson. If students are meant to judge on that lesson, then why don't tutors offer a fifth lesson free instead?

I might just do it.

Opinions/thoughts?

lol. that is true. it is quite awkward the first lesson.

[Eriny]

A fifth lesson for free sounds like a good idea to me. Then, you probably will get paid for at least 4 lessons, so you don't lose out on too much time/money if your student decides to discontinue the tutoring. There is an incentive to stay on for a few lessons.

[kenhung123]

A fifth lesson for free sounds like a good idea to me. Then, you probably will get paid for at least 4 lessons, so you don't lose out on too much time/money if your student decides to discontinue the tutoring. There is an incentive to stay on for a few lessons.

At the students point of view: Why should I pay for a tutor if he is crap? Even if its the first lesson despite 4 lessons.
(No offense intended towards anyone)

[*ryan777*]

a lot of businesses offer a free good/service for every 4 or 5 you purchase so why not for tutoring?
from my point of view (as a student) its a good idea as it gives you an incentive to keep going (it does get more comftable after a few leasons and its oh so easy to not show up after an awkward 1st leason)

[Collin Li]

Haha, like those stamps cards.

[Fyrefly]

Not really sure what you mean. I agree that giving the first lesson free makes sense for some people though -- I'm just proposing a radically new idea and wondering what others think about it.

Lol... "radically new"..?

[Collin Li]

Not really sure what you mean. I agree that giving the first lesson free makes sense for some people though -- I'm just proposing a radically new idea and wondering what others think about it.

Lol... "radically new"..?

Yeah! Given the norm is to give the first lesson free as a trial... why not do a fifth lesson free?

It's not new for places like Boost or other restaurants - and I didn't see it that way until ryan777 pointed it out, but it's an interesting way to do services!